What is the difference between symbolism and imagery

Many times, a writer will use imagery to signal the reader that the description of a particular object is an important part of the overall story or message that is being conveyed. Imagery and symbolism are often used together, which can sometimes make it difficult to identify them as two separate literary conventions.

A thunderstorm which has been thoroughly described using imagery could also be used to symbolize, or stand for, a concept like chaos or discontent among characters or in a certain situation. An author may also begin a scene by telling the reader about the thunderstorm, then progress to an argument between characters or a major plot twist in the story.

Sometimes, imagery and symbolism can be recognized through careful analysis of a poem or other literary work. Given below are some example of symbolism in literature. Apple is a symbol of temptation. Imagery refers to the use of vivid and descriptive language to add depth to the writing. Symbolism refers to the imbuement of objects with a certain meaning that is different from their original meaning or function. Symbolism implies a hidden meaning in words. Symbolism appeals to the intellect.

About the Author: admin. View all posts. Auditory Imagery - Appeals to the sense of hearing. Auditory imagery comes into deep play when narrating from the perspective of a blind character, or one who is temporarily blinded due to certain circumstances.

It adds color and dynamic to dialogs. Olfactory Imagery - Appeals to the sense of smell. Olfactory imagery often comes to the aid of visual imagery. A character encountering a dead's corpse will most likely describe the foul and disgusting stench of the decaying cadaver. Gustatory Imagery - Appeals to the sense of taste. Gustatory imagery is not limited to describing food and liquid. A character situated in the middle of a nuclear disaster, for example, can describe a metallic taste in the mouth to be more realistic.

Tactile Imagery - Appeals to our sense of touch. Tactile imagery varies from describing temperature of touched objects, to the texture, softness, hardness, wetness or hairyness of things. Kinesthetic Imagery - Kinesthetic refers to a person's awareness of the position and movement of the parts of the body by means of sensory organs proprioceptors in the muscles and joints. Organic Imagery - Organic imagery appeals to the internal sense organs of the body, in contrast to visual, auditory, gustatory, olfactory and tactile imagery that all rely on the external senses.

These internal senses include pain, hunger, dizziness, disgust, vertigo, confusion, and others. While organic imagery may also include emotions of a character, it should not be confused with symbolism which directly appeals to the emotions of the reader. Organic imagery often comes into play in describing the intensity of a character's suffering.