Download Imagery most often refers to the visual aspects of a work of literature

Imagery most often refers to the visual aspects of a work of literature, but the term
can be used to describe any sense perception that the author chooses to present to the
reader. Anything that is seen, heard, touched, smelled, or tasted may be covered by
this term. There are even cases in which a writer uses language appropriate to one
sense to describe another. This type of imagery is called synesthesia. Imagery
functions in a number of ways. One of its chief advantages is that it allows the
reader to experience the work of literature more vividly. Imagery also can
communicate mood and atmosphere more effectively than a direct statement from
the author. In reading, it is important to be alert not only to isolated examples of
imagery but also to patterns of imagery that develop in the course of a work.
Imagery has always been an important ingredient of literature in general and poetry
in particular. During the twentieth century, however, there was increased emphasis
on imagery, particularly visual imagery. For the Imagists, a school of poets that
emerged early in the century and that include Ezra Pound and Amy Lowell, the
carefully chosen image was the most important aspect of the poem. During the
1960s and1970s, poets such as James Wright developed a style that became known
as “Deep Image” poetry. Because images can communicate meaning, it is often
difficult to draw a clear distinction between image and symbol.