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Hyperbole
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
Imagery
Explanation and Analysis—Della's Hair:
Della's long brown hair is one of the Youngs' only prized possessions, and cutting and selling it becomes Della's only hope of affording a Christmas present for Jim. The story uses visual imagery to convey the hair's uniqueness and value:
Had the queen of Sheba lived in the flat across the airshaft, Della would have let her hair hang out the window some day to dry just to depreciate Her Majesty’s jewels and gifts.
Related Themes:
Explanation and Analysis—The Watch Chain:
The story's description of the watch chain is an example of visual imagery. Della has spent months saving and planning to buy Jim "something fine and rare," "worthy of [...] being owned by" him. After searching many stores, she finds the perfect thing—a unique platinum fob to go with his grand pocket watch, a family heirloom:
Unlock with LitCharts A+It was a platinum fob chain simple and chaste in design, properly proclaiming its value by substance alone and not by meretricious ornamentation [...] It was like him. Quietness and value—the description applied to both.
Related Themes:
