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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
Chapter 1
Explanation and Analysis—Supernatural Prelude:
In Gothic fiction, imagery and foreshadowing often go hand in hand. Animals and various natural elements—including wind, weather, and the construction of the landscape—both parallel the activity of supernatural actors and foreshadow it. This is exemplified in the following passage from Chapter 1, where the Otis family first enters the grounds of Canterville Chase:
As they entered the avenue of Canterville Chase, however, the sky became suddenly overcast with clouds, a curious stillness seemed to hold the atmosphere, a great flight of rooks passed silently over their heads, and, before they reached the house, some big drops of rain had fallen.
Chapter 3
Explanation and Analysis—The Wind:
In the following passage from Chapter 3, Wilde employs a wide range of figurative language, including imagery, personification, and simile, to evoke aspects of the Gothic for the reader. Each instance of figurative language in this sentence emphasizes the agency of the natural world, at times above or in contrast to the agency of human actors:
Unlock with LitCharts A+The owl beat against the window panes, the raven croaked from the old yew-tree, and the wind wandered moaning round the house like a lost soul; but the Otis family slept unconscious of their doom, and high above the rain and the storm [the ghost] could hear the steady snoring of the Minister for the United States.
Related Themes:
Chapter 6
Explanation and Analysis—Virginia the Ghost:
In Chapter 6, Virginia reemerges from her quest to set the Canterville Ghost to rest, much to the shock and surprise of her family, who had assumed she had been kidnapped. In the passage that follows, Wilde uses sonic imagery to portray Virginia as otherworldly during her reemergence from the supernatural realm:
Unlock with LitCharts A+Just as they were passing out of the dining room, midnight began to boom from the clock tower, and when the last stroke sounded they heard a crash and a sudden shrill cry; a dreadful peal of thunder shook the house, a strain of unearthly music floated through the air, a panel at the top of the staircase flew back with a loud noise, and out on the landing, looking very pale and white, with a little casket in her hand, stepped Virginia.
Related Themes:
