How does James Baldwin use imagery in Notes of a Native Son?

One of Baldwin's most important examples of imagery appears in one of the essays published at the end of the collection. In that essay, Baldwin recalls his experience when he was imprisoned in Paris and how when he was released, the judges and the other people present began laughing at the sheer stupidity of Baldwin’s situation. The image of the laughing judges is important for Baldwin because through their behavior, they let it be understood that they do not believe that something like that could ever happen to them. Baldwin however is more cautious and in his mind he advises the people before him to never get so sure of what future will hold for them.