In "Empire Falls" by Richard Russo, a striking image is presented with a piece of sharp glass protruding from a socket, symbolizing the remnants of a broken past. This detail emphasizes the fragility of the characters' lives and the decay surrounding them, reflecting their struggles and the impact of their environment on their identities.

This vivid description serves as a metaphor for the challenges faced by the residents of Empire Falls, where history and personal struggles intertwine. The juxtaposition of beauty and danger in the imagery mirrors the complexities of life in a small town filled with both opportunity and desolation.