The cicadas pierce the air with their searing one-note calls; dust eddies across the roads; from the weedy patches at the verges, grasshoppers whir. The leaves of the maples hang from their branches like limp gloves; on the sidewalk my shadow crackles.
The scene depicted in Margaret Atwood's *The Blind Assassin* captures a vivid summer ambiance filled with the sounds of nature. The cicadas create a piercing sound that dominates the air, while dust swirls along the roads, contributing to a feeling of heat and stillness. The grasshoppers add their own rhythm to the environment, adding an element of life among the weeds.
The imagery evokes a sense of languor, with maple leaves drooping like limp gloves, suggesting oppressive heat. The mention of the shadow on the sidewalk crackling hints at the intense sunlight, portraying a moment that feels both oppressive and alive. This rich detail immerses the reader in the atmosphere of a summer day, reflecting a blend of nature's beauty and discomfort.
