The main difference between figurative language and imagery is that figurative language is a language that uses words or expressions with meanings that are different from the literal interpretation; meanwhile, imagery is the use of descriptive language that engages the human senses.
Most people tend to assume that the terms figurative language and imagery mean the same. It is because these two concepts are very similar. In addition to that, both of these are built on figures of speech. However, these are not the same. The best way to identify the difference between the two is to remember that imagery always appeals to our senses, but figurative language does not necessarily appeal to our senses.
Key Areas Covered
1. What is Figurative Language
– Definition, Characteristics, Examples
2. What is Imagery
– Definition, Types, Examples
3. What is the Relationship Between Figurative Language and Imagery
– Outline of Common Features
4. What is the Difference Between Figurative Language and Imagery
– Comparison of Key Differences
Key Terms
Figurative Language, Figures of Speech, Imagery
What is Figurative Language
Figurative language that uses figures of speech in order to be more effective and persuasive. This type of language uses words or expressions with meanings that are different from the literal interpretation. Furthermore, the opposite of figurative language is the literal language or ordinary language. This is what we use in our daily speech. In ordinary language, we generally use words that are in strict agreement with their original meanings.
Figurative language is more elaborate than ordinary language, and this type of language is commonly used in works of literature. Moreover, writers use figures of speech like similes, metaphors, hyperbole, personification, paradox, idioms, etc. to make the language more elaborate and figurative.
Similes – compare two things
Ex: He was eating like a pig, she is busy as a bee
Metaphors – make a comparison
Ex: You have a heart of stone, you are my sunshine
Personification – gives human characteristics to a non-living
Ex: The sun played hide and seek with the clouds, opportunity knocked at my door
Hyperbole – exaggerates
Ex: She was scared to death, he snores louder than a freight train
What is Imagery
Imagery is the use of vivid or figurative language to represent objects, actions, or ideas. A writer uses his or her language to vividly describe the incidents of the story by addressing to our senses. Moreover, the human body has five basic senses: vision, hearing, smell, taste, and touch. Since there are five senses, there are five types of imagery as well.
Visual Imagery: appeals to our sense of sight.
Ex: The passage was dark and gloomy, but she could see a faint light coming from the far end of the passage.
Auditory Imagery: appeals to our sense of hearing.
Ex: The peal of laughter coming from the street broke the silence in the room.
Olfactory Imagery: appeals to our sense of smell.
Ex: The stagnant water in the tank had the smell of rotting eggs, so he covered his nose.
Gustatory Imagery: appeals to our sense of taste.
Ex: The warm, sweet chocolate drink made him happy.
Tactile Imagery: appeals to our sense of touch.
Ex: Then she rolled in the feather-soft mattress, and closed her eyes.
Relationship Between Figurative Language and Imagery
- Both figurative language and imagery are built on figures of speech.
- Moreover, imagery can be created from figurative language or literal language.
Difference Between Figurative Language and Imagery
Definition
Figurative language is the language that uses words or expressions with meanings that are different from the literal interpretation. In contrast, imagery is the use of vivid or figurative language to represent objects, actions, or ideas, and appeal to our senses.
Senses
Moreover, figurative language may or may not appeal to our senses, but imagery appeals to our senses.
Conclusion
In brief, the main difference between figurative language and imagery is that figurative language is a language that creates a meaning that is different from the literal interpretation of words, but imagery is the use of descriptive language that engages the human senses.
Reference:
1. “Figurative Language.” LitCharts, Available here.
2. “Imagery: Definition and Examples.” Literary Terms, 5 Sept. 2017, Available here.
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