Imagery?
Teacher information
Slide show
Imagine that!
This exercise is designed to reinforce the concept of imagery in literature.
In addition it addresses the following strategies:
MAP Testing
• to identify examples of
descriptive language on the
“Near Proficient” level
• to interpret language using
imagery “Proficient” level
Show-Me standards,
Communication Arts
• #2, reading and evaluating
fiction, poetry and drama
Show-Me Standards Goal 1
•comprehend and evaluate written,
visual, and oral presentations and
works.
Show-Me Standards Goal 2
• review and revise
communications to improve
accuracy and clarity
• present perceptions and
ideas regarding works of the
arts, humanities and
sciences.
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It is suggested that students keep a journal for the writing
prompts in each section. After time has been allotted to
complete these writing prompts, the class should then discuss
their ideas. Students should read directly from their journals,
as this reinforces clear expression of ideas.
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Imagery
•Imagery is a literary device used to create word pictures for
the reader. These pictures, or images, are developed by using
details appealing to the five senses: sight, sound, taste, touch,
or smell.
•Examples:
•The wind screeched. (The word, screeched, appeals to the
sense of hearing.)
•Night’s damp breath brushed my cheek. (This appeals to
the sense of touch.)
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Read the following poem by William Shakespeare, entitled
“Winter.” Notice his use of imagery to help his readers picture
a 15th Century winter.
Here is a hint to help you out. Since this poem was written
several centuries ago, some of the references may not be
familiar to you. Be sure to read the side notes to help you
understand Shakespeare’s images
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Winter
William Shakespeare
When icicles hang by the wall
And Dick the shepherd blows his nail*
And Tom bears logs into the hall
And milk comes frozen home in pail,
When blood is nipp’d** and ways be foul,
Then nightly sings the staring owl,
Tu-whit;
While greasy Joan doth keel the pot.***
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*Blows on his
fingernails to warm
his hands.
**stung with cold
*** stir the pot to
cool its contents
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When all around the wind doth blow
And coughing drowns the parson’s saw*
And birds sit brooding in the snow
And Marian’s nose looks red and raw,
When roasted crabs** hiss in the bowl,
Then nightly sings the staring owl,
Tu-whit;
Tu-who, a merry note,
While greasy Joan doth keel the pot.
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*sermon
**crab apples
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Reread the poem
“Winter” by William
Shakespeare. Write as
many examples of
imagery as you can
find. Tell to what sense
each of the images
appeals.
Return to the poem
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You should have included these images in your list:
•“icicles hang by the wall”--sight
•Dick the shepherd blows on his hands--touch
•milk frozen in the pail-sight and touch
•blood is nipped--touch
•owl sings--sound
•joan stirs the pot--sight
•wind blows--touch and possibly sound
•coughing--sound
•birds brooding--sight
•Marians nose--sight
•roasted crabapples hiss--sound and smell
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Shakespeare wrote his poem,
“Winter,” several centuries ago. If
you were to describe winter today,
your images would probably be
very different.
In your journal, create a
description of winter in modern
times, using vivid imagery to draw
a picture in your reader’s mind.
Return to the
beginning