What is imagery in literature?

Imagery in literature refers specifically to descriptive language that engages the senses, allowing readers to create vivid mental pictures. It includes words and phrases that evoke sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and tactile sensations. By appealing to these senses, imagery enhances the reader's experience and helps convey deeper meanings and emotions within the text. This technique enriches the narrative, making it more immersive and relatable.

The other options, while related to different literary techniques, do not capture the essence of imagery. For example, building suspense is a separate narrative strategy that focuses on creating tension, rather than appealing to the senses. Similarly, the use of symbols is about representing abstract concepts, which is distinct from the sensory experiences that imagery provides. Lastly, a narrative structure with a clear beginning and end pertains to the organization of a story, rather than the descriptive quality that characterizes imagery.