The Imaginal Reaction To Poetry

The Imaginal Reaction to Poetry: The Affective and the Aesthetic Judgment is a book written by June Etta Downey and first published in 1911. The book explores the emotional and aesthetic responses that individuals have to poetry, focusing on what Downey calls the ""imaginal reaction."" This reaction is a complex interplay of emotion, imagination, and aesthetic judgment that occurs when we encounter a poem.Downey argues that this imaginal reaction is a crucial aspect of our experience of poetry, and that it plays an important role in shaping our understanding and appreciation of literary works. She examines the various factors that influence this reaction, including the language and imagery used in the poem, the cultural and historical context in which it was created, and the individual's own personal experiences and background.Throughout the book, Downey draws on examples from a wide range of poets and literary traditions, including Shakespeare, Wordsworth, and Keats, as well as more contemporary writers. She also discusses the role of the poet in shaping the imaginal reaction, and the ways in which poets use language and imagery to evoke emotional and aesthetic responses in their readers.Overall, The Imaginal Reaction to Poetry is a thoughtful and insightful exploration of the complex and multifaceted nature of our response to poetry. It is a valuable resource for anyone interested in the study of literature, aesthetics, or the psychology of emotion.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.