Imagery



Imagery is used in literature to refer to descriptive language that evokes emotional responses. It is useful as it allows an author to add depth and understanding to his work, like a sculptor adding layer and layer to his statue, building it up into a beautiful work of art.

Forms of imagery (with examples)
Visual imagery is perhaps the most frequently used form.
 * The crimson liquid spilled from the neck of the white dove, staining and matting its pure, white feathers.

Auditory imagery represents a sound.
 * The bells chimed 2 o'clock and Daniel got ready for school.
 * Onomatopoeia: a word that makes a sound.

Kinetic imagery represents movement
 * as in Wordsworth's poem Daffodils: "tossing their heads in sprightly dance"

Olfactory imagery represents a smell.
 * Gio's socks, still soaked with sweat from Tuesday's P.E. class, filled the classroom with an aroma akin to that of salty, week-old, rotting fish.

Gustatory imagery represents a taste.
 * The sweet marinara sauce makes up for the bland sea-shell pasta that Jeffrey served.
 * Tumbling through the ocean water after being overtaken by the monstrous wave, Mark unintentionally took a gulp of the briny, bitter liquid, causing him to cough and gag.

Tactile imagery represents touch.
 * Yalimar dug her feet into the wet sand, burying her toes inside the beach as cold waves lapped at her ankles.
 * The clay oozed between Jeremy's fingers as he let out a squeal of pure glee.

Imagery can be showcased in many forms, such as metaphors and similes.

A simile is a literary device where the writer employs the words "like" or "as" to compare two different ideas. It can be a strong word to use as a describing word in a simile or metaphor.


 * Yesenia and her boyfriend soared high like two doves in love.
 * I am as tricky as a fox.
 * Angel's heart, like a candy store, has a hundred variations of sweetness.
 * Tailaya's eyes sparkle like a crystal ball.
 * Selena's hair is like a stormy sea.
 * Dorian is acting like a clown.
 * I am as red as a tomato when my kids fail their quiz and don't study!

A metaphor is similar to a simile, however this literary device makes a comparison without the use of "like" or "as".
 * Mister S's classes are intricate ice sculptures in summer.
 * Big Daddy's face is a garden.
 * Paola's eyes were endless pools of beauty.
 * Dasean's voice was an explosion of sound.