VH Imagery Flashcards
“Nostrils as they go bobbing along”
since not just his nostrils are moving along, as the image would suggest. This emphasises the overpowering nature of “the hospital smell”, since it has blocked out his other senses
“White cave of forgetfulness”
suggesting the white curtains or sheets are cave-like (impenetrable). This conveys the isolation of the woman, and the poet’s exclusion from her
“Withered hand trembles on its stalk”
suggesting the woman’s body is brittle and frail, by comparing it to a dying flower. The image suggests the woman’s body has deteriorated, but contains hope for regrowth (afterlife), as well as showing the love with which the poet looks on the woman
“Glass fang”
suggesting the intravenous drip is vampire-like. The horror in this image is shocking, which shows the poet’s grief and distress at seeing the woman’s condition, and being unable to help her
“Black figure in her white cave”
referring to the universal image of Death, as a physical entity. “Figure” also suggests the woman’s blurred vision. This emphasises the isolation of the woman, as well as her impending and unavoidable death
“The round swimming waves of a bell”
as a visual image describes a sound (signalling the end of the Visiting Hour?). “Swimming” could suggest the poet’s dizziness (confusion) or tears. This is from the patient’s point of view, so further shows her isolation, and the poet’s isolation from her
