The red sun was pasted in the sky like a wafer

The red sun was pasted in the sky like a wafer

Stephen Crane was a master of vivid and evocative imagery in his writing, and his use of the phrase "The red sun was pasted in the sky like a wafer" is a perfect example of his skill in creating striking visual descriptions. In this particular phrase, Crane captures the intense and almost surreal quality of a sunset, likening the sun to a wafer that has been carefully placed in the sky.

The use of the word "pasted" in this context is particularly interesting, as it suggests a deliberate and almost artificial quality to the placement of the sun in the sky. This choice of imagery creates a sense of artifice and manipulation, as if the sun has been carefully positioned by some unseen hand. This adds a layer of mystery and intrigue to the scene, inviting the reader to consider the deeper meaning behind the image.

The comparison of the sun to a wafer is also significant, as it evokes a sense of fragility and delicacy. A wafer is a thin, crisp, and easily breakable object, and by likening the sun to this, Crane emphasizes the fleeting and transient nature of the sunset. The use of the color red further enhances this sense of impermanence, as red is often associated with passion, intensity, and the fleeting beauty of the natural world.

Overall, this phrase from Stephen Crane's writing is a powerful and evocative image that captures the beauty and transience of a sunset. By comparing the sun to a wafer and using the word "pasted," Crane creates a sense of artifice and fragility that adds depth and complexity to the scene. This phrase is a perfect example of Crane's skill in creating vivid and memorable imagery that lingers in the mind of the reader long after the words have been read.