Imagism was a movement in early 20th-century poetry that emphasized:
* Clear, precise language: They believed in using vivid, concrete images to create a strong impression on the reader.
* Direct treatment of the "thing" whether subjective or objective: They focused on presenting a specific object, feeling, or experience directly, avoiding overly abstract or symbolic language.
* Free verse: They experimented with free verse forms to break away from traditional poetic structures.
Some key Imagist poets include Ezra Pound, Amy Lowell, and H.D. (Hilda Doolittle).
Here's an example of Imagist poetry by Ezra Pound:
In a Station of the Metro
The apparition of these faces in the crowd;
Petals on a wet, black bough.
This poem uses precise language to create a vivid image of the faces in a crowded subway station, comparing them to petals on a dark branch. The image is striking and evocative, leaving a lasting impression on the reader.
While other movements, like Symbolism, also valued evocative language, Imagism placed a stronger emphasis on using precise language to create a single, clear, and memorable image for the reader.