Creative Writing Journal #11

David Colon

Creative Writing

Professor Miller

3/26/18

The most interesting aspect about this chapter was how the author chose to describe images: “We are haunted by images, both light and dark…That partly explains why they’re so powerful, why we respond to them in a much more visceral way than we do to generalized abstractions” (85). Images are powerful; they provide vivid details that can elicit strong emotional responses. The author provides a fascinating interpretation of imagery as she believes us to be “haunted” by images. Memories are inescapable and whether we like it or not, both positive and negative memories shape who we are. By using these memories, these details which “haunt” us, we can recall them when writing poetry. These powerful images that exists in our memories can be used to create powerful, impactful poems.

Another interesting aspect about this chapter was the way the author creates similarities between imagery in poems and watching a movie. For example, the author states “Think of going to the movies…You are aware of the person sitting next to you, the walls or ceiling of the theater in your peripheral vision. Then a shift occurs and the world outside the screen falls away and you fall into the movie, aware of nothing but its world of story, emotions, images.” (86). Well crafted imagery should capture an audience, pulling readers into the poem. By using all five senses, one can create this effect, one can make readers feel part of the poem.