Title: 4. Figurative Language; Imagery | The Close Reading of Poetry
Headings: 4. Figurative Language; Imagery
4. Figurative Language; Imagery
Content: IMAGERY.Â Related to word meaning isÂ figurative language, which often plays a crucial role in both condensing language yet expanding meaning. Most generally, figurative language refers to language that is not literal. The phrase â€œfierce tearsâ€ (theÂ personification Â of tears) is not literal, but it is both precise and suggestive in carrying meaning. Are certain words used in unusual, non-literal, non-standard, exaggerated, orÂ metaphoricalÂ ways? What effect do theseÂ figures of speechÂ have? Which words or phrases are used literally (theyÂ denoteÂ something literal) and which are used figuratively (theyÂ connoteÂ something figurative)?Â
Much of what we read is literal: Â The evening sky was dark; he looked up; he felt sick. Â Figurative language refers to language not used literallyâ€”it is used abstractly, indirectly, and often evocatively.