Some writers say organic imagery is the hardest type of imagery. But that’s only true when you haven’t exhausted every resource that can teach you one or two things about organic imagery.

The definition of organic imagery

Organic imagery is a type of imagery that deals with or appeals to a reader’s emotions. The writer achieves this by giving details about his or her character’s personal body experiences, emotions, and other senses such as fatigue, hunger, and more. If a writer effectively uses organic imagery, the reader will effortlessly feel overwhelmingly sad, cry, laugh, or express any type of emotion that the writer intended. You have seen and experienced the effect of organic imagery in at least one of the books you have read.

The importance of organic imagery

Organic imagery is a very important literary tool because unlike all the other types of imagery, it is the only type that allows writers to express the emotions of their characters. Human beings are creatures vulnerable to emotions, and using or adding emotion to your work is a sure way to appeal to them. Organic imagery creates a bond between your story or characters and the reader; it enhances their understanding of your work and makes it memorable.

Examples of the use of organic imagery in literature

Since organic imagery deals with emotions, we can understand it better by splitting the examples into specific types of emotions. Let’s take a look at the examples.

Words that express affirmation

She lifted her chin.

She raised her chin.

She gave him a curt nod and a faint smile.

He nodded.

Words that express anger

His hands tightened into fists.

He balled his fists with such force that his nails dug into his skin.

She dramatically threw her hands in the air, yelled, and banged the table.

After receiving the news of the break-in at his store, he kicked at his desk a couple of times before swinging a punch at the wall.

Words that express shame

She hung her head.

She bowed her head.

She pressed her hands against her cheeks.

He covered his mouth with his hand.

Words that express sadness

When the doctor started with, “We did everything we could,” a lone tear rolled down her cheeks.

She fought the tears that were forming in her eyes.

Her vibrant smile was replaced by a sullen expression that only mourners knew.

Words that express happiness

Becky’s eyes lit up and her face beamed with brightness.

He gave a smile that reached his ears.

The stars in Gianna’s eyes shone brighter at that moment.

Words that express jealousy

He scorned his brother’s new car and spat at it before leaving.

He frowned when he saw his friend’s name on the list of recruits but didn’t see his.

Words that express disappointment

He forced a fake smile.

He forced a smile.

Craig’s stomach dropped and his vision became blurry.

How to use organic imagery

Be specific about the emotion you intend to write

Be precise about the emotion you want to write in your story. This will make the reader connect easily with your words and feel the emotions.

Use appropriate words to express emotions

Use precise words for each emotion you intend to write about. Do not be vague; if it’s a happy emotion then use words that effectively describe happiness.

Sources

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Imagery

https://oakwords.tumblr.com/post/