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Why is imagery so important in poetry (and song lyrics)?

In "Puerto Rico," Natalie Frontera describes rows of houses painted pink or blue and the music of "old Spanish guitars." She remembers having fun with her sister and the taste of "strawberry flavored ice." As she explores her memories of a place she misses, Frontera brings readers along so that they can experience it, too.

What role does imagery play in this journey? Read each of these passages from "Puerto Rico," and identify which sense is involved. Then consider how the imagery in the passage helps you understand Frontera's feelings about her family's origins.

Baby pink and baby blue
Painted walls inside the alley
Of a place that isn't new

Question

What kinds of sensory details appear in these lines? What do those details suggest about Puerto Rico?

The old Spanish guitars
Serenading all the people
Traveling from near and far

Question

What kinds of sensory details appear in these lines? What do those details suggest about Puerto Rico?

It feels just like yesterday
The kites were soaring high

Question

What kinds of sensory details appear in these lines? What do those details suggest about Puerto Rico?

the grin on my sister's face
Strawberry flavored ice

Question

What kinds of sensory details appear in these lines? What do those details suggest about Puerto Rico?