Difference between Symbolism and Imagery in Literature

Symbolism and imagery both are literary devices. These are used to convey an author’s message, idea, feelings or thoughts. Symbolism is used to convey a specific meaning, which is different from the original meaning. On other hand imagery is used to create vivid pictures in the mind of the readers with the help of sensory words. These literary devices are used by most authors so as to embellish and enhance the theme of the literary works. Let us understand the symbolism and imagery in detail.

Symbolism

In the English literature, symbolism is a technique that is used when something is not to be taken literary. In simple words, symbolism is the use of a real object to stand for an idea, concept or situation. With the help of symbolism, a writer enhances the meaning of his or her literary work and captures the attention of the readers. Most writers or authors create images with the help of symbolism. A symbolism can refer to a person, word, event, action, object and situation that carry a deeper meaning in context.

For example:

•    White color is a symbol of purity and innocence.

•    Red color is symbol of anger or passion.

•    Light is a symbol of knowledge.

•    Rose is a symbol of romance.

•    Life is a roller coaster – Here roller coaster symbolizes the ups and downs of life.

Imagery

Imagery refers to any kind of description that relates to a person’s five senses. In simple words, imagery is a descriptive language, which appeals to the physical senses (sight, sound, touch, taste and smell) of the reader. With the help of imagery, the writer or author draw picture in the mind of the readers. It is a technique of creating vivid mental images for the reader by using strong sensory words. The writer uses imagery to help readers to understand the imaginary world by using their five senses.

For example:

•    The word spread like leaves in a storm.

•    He felt like the flowers were waving him a hello.

•    One bite of the sour lemon caused my lips to pucker.

•    Glittering white, the blanket of snow covered everything in sight.

•    The sweet smell of freshly baked apple filled the air.

What is Imagery

Imagery is used to describe something vividly. It is a literary text that is used by poets and authors to create or depict a visual representation of ideas and thoughts in a reader’s mind. By using imagery, a poet or an author tries to rejuvenate the five senses of readers and compel them imagine the piece of writing with the help of different sense of body. Imagery is used to give a realistic feeling to the readers and involves them for a long time. Usually, dominating forms of imagery captures all the senses of human and describe ideas and concepts through metaphors. In other words, imagery is a tool that creates a picture in a reader’s mind and allows him to touch, taste, smell, hear and see what a poet is explaining in his poetry. With the help of imagery, an author or a poet portrays different images or pictures and involve readers in their world.

Kinds of Imagery

The imagery is categorized into seven types that are as follows:

1. Visual Imagery: This type of imagery is commonly used to create a visual image or scene in the poetry. In order to draw an image in readers’ mind, a poet uses visual imagery.

2. Auditory Imagery: This type of imagery is used to create any kind of sounds; it can be a sound of lighting, rain or thunder. By using auditory imagery, a poet allows a reader to imagine a noise or a sound of a particular thing, which is described in the poetry.

3. Olfactory Imagery: Olfactory imagery is used to stimulate the sense of smell of a reader. It relates to some kind of scents or odours.

4. Gustatory Imagery: This kind of imagery is used to create a sense of taste. If a poet is explaining about some kind of food, sweet or snack, then gustatory imagery is used.

5. Tactile Imagery: This type of imagery is used to create a feeling of touch in a reader’s mind. A touch can be cold, hot, soft or hard.   

6. Kinesthetic Imagery: It is used to give a feel of some kind of movement. By using this type imagery, a poet creates a sense of movement or tension in a reader’s mind.

7. Organic Imagery: This type of imagery is used to recreate a sense of fear, hunger, pain, thirst and fatigue.