imagery

=Imagery = 
 * Definition:**

Imagery is defined as the use of vivid description, usually rich in sensory words, to create images in the minds of readers. Many poetic images function as mental pictures that give shape and appeal to something otherwise vague and abstract; for example, ‘yonder before us lie/Deserts of vast Eternity’.


 * Published Example:**

 //The Worker Richard W. Thomas// My father lies black and hushed Beneath white hospital sheets He collapsed at work His iron left him Slow and quiet he sank Meeting the wet concrete floor on his way The wheels were still turning--they couldn't stop Red and yellow lights flashing Gloved hands twisting knobs--they couldn't stop And as they carried him out The whirring and buzzing and humming machines Applauded him Lapping up his dripping iron They couldn't stop || This poem by Richard W. Thomas is almost entirely image-based. Thomas uses visual, kinetic, auditory, and tactile images to help illustrate his poem.

__Visual:__ beneath white hospital sheets; red and yellow; gloved hands

__Kinetic:__ collapsed; slow..he sank; wheels.. turning; lights flashing; twisting knobs; applauded

__Auditory:__ quiet; whirring and buzzing and humming machines

__Tactile:__ "wet concrete floor" ||       


 * Explanation of general use and effect of Imagery:**

    Imagery refers to the pictures which we perceive with our mind and through which we experience the "duplicate world" created by poetic language. Imagery evokes the meaning and truth of human experiences not in abstract terms, but in more perceptible and tangible forms. This is a device by which the poet makes his meaning strong, clear and sure. The poet uses concrete details that appeal to the reader's senses are used to build up images.  Although most of the image-making words in any language are visual, there are are also tactile, auditory, gustatory, and olfactory images. An image may also appeal to the reader's sense of motion: a well placed verb might do so.  <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0)"> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0)"> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0)">Poets do not use imagery merely to decorate a poem. Rather, they use the device as it enables them to present their subject as it is: as it looks, smells, tastes, feels and sounds. To the reader, imagery is equally important; it provides the reader's imagination with something palpable to seize upon. <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0)"> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0)">

<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0)"> http://openlearn.open.ac.uk/mod/resource/view.php?id=216348
 * References (MLA):**