6 Types of Imagery in Literature

This tutorial brings to you some well-known types of imagery in Literature such as visual imagery, auditory imagery and tactile imagery. So if you are looking to learn more about imagery as it is used by writers of poetry, drama and prose then you are in the right place.

Here is a brief definition of imagery to start with.

Imagery refers to the use of figurative or non-figurative language to present actions, objects or ideas in ways that appeal to our senses of hearing, sight, smell, touch, and taste.

Such figures of speech as simile, metaphor, personification, onomatopoeia and so on are the vehicle through which imagery is invoked.

Types of Imagery in Literature

You can now have a list of the major types of imagery in Literature. Don’t forget, though. You will come across other different forms of imagery as you study a new poem, drama or novel.

1. Kinesthesia or Kinesthetic imagery

Kinesthesia refers to imagery depicting natural movement, motion or action.
Example:

i. The water crawled feebly into the next hole
ii. She grabbed it with the speed of lightning.

Kinesthetic imagery is a poetic device. It may be related to a heartbeat or a pulse

2. Auditory imagery

Auditory imagery is imagery which appeals to the sense of hearing.
Example:

i. They booed us off the stage each time we performed.

ii. There was a loud silence in the room.

3. Visual imagery

Visual imagery appeals to the reader’s or listener’s sense of sight.

i. Her face shone as the sky turned chocolate brown.

ii. Our hopes dimmed.

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4. Tactile imagery

Tactile imagery is that which appeals to the sense of touch

Example: This kind of news can only pierce a man’s heart like a spear.

5. Olfactory imagery

Olfactory imagery appeals to the reader’s sense of smell.

Example: Her beauty filled the room like the fragrance of French perfume.

6. Gustatory imagery

Gustatory imagery is the type of imagery that appeals to the sense of taste.

Example: Their relationship turned sour as the man accused his girlfriend of throwing salty remarks at him.

Final Thoughts

What other types of imagery in Literature are you aware of? Remember that it is always possible to discover new types of imagery such as industrial imagery, nature imagery and youth imagery depending on the particular type of literary work you are studying.

Here are some other equally useful Literature learning resources you can take advantage of on this site.

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Are you a teacher? You might want to add these resources to what you’ve already got. These helpful teacher resources can inspire you to achieve more with your students.