Nature

by Ralph Waldo Emerson

Nature: 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
Chapter 1: Nature
Explanation and Analysis—Crossing a Bare Common:

Emerson uses imagery to convey that he experiences joy in nature, even when nature is chilly and monotonous. This juxtaposition between a dismal external state and an elated internal one demonstrates that all nature, even nature typically associated with unpleasant moods, can be good for the soul:

Crossing a bare common, in snow puddles, at twilight, under a clouded sky, without having in my thoughts any occurrence of special good fortune, I have enjoyed a perfect exhilaration.

Chapter 3: Beauty
Explanation and Analysis—The Spectacle of Morning:

Emerson uses rich imagery to communicate the beauty of dawn that he witnesses every morning from his house: 

I see the spectacle of morning from the hill-top over against my house, from day-break to sun-rise, with emotions which an angel might share. The long slender bars of cloud float like fishes in the sea of crimson light. From the earth, as a shore, I look out into that silent sea.

I seem to partake its rapid transformations: the active enchantment reaches my dust, and I dilate and conspire with the morning wind.

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