Imagery

​​Imagery

Imagery is a literary device that writers employ to create a vivid picture in the readers’ minds. Writers use descriptive language to appeal to the five senses, evoking strong emotions and responses, thus leaving a lasting impression on the readers’ minds. 

​POETIC IMAGERY

• Visual

• Auditory

• Olfactory

• Gustatory

• Tactile

Visual Imagery

​Poets use visual imagery to appeal to the reader's sense of sight by describing colour, shape, size and patterns. Visual imagery is sometimes expressed through metaphors.

Olfactory Imagery

​Poets use olfactory imagery to appeal to the reader's sense of smell by describing fragrances and aromas. Poets also describe unpleasant smells such as smoke and soot to intensify a particular setting description.

Gustatory Imagery

​Poets use gustatory imagery to appeal to the reader's sense of taste. The poet may describe how sweet, salty, sour or spicy a particular taste is. Poets sometimes use gustatory imagery to trigger a memory.

Tactile Imagery

​Poets use visual imagery to appeal to the reader's sense of touch by describing how something feels. This can include the texture, temperature and sensations felt.

​Poets use visual imagery to appeal to the reader's sense of touch by describing how something feels. This can include the texture, temperature and sensations felt.

Multiple Choice

Boisterous cheers filled the air. The brassy sounds of the vuvuzela horns sent supporters on both sides into a frenzy. "Allez France! Allez France!" the crowd began to chant as they raised their flags high, hoping to make history this time.

Which Imagery is strongly featured in this passage?

• Visual

• Olfactory

• Auditory

• Tactile

Multiple Choice

On the display stand was a sweet lemon sponge cake slathered with ivory buttercream and embellished with pastel pink swirls. In the middle were two round chocolate eyes and a whimsical horn made of golden waffle cone. "A unicorn!" Mia cheered. As she blew the candles, the five-year-old secretly wished every day was her birthday.

Which Imagery are featured in this passage?

• Auditory

• Visual

• Gustatory

• Tactile

Open Ended

It's time to get creative! Write a description of the image on the left using appropriate Imagery.

You may employ as many as you like.