The Winter's Tale
by William Shakespeare

The Winter's Tale: Imagery 1 key example

New! Understand every line of The Winter's Tale.
Read our modern English translation.

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
Act 4, Scene 3
Explanation and Analysis—Red and White:

In Act 4, Scene 4, Autolycus bursts into a song that uses the imagery of red and white:

When daffodils begin to peer, 
With heigh, the doxy over the dale, 
For the red blood reigns in the winter’s pale. 
The white sheet bleaching on the hedge [...]