Imagism

"Imagists" is a name given to a group of poets active in England and America between 1909 and 1918, but there are many similarities between the work of these Imagists and Emily Dickinson. Below is a list of characteristics that can be found in Dickinson's work, as well as the later Imagists.

• Language of common speech is used, employing always the exact word, not the nearly exact;
• Cliche is to be avoided;
• New rhythms are created as the expression of a new mood;
• There is absolute freedom in choice of subject;
• Images are to be concrete, firm and definite in their pictures, even harsh in outline;
• Concentration is to be striven for as the essence of poetry;
• The poetry should suggest rather than offer complete statements.