Language:
* Formal and Elevated Diction: Robinson uses a refined, almost archaic language, reminiscent of the Victorian era in which Aunt Imogen lived. This formality reflects the social expectations placed upon women of her time, highlighting the constraints she faced. Examples include: "Her life had been a tapestry of thought," "And she had been a woman of the world," and "She was a woman of the finer sort."
* Understated and Allusive: The poem avoids overt emotional expressions and relies heavily on subtle allusions and metaphors. This reinforces the sense of restraint and hidden feelings. For example, the line "She was a woman of the finer sort" suggests a deeper meaning: Aunt Imogen might have had ambitions and desires that she couldn't openly express.
* Irony and Paradox: Robinson employs subtle irony to highlight the disparity between Aunt Imogen's outward appearance and her inner world. Lines like "She was a woman of the finer sort" and "She had a mind that could not be ignored" are ironic given her circumstances. This contrast between her potential and her reality underlines the tragedy of her life.
Imagery:
* The Tapestry of Thought: The image of a tapestry, a woven fabric, creates a sense of intricate patterns and interwoven threads. It suggests a complex inner life full of hidden desires and missed opportunities. This imagery reinforces the idea of Aunt Imogen's potential and how her life, though seemingly well-ordered, was also filled with regrets.
* The "Cage" and the "Shrine": These images, though not directly stated, are implied through the poem's language. The limitations of her life, the expectations of society, and her own internalized constraints become a figurative cage. The "shrine" image suggests her dedication to social decorum and a life of quiet acceptance, further emphasizing the feeling of confinement.
* The "Little Hand" and the "Little Feet": These recurring images of smallness symbolize Aunt Imogen's sense of helplessness and her inability to escape the confines of her life. They also suggest a loss of youthful dreams and the weight of her unfulfilled desires.
How Language and Imagery Interplay:
The combination of Robinson's language and imagery creates a haunting effect. The formal diction and subtle metaphors paint a picture of a woman who, despite her elegance and intelligence, is trapped within the limitations of her time and her own expectations. The use of understatement and irony adds a layer of complexity to the poem, leaving the reader to contemplate the full depth of Aunt Imogen's internal struggle.
Overall Meaning:
"Aunt Imogen" is a poignant meditation on the unspoken desires and stifled ambitions of women in a patriarchal society. Through his careful use of language and imagery, Robinson evokes a sense of both sadness and admiration for Aunt Imogen, a woman whose life is ultimately defined by what she couldn't achieve. The poem serves as a reminder that appearances can be deceiving, and true fulfillment might often be hidden beneath a veneer of social decorum.