Overview
This lecture introduces the concept of imagery in literature, explaining its definition, purpose, and its relationship to symbolism.
Definition of Imagery
- Imagery is the use of descriptive language that appeals to the five senses: sight, smell, touch, taste, and hearing.
- Imagery can appear in both poetry and prose.
Purpose and Function of Imagery
- Imagery is used to describe concrete things in a literary work, often to set the scene.
- Sometimes, imagery is simply used for description without deeper meaning.
Imagery vs. Symbolism
- A symbol is a concrete image that represents an abstract idea or concept.
- Imagery can become symbolic when it goes beyond description and stands for something abstract.
- Not all imagery is symbolic, but all symbols begin as concrete images.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Imagery — Descriptive language that appeals to one or more of the five senses.
- Symbol — A concrete thing in a literary work that represents an abstract concept.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review examples of imagery and symbolism in assigned readings.
- Identify imagery in current texts and consider whether any images serve as symbols.