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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—The Dark:
Although Otranto castle itself is sometimes described as being full of the light of "torches" and "lamps," these scenes of warmth and light are overshadowed by Walpole's much more frequent descriptions of darkness. In Chapter 1, when Isabella attempts to escape from the castle, she encounters an area that is:
hollowed into several intricate cloisters; and it was not easy for one, under so much anxiety, to find the door that opened into the cavern. An awful silence reigned throughout those subterraneous regions, except, now and then, some blasts of wind that shook the doors she had passed, and which, grating on the rusty hinges, were re-echoed through that long labyrinth of darkness.
Related Themes:
Explanation and Analysis—Moonlight:
The imagery of moonlight plays an important role in both highlighting the supernatural and revealing the hidden in The Castle of Otranto. In Chapter 1, Isabella and Theodore find the hidden trapdoor because of the light of the moon reflecting off the bronze of the metal:
Unlock with LitCharts A+a ray of moonshine, streaming through a cranny of the ruin above, shone directly on the lock they sought.
Related Themes:
Chapter 3
Explanation and Analysis—Vapors:
A moment of comedy occurs when Matilda provides Theodore with armor to escape his imprisonment in the tower at Otranto in Chapter 3. Walpole uses sound-related imagery (which was previously applied to the groaning hallways of the castle) to suggest that the characters have just heard a fart or belch:
Unlock with LitCharts A+A deep and hollow groan, which seemed to come from above, startled the princess and Theodore. “Good heaven! we are overheard!” said the princess. They listened, but perceiving no further noise, they both concluded it the effect of pent-up vapours; and the princess, preceding Theodore softly, carried him to her father’s armoury, where, equipping him with a complete suit, he was conducted by Matilda to the postern gate.
Related Themes:
