Imagery

Definition of Imagery

Imagery means to use figurative language to represent objects, actions, and ideas in such a way that it appeals to our physical senses.

Usually it is thought that imagery makes use of particular words that create visual representation of ideas in our minds. The word “imagery” is associated with mental pictures. However, this idea is but partially correct. Imagery, to be realistic, turns out to be more complex than just a picture. Read the following examples of imagery carefully:

• It was dark and dim in the forest.
  The words “dark” and “dim” are visual images.
• The children were screaming and shouting in the fields. 
  “Screaming” and “shouting” appeal to our sense of hearing, or auditory sense.
• He whiffed the aroma of brewed coffee.
  “Whiff” and “aroma” evoke our sense of smell, or olfactory sense.
• The girl ran her hands on a soft satin fabric. 
  The idea of “soft” in this example appeals to our sense of touch, or tactile sense.
• The fresh and juicy orange is very cold and sweet.
  “Juicy” and “sweet” – when associated with oranges – have an effect on our sense of taste, or gustatory sense.

Imagery needs the aid of figures of speech like simile, metaphor, personification, and symbolism, in order to appeal to the bodily senses. Let us analyze how famous poets and writers use imagery in literature.

Short Examples of Imagery

1. The old man took the handful of dust, and sifted it through his fingers.
2. The starry night sky looked so beautiful that it begged him to linger, but he reluctantly left for home.
3. The fragrance of spring flowers made her joyful.
4. The sound of a drum in the distance attracted him.
5. The people traveled long distances to watch the sunset in the north.
6. The stone fell with a splash in the lake.
7. The sound of bat hitting the ball was pleasing to his ear.
8. The chirping of birds heralded spring.
9. There lay refuse heaps on their path that were so smelly that it maddened them.
10. The silence in the room was unnerving.
11. The blind man touched the tree to learn if its skin was smooth or rough.
12. When he was on the way to work, he heard the muffled cry of a woman.
13. The beacons of moonlight bathed the room in ethereal light.
14. The wild gusts of cold wind pierced her body.
15. The burger, aromatic with spices, made his mouth water in anticipation of the first bit

Metaphor: A metaphor is a comparison between two things. They don't necessarily have to be alike but make a link in the reader's mind.
"Nobody invites Edward to parties because he is a wet blanket."

      Personification: When something non-human is given human-like qualities, this is known as     personification.
"The leaves danced in the wind on the cold October afternoon."

Simile: A simile is a direct comparison between two things, using like or as.
"Jamie runs as fast as the wind."

Symbolism: Symbolism occurs when something that has one meaning is used to represent something entirely different. For example, using an image of the American flag to represent patriotism.

Symbolism definition: Symbolism is the representation of one thing for another using a person, object, or idea.

What is Symbolism in Literature?

What does symbolize mean? A symbol is something that is represented by something else. A symbol is a physical object that stands for another object, person, or idea.

Just about anything can be a symbol. However, some symbols are commonly understood.

Symbolism Examples:

• a heart is a symbol for love
• a dove is a symbol for peace
• a white cross inside a red square is a symbol for first-aid or hospital

The Function of Symbolism

Symbols help to associate and connect things with ideas or concepts. Sometimes, representing an idea with a physical object communicates more meaning than explaining the idea itself.

In writing, an author may not want to directly state a concept. He may just want to represent that idea with something else.

For example, perhaps a writer wants to represent the idea of “a fresh start” or “a new beginning.” To do so in his writing, he might not want to actually state these words. Instead, he might use a sunrise to represent these ideas.

 

Figurative Language Resources

For some, figurative language can be challenging to understand. In some ways, we're dealing with the abstract, so it's important to approach the subject from a few different angles. These additional resources can help you approach figurative language with confidence.

• YourDictionary's Metaphor Examples for Kidsand Simile Examples for Kidsprovide lots of simple examples of these types of figurative language to give children a good grounding in the topic.
• comoffers lesson plans and worksheets to help language learners practice their newfound form of expression.
• KidsKonnectcreates interesting worksheets for kids to use either at home or at school.
• TLS Bookshas devised a printable worksheet that challenges students to rewrite sentences, eliminating figurative language and defining the literal meaning.
• Write. Think.provides a lesson plan for students in grades 6-8. It uses The Phantom Tollbooth to introduce the concept of figurative language.
• PULSEhelps high school students understand figurative language using The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald by Gordon Lightfoot.

Pack a Literary Punch

Figurative language provides endless depth to our writing. There are so many ways to really punch our points and invite readers to join us on a literary adventure. When used carefully, figurative language even has a place in professional spheres. It can draw interesting comparisons between two things, promoting consideration for your cause. So, go ahead and dust off your metaphorical paintbrush as you explore a little synecdoche or personification in your next writing piece. Who knows where it will take you!

Write examples of metaphor ,similes,personification and symbolism?

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