explode, gustatory imagery

[angel-girl1]

Hi,

Please can the verb "explode" make a auditory image.

For example:

"Or does it explode?"
A dream deferred, Hughes.

It think it is, since the verb "explode" does trigger the sense of hearing.

Correct me please.

Thanks.

 

[5jj]

No. 'Gustatory' has to do with taste.

 

[BobK]

But in literary contexts I think I've met the phrase 'explodes on the tongue' - it's obviously hyperbolic, but I think it makes a kind of sense.

b

 

[5jj]

I don't think it has anything to do with taste in Hughes's poem

What happens to a Dream deferred?

Does it dry up

like a raisin in the sun?
Or fester like a sore—
And then run?
Does it stink like rotten meat?
Or crust and sugar over—
like a syrupy sweet?

Maybe it just sags
like a heavy load.

Or does it explode?

 

[BobK]

:up:;-) Certainly not in that context. He's talking about a dream. I've no idea what the last line means, but it's obviously nothing to do with taste.

b

 

[angel-girl1]

I am sorry I meant auditory imagery.
So, can it be an auditory imagery?

Thanks.

 

[BobK]

Whatever works for you! - it's an image. In my view it's more about evanescence than about noise (which dreams don't make), but make of it what you will. ;-)

b

 

[5jj]

:up:;-) Certainly not in that context. He's talking about a dream. I've no idea what the last line means, but it's obviously nothing to do with taste.

It seems fairly straightforward (which doesn't necessarily mean that it has real meaning):

What happens to a Dream deferred?

Does it dry up ...Or fester ...Does it stink ... Or crust and sugar over ...Maybe it just sags ...Or does it explode?

 

[Alex Thompson]

Examples of gustatory imagery are any descriptions that you read that can almost make you taste what the author is discussing or that can allow you to imagine what something tastes like.
Here are some examples of gustatory imagery:

• The salty sweet flavor of salt water taffy was Carrie's very favorite thing about going to the beach for summer vacation.
• Joe was picking apples and ate an apple right from the tree, the sweet juices filling his mouth and running down his chin.
• Sue thought she was biting into an orange slice and was shocked as her mouth exploded with the bitter taste of a lemon.
• After being pushed in the pool, Joe's mouth filled with the burning taste of chlorinated water.
• The exquisite perfect salty flavor of the caviar made Penny remember why she loved coming to the restaurant.
• The familiar comforting warmth of the chicken noodle soup instantly made Mike feel much better.