Imagery and metaphor

English

Definition

Imagery is language that appeals to the five senses to create vivid mental pictures, while metaphor is a figure of speech that directly compares two unlike things without using "like" or "as." Together, they make writing more powerful and emotionally engaging.

Examples

  • Imagery: "The crisp autumn leaves crunched beneath her boots" (sound and touch)
  • Metaphor: "Time is a thief that steals our youth"
  • Extended metaphor: Shakespeare comparing the world to a stage throughout a speech

Related Terms

Figurative language Sensory details Poetic devices Descriptive language

Study This Concept

Practice imagery and metaphor with free review games in these units:

Creative Writing Unit 5: Poetry and Verse