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ballistic image

Device
Pronunciation

Understanding ARPABET Pronunciation

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The pronunciation guide uses the ARPABET phonetic system—the same system used in speech recognition and text-to-speech applications.

Vowel Examples:
AE1 = cat, bat
EH1 = bed, head
IY1 = see, me
OW1 = go, boat
UW1 = boot, do
Stress Numbers:
0 = no stress (unstressed)
1 = primary stress (loud)
2 = secondary stress (medium)
Example:
AH0 TH IY1 N AH0
= a-THEE-na (Athena)

The stressed syllable (marked with 1) is pronounced louder and clearer than others.

Quick Definition

Imagery that compares poetic expression to explosive or projectile motion.

Detailed Definition
A ballistic image is a sharply focused, high-velocity poetic image that strikes the reader with sudden intensity, often using explosive diction, abrupt syntax, or violent metaphor to convey urgency, trauma, or revelation; it functions like a projectile, delivering concentrated emotional or sensory impact.
Example
Example in poetry:
An image evoking bullets or missiles: “words like arrows flew”; “his anger shot like cannon fire”; “a look that pierced the heart”; “metaphors exploding like grenades”
Additional Notes
ballistic image is a powerful, dynamic image suggesting rapid movement, force, or projection (like a missile or bullet); emphasizes energy and violence; a device of modernist poetry.
Also Known As
projectile image darting metaphor striking image ballistic metaphor
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