Imagery

Imagery is used in literature to refer to descriptive language that evokes sensory experience.

Forms of imagery

As imagery is simply descriptive language that evokes sensory experience, it can appeal to any of the senses, and not just the standard five.

Visual imagery is perhaps the most frequently used form.

• The crimson liquid spilled from the neck of the white dove.

Auditory imagery represents a sound.

• The bells chimed 2 o'clock.

Olfactory imagery represents a smell.

• His 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 beneath.

Tactile imagery represents touch.

• The spongy soufflé was a pleasure to squeeze.
• The Play-Doh 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.

• He flew like a dove
• I am as bold as a lion.
• He has a heart as big as the outdoors.
• Her eyes sparkle like a crystal.
• Her hair is like a sea.
• He is acting like a clown.
• I am as red as a tomato.

A metaphor is similar to a simile, however this literary device makes a comparison without the use of "like" or "as".

• He has a hyena's laugh.
• Her face is a garden.
• Her eyes were endless pools of beauty.

References

• http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/mental-imagery/
• http://www.readprint.com/article-5
• http://volweb.utk.edu/school/bedford/harrisms/imagery