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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
Part 2: The Marquesa de Montemayor
Explanation and Analysis—The Chain:
In one of Doña Maria's letters to Doña Clara, she writes that she has enclosed a special gold chain as a present for one of her daughter's friends. Doña Maria tells a fantastic (and obviously false) story about how she obtained the necklace, writing that she walked into a painting by Diego Velázquez, a famous Spanish artist, and took the necklace from one of its subjects:
The canvas resisted for a moment, but the painter himself came forward to lift me through the pigment. I told him that the most beautiful girl in Spain wished to present the finest gold chain that could be found to the most gracious king in the world. It was as simple as that...
Related Themes:
Explanation and Analysis—Harness of Jewels:
The book uses an oxymoron to describe Doña Maria's difficult and lonely upbringing:
Unlock with LitCharts A+"...her mother persecuted her with sarcasms in an effort to arouse some social charms and forced her to go about the town in a veritable harness of jewels."
Related Themes:
Part 4: Uncle Pio
Explanation and Analysis—The Archbishop:
The book's first description of the Archbishop uses visual imagery to help the reader envision the priest's unusual experience and gain an initial understanding of his character:
Unlock with LitCharts A+There was something in Lima that was wrapped up in yards of violet satin from which protruded a great dropsical head and two fat pearly hands; and that was its archbishop. Between the rolls of flesh that surrounded them looked out two black eyes speaking discomfort, kindliness and wit.
Related Themes:
