What imagery is used in the

short story "The Phoenix" by

Sylvia Townsend Warner?
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Imagery can be defined as those techniques in
writing which are specifically used to paint a picture
(image) in the reader's mind. As such, the author
uses figurative language or descriptive writing to
achieve this purpose. In our story, one can identify
the following techniques:
Personification: Giving an object or abstract idea
human qualities.
It was a remarkably fine phoenix, with a charming
character affable to the other birds in the aviary
and much attached to Lord Strawberry.
But it was not puffed by these attentions, and
when it was no longer in the news, and the
visits fell off, it showed no pique or rancour.
In these examples, the phoenix is described as if it
is human. The purpose is to create sympathy for
the suffering that it has to endure, especially later in
the tale.
Exaggeration:
Eating his head off,
This line exaggerates how much the phoenix feeds,
to such an extent that its owner feels that he is
suffering a loss. The phoenix, as far as he is
concerned, is not a profitable investment.
Alliteration: Repetition of especially consonants in
a line
The phoenix, the loud-speaker continued, is as
capricious as Cleopatra, as luxurious as la du
Barry, as heady as a strain of wild gypsy music. All
the fantastic pomp and passion of the ancient
East, its languorous magic, its subtle cruelties
The 'c' 'l' and 'p' sounds are repeated to emphasise
how extraordinary the phoenix is and is a marketing
strategy to draw in the crowds.
Simile: Comparison using the words 'like' or 'as'
... is as capricious as Cleopatra
as luxurious as la du Barry
as heady as a strain of wild gypsy music
The purpose here is the same as in the above
example.
Furthermore, the tale contains an extended
metaphor of man's greed and his exploitation of
nature for profit. Mr Tancred Poldero's only desire is
to make money and he does not care at all for the
phoenix's well-being.
Although not so much an aspect of to imagery, one
can also mention the irony in the story. Mr
Poldero's insatiable greed is what eventually
destroys him, and ironically, the one thing he
abused for profit survives through its rebirth. Further
irony lies in the fact that the audience's desperate
desire to be entertained and fascinated is what
leads to their (fiery) demise - a completely
unexpected result.
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