The Duchess of Malfi

by John Webster

The Duchess of Malfi: Imagery 1 key example

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
Act 2, Scene 1
Explanation and Analysis—The Lusty Spring:

After an old woman interrupts his conversation with Castruchio in Act 2, Scene 1, Bosola turns on her. He insults her appearance and uses imagery and descriptive language to berate her and make his point. The audience is able to infer, from the way that he’s speaking, that he is angry and deeply troubled. His rant is ultimately about pleasure and passion, and though it’s directed at the old woman and inspired by her appearance and her transgression on Bosola’s conversation, the audience knows that Bosola is thinking about the Duchess. Bosola’s use of imagery grounds his critique of the overly passionate in sensory, descriptive language. He says: 

The lusty spring smells well, but drooping autumn tastes well