- imagism
-
/im"euh jiz'euhm/, n. Literature.1. (often cap.) a theory or practice of a group of poets in England and America between 1909 and 1917 who believed that poetry should employ the language of common speech, create new rhythms, have complete freedom in subject matter, and present a clear, concentrated, and precise image.2. a style of poetry that employs free verse and the patterns and rhythms of common speech.[1910-15; IMAGE + -ISM]
* * *
Movement in U.S. and English poetry characterized by the use of concrete language and figures of speech, modern subject matter, metrical freedom, and avoidance of romantic or mystical themes.It grew out of the Symbolist movement and was initially led by Ezra Pound, who, inspired by the criticism of T. E. Hulme (1883–1917), formulated its credo с 1912; Hilda Doolittle was also among the founders. Around 1914 Amy Lowell largely took over leadership of the group. Imagism influenced the works of Conrad Aiken, T. S. Eliot, Marianne Moore, D. H. Lawrence, Wallace Stevens, and others.* * *
Universalium. 2010.