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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
Imagery
Explanation and Analysis—Cold and Dark New York:
In capturing the cold and dark New York City setting at the beginning of the story, O. Henry uses imagery, as seen in the following passage:
The time was barely 10 o’clock at night, but chilly gusts of wind with a taste of rain in them had well nigh depeopled the streets […] The vicinity was one that kept early hours. Now and then you might see the lights of a cigar store or of an all-night lunch counter; but the majority of the doors belonged to business places that had long since been closed.
Here O. Henry uses a few different types of imagery. He describes the “chilly gusts of wind with a taste of rain in them,” helping readers to feel (and, in a way, taste) the cold wind. His description of “the lights of a cigar store or of an all-night lunch counter” illuminating the darkness also helps readers to form a clear visual picture of the scene.
The imagery in this passage contributes to the dreary and unsettling mood of the story, which helps readers to understand that this will not be a simple and joyful tale of friends reuniting after 20 years. This proves to be true, as Jimmy ends up turning his old friend Bob (who is a wanted criminal) into the police.
Related Themes:
