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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 12
Explanation and Analysis—Gunfire as Speech:
Gunfire is ever-present in The Red Badge of Courage, and Crane often describes exchanges of bullets using the language of dialogue or speech. Crane characterizes cannon fire as “stentorian speeches” and remarks, during a battle, that guns were "roaring without an instant’s pause for breath.” At several points, he figuratively describes guns as possessing voices:
The voices of the cannon were clamoring in interminable chorus.
Related Themes:
Chapter 19
Explanation and Analysis—The Monolithic Army:
When describing the way Henry’s regiment marches across the landscape and moves in battle, Crane uses an extended metaphor to describe a group composed of hundreds of men as a single being. As the Confederate army approaches, Crane writes that “the sore joints of the regiment creaked as it painfully floundered into position to repulse.” Elsewhere, Crane remarks that the regiment “snorted and blew,” evoking a horse rather than a group of men. During one of the novel’s last battles, Crane describes a charge by writing:
Unlock with LitCharts A+The line fell slowly forward like a toppling wall, and, with a convulsive gasp that was intended for a cheer, the regiment began its journey.
Related Themes:
