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Imagism

Submitted by bradb on Wed, 05/23/2007 - 11:56
"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.
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