Page 276 - Wordsmith A Guide to College Writing

In writing, descriptive imagery is most often visual. Visual impressions
are strong and lasting. Psychological studies confirm that people are

more likely to rely on what they see than on what they hear. For

example, you would not be fooled by a clerk’s “Thank you” if his facial

expression said, “I hate my job.” If it is true that seeing is believing,

then creating a visual picture for the reader is particularly important in

descriptive writing.

Hearing.

Our sense of hearing also gives us information about the world around

us. We are warned by the blast of a horn, energized by the driving

beat of rock or rap, or soothed by the thunder of the ocean. Imagery
that appeals to a reader’s sense of hearing is an essential dimension

of descriptive writing.

Smell.

The sense of smell has a powerful connection to memory. The smell

of freshly popped popcorn may summon the claustrophobic feel of a
dark, crowded movie theater. A whiff of furniture polish can summon

memories of an aunt’s stately dining room. Using imagery related to

smell can help complete the picture you create for your reader.

Touch.

The sense of touch is a backdrop for all experience. As you sit reading
this, you may feel beneath you the hard surface of a wooden chair or