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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
Act 1, Scene 5
Explanation and Analysis—Celia's Beauty:
In Act 1, Scene 5, Mosca reports back to Volpone that Corvino has a wife, Celia, of incalculable beauty. In a series of similes that rely on the imagery of light and whiteness, he relates her magnificence to his master:
O, sir, the wonder,
The blazing star of Italy! a wench
O’the first year! a beauty ripe as harvest!
Whose skin is whiter than a swan all over!
Than silver, snow, or lilies! a soft lip,
Would tempt you to eternity of kissing!
And flesh that melteth in the touch to blood!
Bright as your gold, and lovely as your gold!
Related Themes:
Act 5, Scene 2
Explanation and Analysis—Mosca's Masterpiece:
In Act 5, Scene 2, Mosca and Volpone reflect on their astounding day in court, during which they managed to deflect all blame for Volpone's attempted rape of Celia onto Celia and Bonario themselves. Wielding his considerable rhetorical skill, Mosca uses metaphor and imagery to describe their act of deception:
Unlock with LitCharts A+Mosca: Why, now you speak, sir! We must here be fixed;
Here we must rest. This is our masterpiece;
We cannot think to go beyond this.Volpone: True, Th’ ast played thy prize, my precious Mosca.
Mosca: Nay, sir, To gull the court—
Volpone: And quite divert the torrent Upon the innocent.
Mosca: Yes, and to make so rare a music out of discords—
Related Themes:
