The use of imagery actively increases the presence of tone in a particular work. The work by Lowell entitled "Ode to the Union Dead- is no exception. An analytic reader may find that Lowells' work does possess imagery in a pattern form. One of the major images, which are repeated in this work, is the idea of a ditch or cavern. These are images that place a negative idea into the readers' minds eye. The first instance that a ditch was mentioned was in the excavation of a new underground parking garage. Lowell expressed this fact negatively, as it would appear that he looks down upon capitalistic improvements while failing to recognize historical importance. The next instance, in which the image of a ditch was used, was in the burying of the deceased Union soldiers into a mass grave. This is obviously thought down upon by Lowell, as the major purpose of his work is to shed light upon commonly forgotten historical events. .
Another reoccurring image, which was presented in both the beginning and end of the work, is that of fish. The reader of this work found this image to be confusing as its usage perhaps bears multiple meanings. It would appear that the image of fish, in the beginning of the work, seemed to be of Lowells' interest as a child. Lowell was described as longing to have contact with the fish. The aquatic image is used again at the dénouement of the work. The vehicles of the seemingly well off individuals of Boston are described as fish-like. It would seem to the reader that this image of fish is quite negative. It is the bearers of these fish-like vehicles, which possess the savage servility that Lowell speaks of. In addition, the grease that was mentioned as the medium by which the vehicles slide, invoked the image of fish oil to the reader. It would seem that the image here would be of something that is slick and lacks body. .
Another one of the most effective images used, in the readers' opinion, is that of the monument being seen as a bone in the throat of Boston.