In the Time of the Butterflies
by Julia Alvarez
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In the Time of the Butterflies: Imagery 2 key examples

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 In the Time of the Butterflies

Chapter 4: Patria, 1946
Explanation and Analysis—Awoken Hands:

In Chapter 4, Patria personifies her hands while using imagery to describe touching herself:

It came in the dark in the evil hours when the hands wake with a life of their own. They rambled over my growing body, they touched the plumping of my chest, the mound of my belly, and on down. I tried reining them in, but they broke loose, night after night.

Explanation and Analysis—Smelled Sweat and Soil:

In Chapter 4, Alvarez uses imagery when describing Patria receiving a letter from Pedrito:

She eyed me as I took the envelope. I felt the gravity of the young man’s foot in my hand. I smelled the sweat and soil and soap on the tender skin. I blushed deeply.

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