Mr. Cosby said the point was to present a family whose behavior offered a positive alternative to other, harsher contemporary images available on television and elsewhere.

The Inspector keeps this harsh image of the girl's sprawled figure in mind even later, after her body is cut open, becoming curiously tender and liquid.

It is difficult to erase the harsh images of these heinous acts from the country's collective memory.

"It is a harsh image you paint, Jake," said Jeremiah.

He felt the world drop away beneath his feet as the memory surfaced in a swarm of harsh, angry images.

But the program created a harsh image that was reinforced by Ewing's involvement in fights with opponents.

The election was held shortly after the meeting was interrupted by an incident that some members said would reinforce the group's harsh image.

She had been subtly transformed from a softly elegant, striking woman into a harsher image.

When they do meet foreigners, the officials often cut a harsh, dogmatic image that does them little good overseas.

She is known as an energetic woman who can be counted on to defend her party and soften its harsh image.