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Sustained image

Imagery
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

A single vivid image maintained and developed throughout a poem to unify its themes and emotions

Detailed Definition
Sustained image develops a single metaphor, symbol, or visual motif throughout a poem, accruing layers of meaning with each recurrence; requiring consistency and restraint, it transforms a simple picture into a resonant lens for exploring complex emotions, ideas, or experiences without didactic explanation.
Example
Example in poetry:
Extended metaphor throughout a poem: ocean as grief; Single image developed across stanzas: “The tree— / its roots, / its bark, / its fall”; Emily Dickinson’s bee as persistent symbol; Rilke’s “Archaic Torso of Apollo” focusing on one sculpture’s gaze
Additional Notes
Sustained image develops a single metaphor or symbol throughout a poem; requires consistency and layered meaning—avoid overextension or vagueness.
Also Known As
extended metaphor persistent image dominant symbol continuous motif Carried-over imagery Prolonged figurative image
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