One of the crucial components of well-written narratives is the element of description. Quite a lot has been said about “show don’t tell” and while most writers understand it’s needed, grasping how to do it is more challenging.
Many writers turn to adjectives, adverbs, and even figurative language, thinking this is the answer to their dilemma. The trouble with those solutions, is that they rely too heavily on what the reader knows and sometimes come across as clumsy attempts to express ideas.
Imagery, on the other hand, is a writer’s tool to take a reader from one point and carry them to somewhere magical, totally crafted and created from the writer’s imagination. So, when it comes to mastering descriptive language, focus on imagery. Take some time to explore the different types of imagery. Not only is it going to be lots of fun, but it’s also the type of tangible substance that allows young minds to wrap around intangible concepts. I’ve done posts on imagery before, mainly from the perspective of comprehension because that’s how many people think it applies. But writers need it just as much.
And just in case you’re wondering what imagery is, let me give a brief definition and list the different types.
Imagery: in literature, the use of vivid descriptions to describe a phenomenon.
Types of Imagery
– Visual (what you see) The radiant sun sliced through the dark clouds, bathing the earth below with golden sunshine.
– Auditory (what you hear) The tinkling of the dinner bell echoed down the hall, letting everyone know it was time to eat.
– Tactile (touch sensations) The cushion was soft and smooth, cradling her body in a fluffy embrace.
– Olfactory (smells) His eyes brightened as the aroma of freshly baked cookies wafted down the halls into his nostrils.
– Gustatory (tastes) She savoured the minty freshness of her favourite chewing gum for a long time.
– Kinesthetic (movement) The wave rose above the ocean and gradually curled inward on itself in a graceful arch, as the dolphins lept in and out the water.
– Organic (emotions and physical sensations)
EMOTIONS: Anger rose up the back of her neck and into her face as her eyes burned with fury.
SENSATIONS: This was more than thirst, it was a kind of dehydration that evaporated all moisture from throat and mouth until only parched skin was left.
If you’re looking for ways to infuse students’ writing with vivid descriptions and sensory details, then focus on imagery.
