1. Imagery Connecting Body and Mind

2. Imagery is…  A way for authors to organize details to build a better picture of something.  Sometimes obvious with sensory language or specific word choice.  Sometimes more subtle with connections between something concrete and something unknown or more abstract.

3. Please, DON’T ever use this statement (or any variation of it) as an explanation for why imagery is effective!  “It is effective imagery because it paints a picture in my head.”  Let us now have a moment of silence for this statement. May it rest in peace forever and never enter our discussions or writings.

4. Begin: Mark the passage. Look for: Lots of vivid, descriptive details Images or actions that appeal to the 5 senses Comparisons to other specific vivid details

5. Organize: Try to categorize “how” the author creates the description. Sometimes, an author uses more than method. Is there a strong verb that conveys a specific action? Are there vivid details that convey a specific action, tone, or description? Word Choice/ Diction Are there details that appeal to any of the five senses? 5 Senses: See, Hear, Taste, Touch, Smell Sensory Language Does the author use a comparative “bridge” to link something known to something more abstract? Concrete to Abstract Connections

6. Dig Deeper: Try to figure out “why” the author included the imagery. Does it help build a character description? Does it establish an image or setting? Does it create an action that becomes important?

7. Going The Extra Mile: Are there any other literary devices that are included with the imagery passage? If so, how do they work with the imagery (see how to create imagery)? How does the author use these different elements to create one overall meaning?