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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
Key Examples in The Pilgrim’s Progress
Part 1: The Slough of Despond
Explanation and Analysis—The Slough of Despond:
While rushing to enter the Wicket-gate on Evangelist's urging, Christian (initially joined by Pliable) accidentally plunges into a miry bog called the Slough of Despond. The visual imagery of a squelchy, muddy struggle conveys the desperation that a Christian, newly persuaded of their sinful state, often faces:
Now I saw in my Dream, that [...] they drew near to a very miry Slough, that was in the midst of the plain and they, being heedless, did both fall suddenly into the bog. The name of the slough was Dispond. Here therefore they wallowed for a time, being grievously bedaubed with the dirt; and Christian, because of the Burden that was on his back, began to sink in the mire.
Related Themes:
Part 1: The Interpreter’s House
Explanation and Analysis—A Dusty Parlour:
Early in his pilgrimage, Christian visits the Interpreter's House, where the Interpreter explains various symbols pertaining to the spiritual life. In one of the Interpreter's lessons, Bunyan uses the imagery of a dusty parlor to show the state of a heart corrupted by sin:
Unlock with LitCharts A+This parlour is the heart of a man that was never sanctified by the sweet Grace of the Gospel: the dust is his Original Sin and inward Corruptions, that have defiled the whole man. He that began to sweep at first, is the Law; but she that brought water, and did sprinkle it, is the Gospel. Now, whereas thou sawest that so soon as the first began to sweep, the dust did so fly about that the Room by him could not be cleansed, but that thou wast almost choaked therewith; this is to shew thee, that the Law, instead of cleansing the heart (by its working) from sin, doth revive, put strength into, and increase it in the soul, even as it doth discover and forbid it, for it doth not give power to subdue.
Related Themes:
Part 1: Beulah, the River of Death, and the Celestial City
Explanation and Analysis—City of Gold:
Some of the book's most moving imagery appears at the climax of Part 1, when Christian and Hopeful finally enter the Celestial City. Bunyan uses visual and auditory imagery to entice readers with the promised joys of heaven:
Unlock with LitCharts A+[...] they were transfigured, and they had Raiment put on that shone like Gold. There was also that met them with Harps and Crowns, and gave them to them, the Harps to praise withal, and the Crowns in token of honour. Then I heard in my Dream that all the Bells in the City rang again for joy, and that it was said unto them, Enter ye into the joy of your Lord. [...]
[...] I looked in after them, and behold, the City shone like the Sun: the Streets also were paved with Gold, and in them walked many men, with Crowns on their heads, Palms in their hands, and golden Harps to sing praises withal.
