Literary Devices Elements of Imagery

Directions Make sure you are viewing the slideshow (click on “slideshow” and “from beginning”) For your Cornell Notes: Topic: Literary Devices: Elements of Imagery EQ: How are elements of imagery used in poetry and other types of writing? Make sure you write the definition and at least 1 example for each literary device in your notes.

What are elements of imagery? Writers and poets use elements of imagery to help the reader better relate, understand, and picture a thought or offer a new perspective. May be used to emphasize a point

Simile Simile: Comparison of two unlike things using like, as, than, or resembles Example: “She had a voice like an unoiled gate, but somehow not unpleasant.” -A Wrinkle in Time, Madeleine L’Engle Her hands were like ice.

Metaphor Metaphor: Comparison of two unlike things NOT using words like, as, than, or resembles A direct statement May use “is” Example: “Amanda took the torn page from Maniac. To her, it was the broken wing of a bird, a pet out in the rain.” -Maniac Magee, Jerry Spinelli Example: His hear is made of stone.

Personification Personification: Giving human characteristics to nonhuman/nonliving things Example: “The house quivered with every gust of wind.” -There will Come Soft Rains, Ray Bradbury Example: A falling leaf danced on the breeze.

Hyperbole  Hyperbole: An extreme exaggeration or overstatement used for effect. These are not literally true, but people use them to sound impressive or to emphasize something. Example: It was so cold, I thought my nose would fall off.

Symbol/Symbolism Symbols: In literature are people, places, or events that have meaning in themselves but also stand for something beyond themselves. Example: In the Hunger Games, Katniss’ mockingjay pin becomes a symbol of defiance (and later of rebellion). Examples in real life: a dove with an olive branch symbolizes peace; a skill and crossbones symbolizes poison

Sensory Details Sensory Details: A specific descriptive detail that appeals to one or more of the 5 senses

Imagery Imagery (Made up of sensory details): The use of sensory details to create a descriptive image in the reader’s mind Paints a “picture” with sensory details Example: “I remember the summers with lightening bugs and honeysuckle smells; the cold winters when the field would all be brown and would crackle under my feet.” -The Cay, Theodore Taylor

What about theme? (note: NOT an element of imagery) Literary devices and the elements of poetry help the poet establish the theme. Just as in fiction, the theme of a poem is the author’s message about life.