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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
Key Examples in Henry V
Prologue
Explanation and Analysis—Setting the Stage:
The Chorus sets the scene before each act of the play, using striking visual imagery to instruct the audience in how to picture the setting. In the Act I Prologue at the very beginning of the play, for example, the Chorus states:
Suppose within the girdle of these walls
Are now confined two mighty monarchies,
Whose high uprearèd and abutting fronts
The perilous narrow ocean parts asunder.
Piece out our imperfections with your thoughts.
Into a thousand parts divide one man,
And make imaginary puissance.
Think, when we talk of horses, that you see them
Printing their proud hoofs i’ th’ receiving earth,
For ’tis your thoughts that now must deck our kings
Related Themes:
Act 2, Scene 4
Explanation and Analysis—This Hungry War:
The Duke of Exeter, uncle to King Henry V, employs vivid imagery in a speech to the King of France:
Unlock with LitCharts A+Deliver up the crown and to take mercy
On the poor souls for whom this hungry war
Opens his vasty jaws, and on your head
Turning the widows’ tears, the orphans’ cries,
The dead men’s blood, the privèd maidens’
groans,
For husbands, fathers, and betrothèd lovers
That shall be swallowed in this controversy.
Related Themes:
Act 3, Scene 3
Explanation and Analysis—The Speech at Harfleur :
King Henry employs horrifying and violent imagery in his famous speech following the Siege of Harfleur. Threatening unimaginable violence upon the town should the Governor of Harfleur decline to surrender peacefully, Henry states:
Unlock with LitCharts A+If not, why, in a moment look to see
The blind and bloody soldier with foul hand
Desire the locks of your shrill-shrieking daughters,
Your fathers taken by the silver beards
And their most reverend heads dashed to the walls,
Your naked infants spitted upon pikes
Whiles the mad mothers with their howls confused
Do break the clouds
Related Themes:
