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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
Key Examples in The Tattooist of Auschwitz
Chapter 1
Explanation and Analysis—A Dark Carriage:
The darkness that envelops Lale on the cattle train at the beginning of The Tattooist of Auschwitz gives the reader some of their first visual impressions of the novel. Lale’s worried contemplation of this darkness also functions as foreshadowing, as it hints at the suffering that awaits him once he reaches his destination:
The train stops again. It is pitch-black; clouds block out the moon and stars completely. Does the dark portend their future?
Related Themes:
Chapter 2
Explanation and Analysis—Brown Liquid:
Visual and smell imagery combine to depict Lale's initial food ration at Auschwitz as a foul, unidentifiable hurdle to cross. Lale lines up for his first meal, uncertain what to expect but still horrified with the results:
Unlock with LitCharts A+As he reaches the front of the line he gratefully accepts a small tin cup, its contents slopping over the rough hands that thrust it at him. He steps aside and examines his meal. It is brown, contains nothing solid, and has a smell he cannot identify. It is neither tea nor coffee nor soup. He fears he will bring the foul liquid back up if he drinks it slowly. So he closes his eyes, pinches his nostrils with his fingers, and gulps it down. Others are not so successful.
Related Themes:
Chapter 6
Explanation and Analysis—Rough, Dirty Fingers:
As Lale sorts through the food in his bag at Auschwitz, he notices how much the skin on his hands has changed since he was taken from his home. Morris uses visual imagery to illustrate how this small change also signals many larger ones:
Unlock with LitCharts A+As he comes to the last piece, Lale stops and considers the small, fulfilling parcel of food, sitting there next to his rough, dirty fingers. The fingers that used to be smooth and clean and plump, that handled rich food, that he used to hold up to tell hosts, “No, thank you, I couldn’t possibly have any more.” With a shake of his head, he places it, too, into the bag.
Related Themes:
Chapter 19
Explanation and Analysis—A Worse Beating:
This scene occurs when Jakub, under orders from the Auschwitz guards, must torture Lale to get the names of the prisoners who helped him. Morris uses tactile imagery to show the physical toll of Jakub’s beating and make the reader feel the violence alongside Lale:
Unlock with LitCharts A+Lale anticipates the coming kick. He backs away just as Jakub’s foot connects with his ribs, then exaggerates the impact by rolling and heaving and clutching his chest. As he slowly rises, Jakub punches him in the face again. He takes the full force this time, though Jakub had telegraphed his intention to hit him. Blood runs freely from his smashed nose. Jakub pulls Lale roughly to his feet and handcuffs him to the dangling chain.
Related Themes:
