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Hyperbole
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 'Tis Pity She's a Whore
Act 2, Scene 5
Explanation and Analysis—A World of Variety:
During Act 2, Scene 5, Giovanni informs the Friar that he has consummated his relationship with his sister Annabella. In the process of attempting to rationalize his actions, Giovanni describes the intensity of his feelings for Annabella in powerful detail. This conversation is rife with vivid imagery that provides critical insight into the mind of the play’s complex antihero:
Giovanni: View well her face, and in that little round,
You may observe a world of variety:
For colour, lips; for sweet perfumes, her breath;
For jewels, eyes; for threads of purest gold,
Hair; for delicious choice of flowers, cheeks;
Wonder in every portion of that throne.
Hear her but speak, and you will swear the spheres
Make music to the citizens in heaven;
But father, what is else for pleasure framed,
Lest I offend your ears shall go unnamed.
Friar: The more I hear, I pity thee the more –
That one so excellent should give those parts
All to a second death!
Related Themes:
Act 3, Scene 6
Explanation and Analysis—Never-Dying Deaths:
In Act 3, Scene 6, the Friar lectures Annabella about her wanton ways, describing with vivid imagery every gory detail of the hellish punishment that awaits her if she does not curb her path:
Unlock with LitCharts A+There is a place –
List, daughter! – in a black and hollow vault,
Where day is never seen. There shines no sun,
But flaming horror of consuming fires,
A lightless sulphur, choked with smoky fogs
Of an infected darkness. In this place
Dwell many thousand, thousand sundry sorts
Of never-dying deaths. There damnèd souls
Roar without pity; there are gluttons fed
With toads and adders; there is burning oil
Poured down the drunkard’s throat; the usurer
Is forced to sup whole draughts of molten gold;
There is the murderer forever stabbed,
Yet can he never die; there lies the wanton
On racks of burning steel, whiles in his soul
He feels the torment of his raging lust.
Related Themes:
