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Imagery, in a literary text, occurs when an author uses an object that is not really there, in order to create a comparison between one that is, usually evoking a more meaningful visual experience for the reader.^[1] 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)[link]

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Auditory imagery represents a sound.

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

Kinesthetic 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 mass, 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.

References[link]

External links[link]

• Thomas, Nigel J.T (Winter 2011), Zalta, Edward N., ed., "Mental Imagery", The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy (Stanford University), http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/mental-imagery/, retrieved February 16, 2012