Definition of Imagery
Mansfield uses auditory imagery, specifically onomatopoeia, to describe the goings-on inside the Sheridan home. Onomatopoeia is when the words used to describe something imitate the sound associated with that thing. For example, the piano in the house makes a “Pom! Ta-ta-ta Tee-ta!” sound, and the cook, “like an agitated hen,” clucks “tuk-tuk-tuk.” The inclusion of this descriptive language is significant, as it extends the nature of the garden—a lush, beautiful place—into the Sheridan home.
The story uses visual imagery to describe Laura’s view of the Sheridan home:
Unlock with LitCharts A+The green baize door […] two tiny spots of sun, one on the inkpot, one on a silver photograph frame, playing too. Darling little spots. Especially the one on the inkpot lid. It was quite warm. A warm little silver star. She could have kissed it.