Previous
Hyperbole
Definition of Imagery
Imagery, in any sort of writing, refers to descriptive language that engages the human senses. For instance, the following lines from Robert Frost's poem "After Apple-Picking" contain imagery that engages... read full definition
Imagery, in any sort of writing, refers to descriptive language that engages the human senses. For instance, the following lines from Robert Frost's poem "After... read full definition
Imagery, in any sort of writing, refers to descriptive language that engages the human senses. For instance, the following lines... read full definition
Book 1, Part 1
Explanation and Analysis—Dreams:
In the following example of sensory imagery from Book 1, Part 1, Paul dreams about Arrakis, meditating on the sound of water and the solemn silence of an "Arrakeen cavern."
Paul fell asleep to dream of an Arrakeen cavern, silent people all around him moving in the dim light of glowglobes. It was solemn there and like a cathedral as he listened to a faint sound—the drip-drip-drip of water. Even while he remained in the dream, Paul knew he would remember it upon awakening. He always remembered the dreams that were predictions. The dream faded.
Related Themes:
Book 1, Part 6
Explanation and Analysis—Skull:
In Book 1, Part 6, Paul discusses his newly evolving mental capacities with his father, Duke Leto. The Duke is proud of his son, smiling at him. In a strange instance of imagery, however, Paul does not respond as one might expect a child to respond to a proud parent:
Unlock with LitCharts A+“Formidable indeed,” the Duke murmured, and Paul saw the proud smile on his father’s face. The smile shocked Paul: it had a skull look on the Duke’s narrow features. Paul closed his eyes, feeling the terrible purpose reawaken within him. Perhaps being a Mentat is terrible purpose, he thought.
Related Themes:
Book 1, Part 10
Explanation and Analysis—Rhythmic Noise:
In the following example of sensory imagery from Book 1, Part 10, Lady Jessica first encounters a water fountain in a greenhouse on Arrakis:
Unlock with LitCharts A+She bent to breathe the fragrance of a giant pink blossom, straightened to peer around the room.
Rhythmic noise invaded her senses. She parted a jungle overlapping of leaves, looked through to the center of the room. A low fountain stood there, small with fluted lips. The rhythmic noise was a peeling, spooling arc of water falling thud-a-gallop onto the metal bowl.
Related Themes:
