Imagery is a literary technique that uses descriptive language to appeal to the senses. Also known as enargia, it uses figurative language to create pictures or feelings in the mind of the reader or listener. In stories, imagery helps show the tone, mood, and other parts of the narrative. To do this, writers use other types of figurative language to express ideas, situations, settings, and other aspects. This allows writers to help readers understand their messages clearly without changing the original meaning.

Uses with Other Forms of Figurative Language

Imagery with Metaphors & Similes: helps readers imagine things more clearly by comparing one thing to another.

Imagery with Symbolism: gives something or someone a hidden meaning that connects it to a larger idea.

Imagery with Rhythm: helps create a mood and controls how fast or slow the story feels.

Types

There are five main types of sensory imagery. Each type is connected to a sense, feeling, action, or reaction. Other types of imagery include: