Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Imagery

Definition: A word or phrase that appeals to one or more of the five senses (sight = visual, hearing = auditory, touch = tactile, smell = olfactory, taste = gustatory. Sometimes imagery can appeal to two or more senses at one time.


Example: "I want them to waterski across the surface of a poem..." (Introduction to Poetry by Billy Collins) This is an example of visual imagery. It made me visualize smooth, glassy water and the grace with which a talented waterskier glides over it. Poetry can be smooth and graceful and enjoyable too.

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