Sensory Imagery

Have you ever wondered why you love books so much? The reason why is because you have a vivid imagination, that is laid out in front of you by the author. The more detailed and precise the author is with describing the scene, as the reader, one seems more involved, with the story. Sensory imageries are a vital part of what makes a story memorable.

The most important sensory imagery is the visual. A few examples of visual imagery include, “The Masque of the Red Death” by Edgar Allen Poe, Poe writes, “The figure was tall and gaunt and shrouded from head to foot in the habiliments of the grave. The mask which concealed the visage was made so nearly to resemble the countence of a stiffened corpse…his vesture was dabbed in blood- and his brow, with all the features of the face, was besprinkled with the scarlet horror.” (Page 460) In this quote, Poe, is trying to personify death, first, by naming it “The Red Death,” and second, by having “The Red Death,” as a mobile corpse. Second, “The Raven” by Edgar Allen Poe, Poe writes “In the stepped a stately Raven of the saintly days of yore. Not the least obeisance made he; not a minute stopped or stayed he; But with the mien of a lord or lady, perched above my chamber door- perched upon the bust of Pallas just above my chamber door- perched and sat, nothing more.” (Page 486) The raven is sitting above his door, doing nothing but sitting there. Thirdly, in “From the Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass” by Frederick Douglass, Douglass writes, “From the crown of my head to my feet, I was covered with blood. My hair was clotted with dust and blood; my shirt was stiff with blood…I suppose I looked like a man who had escaped wild beasts, and barely escaped them.” (Page 568) Douglass was in a very poor condition, in which he was whipped very hard. Although the visual imagery is the most important, there are some that have to exist in order to immerse ones self into the story.

The second most important sensory imagery is tactile. A few examples of tactile imagery include, “The Masque of the Red Death” by Edgar Allen Poe, in which Poe writes, “…gasped in unutterable horror at finding the grave cerements and corpse like mask, which handled with so violent a rudeness, untenanted by tangible form.” (Page 461) Poe is saying that the mask was never really handled very well, and feels different when touched. Second, “The Raven” by Edgar Allen Poe, Poe states, “This and more I sat diving with my head at ease reclining on the cushion’s velvet lining that the lamp light gloated o’er.” (Page 469) Velvet is one the softest fabrics put onto furniture, and is making one infer that it is comfortable. Thirdly, in “From the Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass” by Frederick Douglass, Douglass writes, “He then gave me a savage kick in the side, and told me to get up. I tried to do so, but fell back in the attempt.

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