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Idioms
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 2. Pontius Pilate
Explanation and Analysis—Yershalayim:
The Master and Margarita is no less vivid than fantastical, often employing imagery. That is especially true for Pontius Pilate’s narrative, as he enters the colonnade in Chapter 2 before Ha-Nozri’s trial:
It seemed to the Procurator that the cypresses and palms in the garden gave off the smell of roses, that the accursed whiff of roses was mingled with the odors of the convoy's leather gear and sweat.
Chapter 16. The Execution
Explanation and Analysis—Brewing Storm:
Moments before Ha-Nozri’s crucifixion, a brewing storm descends upon Yershalayim in Chapter 16. Dark clouds gather over Yershalayim, putting on a display of visual imagery as Matthew Levi protests God’s great injustice:
Unlock with LitCharts A+The sun had vanished before it reached the sea in which it drowned every evening. The storm cloud that had swallowed it rose steadily and menacingly from the west. Its edges were already seething with white foam; its smoke-black belly was tinged with yellow. The cloud rumbled and from time to time fiery threads shot out of it. Along the Jaffa road, along the dreary Valley of Hinnom, over the pilgrims’ tents, columns of dust were driven by the sudden wind.
Chapter 23. The Great Ball at Satan’s
Explanation and Analysis—Berlioz's Head:
At least in the Devil’s book, decapitated heads can make neat party tricks. If Woland puts on the finishing touch to his festivities by bringing a severed head in Chapter 23, Bulgakov caps it off with horror through a moment of gruesome imagery:
Unlock with LitCharts A+Woland raised his sword. At once the flesh and skin of the head darkened and shriveled, then dropped away in pieces; the eyes disappeared; and soon Margarita saw on the platter a yellowish skull with emerald eyes and pearl teeth, mounted on a gold stem. The lid of the skull swung open on a hinge.
Related Themes:
