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The Use Of Imagery In Agnes Mary F. Robinson's Neurasthenia

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In the sonnet, “Neurasthenia”, the author, Agnes Mary F. Robinson uses imagery to develop the idea of how sickness and depression can alter our views of the world. Throughout the sonnet, images are provided that help to shape our overall understanding. Perhaps one the most important part of the sonnet is the title which changes our entire view of the poem and its meaning. Firstly, the title holds great significance to the overall meaning. Neurasthenia means an ill-defined medical condition characterized by lassitude, fatigue, headache, and irritability, associated chiefly with emotional disturbance. The main subject or character in the poem is struggling with this condition. This could also shift the imagery provided in the poem because it may indeed be hallucinations that the speaker is experiencing. The first line provides the first example of imagery, “I watch the happier people of the house. Come in and out, and talk, and go their ways” (Robinson 1-2). This provides vivid imagery of people smiling and laughing while living their daily lives. The speaker seems apprehensive as if the sight of …show more content…

It demonstrates the difficulties faced by people suffering from depression. The following quote I found to be the most relatable, “ But I am underneath: they do not dream how deep below the eddying flood is whirl’d” ( Robinson 7-8). There are times where I felt that I could not relate to anyone and that I was floating underneath the achievements of others. I almost felt invisible. Those times make you question yourself and also question how others can remain so joyful, as described in the sonnet. This poem emphasizes the impact of feelings of inferiority, as they seem to infiltrate people’s everyday actions and thoughts. It creates an internal conflict between how we want our life to be and how our body and mind is negatively impacting our life to be the

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