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Idioms
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 The Age of Innocence
Chapter 15
Explanation and Analysis—Archer's Fantasy:
When Archer and Ellen reveal their feelings for each other midway through the novel, Archer becomes overwhelmed with his desire for her. The narrator captures this via evocative imagery, as seen in the following passage:
For a long moment [Ellen] was silent; and in that moment Archer imagined her, stealing up behind him to throw her light arms about his neck. While he waited, soul and body throbbing with the miracle to come, his eyes mechanically received the image of a heavily-coated man with his fur collar turned up who was advancing along the path to the house.
Related Themes:
Chapter 33
Explanation and Analysis—May’s Big Reveal:
Near the end of the novel, Archer prepares to tell May about his relationship with Ellen, but is interrupted by May telling him that she is pregnant. Wharton effectively uses imagery to capture the unspoken subtext in the scene:
Unlock with LitCharts A+“Have you told any one else?”
“Only Mamma and your mother.” She paused, and then added hurriedly, the blood flushing up to her forehead: “That is—and Ellen. You know I told you we’d had a long talk one afternoon—and how dear she was to me.”
“Ah—” said Archer, his heart stopping. […] “But that was a fortnight ago, wasn’t it? I thought you said you weren’t sure till today.”
Her colour burned deeper, but she held his gaze. “No; I wasn’t sure then—but I told her I was. And you see I was right!” she exclaimed, her blue eyes wet with victory.
Related Themes:
