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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
Key Examples in The Bean Trees
Chapter 1: The One to Get Away
Explanation and Analysis—Bows:
Kingsolver uses precise visual detail to layer character insight and thematic weight into this description:
She had on this pink top that was loose so it could have gone either way, if you were pregnant or if you weren’t. As far as I know, she wasn’t just then. It had these little openings on the shoulders and bows on the sleeves, though of course it was shot to hell now.
Related Themes:
Chapter 12: Into the Terrible Night
Explanation and Analysis—Cicadas:
In this scene, Kingsolver uses imagery to heighten the sensory and symbolic impact of the first summer rain:
Unlock with LitCharts A+At three o’clock in the afternoon all the cicadas stopped buzzing at once. They left such an emptiness in the air it hurt your ears. Around four o’clock we heard thunder. Mattie turned over the “Closed” sign in the window and said, “Come on. I want you to smell this.”
Related Themes:
