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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
Part I: Chapter 15
Explanation and Analysis—Hypersensitivity:
In the following example of sensory imagery from Chapter 15, Mariam reacts strongly to any evidence of Rasheed's presence in their shared home:
The key rattling, the creak of the door—these were sounds that set her heart racing. From her bed, she listened to the click-clack of his heels, to the muffled shuffling of his feet after he'd shed his shoes. With her ears, she took inventory of his doings: chair legs dragged across the floor, the plaintive squeak of the cane seat where he sat, the clinking of spoon against plate, the flutter of newspaper pages flipped, the slurping of water.
Related Themes:
Part II: Chapter 23
Explanation and Analysis—Melee:
The following example of imagery, from Chapter 23, occurs in the transition from one passage to another. In the first passage, Laila observes a melee of men at her parents' party, all pulled into a physical altercation over some political disagreement:
Unlock with LitCharts A+Later that evening, Laila thought of how the melee had toppled over, with men falling on top of one another, amid yelps and cries and shouts and flying punches, and, in the middle of it, a grimacing Tariq, his hair disheveled, his leg come undone, trying to crawl out.
Part III: Chapter 29
Explanation and Analysis—Blinding Whack:
In the following excerpt from Chapter 29, Mariam at last ascertains the true nature of Rasheed's fascination with Laila. The narrator utilizes both imagery and simile to illustrate this realization:
Unlock with LitCharts A+And suddenly Mariam knew that her suspicions were right. She understood with a dread that was like a blinding whack to the side of her head that what she was witnessing [between Rasheed and Laila] was nothing less than a courtship.
Related Themes:
Part III: Chapter 31
Explanation and Analysis—Imagery of Violence:
In Chapter 31, Rasheed makes certain demands of Laila as his newest wife, laying down the rules for the rest of their marriage. The following examples of simile elucidate Rasheed's true nature, as well as his intentions heading into this marriage with Laila:
Unlock with LitCharts A+"I should say that Mariam here will be my eyes and ears when I am away." Here, [Rasheed] shot Mariam a fleeting look that was as hard as a steel-toed kick to the temple. "Not that I am mistrusting. Quite the contrary. [...]"
On and on he went. Mariam sat watching [Laila] out of the corner of her eye as Rasheed's demands and judgements rained down on them like the rockets on Kabul.
Related Themes:
