The Relapse, or, Virtue in Danger Imagery

The Relapse, or, Virtue in Danger Imagery

The Imagery of God’s Blessings

The author wants to appeal the sense of taste to the reader using Loveless's description of God's blessings for those who do the right things. For those who are righteous, they shall praise their God and drink his glory. Drinking God's glory is imagery that appeals to the sense of taste to the reader. It implies that those who do good deeds shall receive God’s blessings. Loveless says, “Shall fairly try what Charms are left in Wine: I'll take my Place amongst them, they shall hem me in, Sing Praises to their God, and drink his Glory; Turn wild Enthusiasts for his sake.”

The Imagery of Observing

Loveless reflects how he is represented in the play. Through observing, a depiction of the sense of sight is appealed to the audience. He says, “I did take heed; for observing in the Play, that he who seem'd to represent me there, was, by an Accident like this, unwarily surpriz'd into a Net, in which he lay a poor intangled Slave, and brought a Train of Mischiefs on his Head, I snatch'd my Eyes away; they pleaded hard for leave to look again, but I grew absolute, and they obey'd.”

Imagery of Taste

Young fash is trying to describe what entices women to get attracted to men. Women tend to fall for men with money and power. Down the line, a woman aspires to get a man who is going to provide both social and financial security. Fash says, “Good God! to what an Ebb of Taste is Women fallen, that it shou'd be in the power of a lac'd Coat to recommend a Gallant to 'em.”

The Imagery of Sight

Loveless's description of the wonderful workmanship of nature depicts the sense of sight to the audience. The audience can create a virtual and imaginative image of how beautiful nature can be. Amanda is excited about her husband's description because she can see how handsome the whole situation is. Loveless says, “Know then, I happen'd in the Play to find my very Character, only with the Addition of a Relapse; which struck me so, I put a sudden Stop to a most harmless Entertainment, which till then diverted me between the Acts. 'Twas to admire the Workmanship of Nature, in the Face of a young Lady that sat some distance from me, she was so exquisitely handsome.”

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