In William S. Burroughs' book "Queer," the imagery surrounding death is vividly portrayed through the character's physical state. The description of his body suggests a profound decay, emphasizing a sense of loss and deterioration. The faint, greenish steam emanating from him symbolizes not just physical decay but also the deeper existential crises faced by the character.
Lee's imagination paints a vivid picture of this decay, suggesting the character's presence might emit an eerie glow in the dark. This haunting visual reinforces the themes of isolation and the struggle with mortality, underscoring the sense that death permeates not only the body but also the consciousness of those around him.