imagery definition: 1. the use of words or pictures in books, films, paintings, etc. to describe ideas or situations…. Occasionally the term imagery is also used to refer to figurative language, in particular metaphors and similes. Best-selling authors have one attribute in common—they have a knack for using imagery as a literary device. It represents object, action, and idea which appeal our senses.Sometimes it becomes more complex than just a picture. In poetry and literature, this is known as imagery: the use of figurative language to evoke a sensory experience in the reader. A literary device is a technique a writer uses to convey ideas and messages to their readers.That means that as readers, we need to understand and use literary devices to fully understand a work’s major themes! Here are a few examples of imagery in literature: Example 1. Visual imagery appeals to the sense of sight, and plays the largest role in imagery in literature. Imagery helps the reader to visualize more realistically the author’s writings. V. Imagery in Literature. It describes what a scene or character looks like. Imagery is found throughout literature in poems, plays, stories, novels, and other creative compositions. Picture this: imagery is a noun to describe the way things or ideas seem in your mind or in art or literature. Definition: In literature, one of the strongest devices is imagery wherein the author uses words and phrases to create “mental images” for the reader. When a writer attempts to describe something so that it appeals to our sense of smell, sight, taste, touch, or hearing; he/she has used imagery.Often, imagery is built on other literary devices, such as simile or metaphor, as the author uses comparisons to appeal to our senses. Imagery is the literary term used for language and description that appeals to our five senses. Imagery is as important as metaphor and simile and can be written without using any figurative language at all. Color imagery in literature refers to using color descriptions in the story to set the mood, create visuals, evoke emotions, etc. Learn more. A rather vague critical term covering those uses of language in a literary work that evoke sense-impressions by literal or figurative reference to perceptible or ‘concrete’ objects, scenes, actions, or states, as distinct from the language of abstract argument or exposition. According to Gerard A. Hauser, we use imagery in speech and writing "not only to beautify but also to create relationships that give new meaning" (Introduction to Rhetorical Theory, 2002). Imagery is one of the literary devices that engage the human senses; sight, hearing, taste, and touch. Imagery commonly helps build compelling poetry, convincing narratives, vivid plays, well-designed film sets, and descriptive songs. In literature, symbolism is the use of objects, people or colors to represent larger ideas, adding a layer of deeper meaning to a work of art. Today, we’re going to take a closer look at how to use imagery to analyze a text. Imagery Literary Device: Definition, Types, and Examples in Research Posted on January 8, 2021. The sensory details in imagery bring works to life.