CLOSE READING SKILLS Imagery Learning Intention: I can demonstrate my analysis of specific imagery a writer uses

Simile Metaphor Personification IMAGERY Simile Metaphor Personification When writer uses imagery, it is to create a more vivid and interesting picture in the mind of the reader. Think about the comparison the writer is making, and the connotations this image has – what does it suggest to us? For example, “the boxer was an animal in the ring” – here, the writer is comparing the boxer to an animal. This has connotations of brute violence, uncontrollable aggression, etc. So just as an animal is vicious and instinctive in its attacks, so too does the boxer lack humanity and the control a person should have.

Starter “I sat at the big table and read all the papers: in public housing in Wolverhampton, the broadsheets are as incongruous and illuminating as an Eames lamp.” 1. Check the dictionary for the meaning of ‘incongruous’. 2. Comment on the writer’s use of imagery – how does it convey the importance of libraries to her? YOU HAVE FIVE MINUTES

HOW TO ANSWER – IMAGERY Step 1: Quote the image and identify the object of the image (the literal root). Step 2: Discuss the points of similarity of the image and any connotations the object itself may have. Step 3: Refer back to the question - explain how it helps you to imagine better the original idea.

Comment on the writer’s use of imagery in this line. Example ‘The beautiful Argentinian countryside has been left scarred with miles and miles of concrete motorway.’ Comment on the writer’s use of imagery in this line.

Example Steps Example Step 1: Quote the image and identify the object of the image (the literal root). “scarred” The object of the image is – scarred/a scar Step 2: Discuss the points of similarity of the image and any connotations the object itself may have. ‘Road’ - grey long never ending unattractive permanent ‘Scar’ - ugly leaves a mark doesn’t go away noticeable Step 3: Refer back to the question - explain how it helps you to imagine better the original idea. Just as a scar is unsightly, leaves a permanent mark on something which was once attractive, so too the road spoils the countryside and is a permanent mark on the land.

Look at the Charlie Brooker article in your Newspaper booklets. Read lines 9-10: “…a lightshow for cattle” and comment on what this conveys about what the writer believes the cinema is offering. Read lines 35-38. Comment on the imagery: “…like working your way through a hard- nosed…police…mini series.” What does it convey about the writer’s attitude to video games? Read lines 48-49 and comment on the writer’s imagery: “…a demented series of puzzles” or “like being struck inside a physics-based logic problem…” Follow the formula and answer the above questions. YOU HAVE TEN MINUTES

Task 1. “The shelves were supposed to be loaded with books--but they were, of course, really doors: each book-lid opened as exciting as Alice putting her gold key in the lock.” Comment on the writer’s use of imagery and how it describes her experience in a library. 2 marks 2. “They are cathedrals of the mind; hospitals of the soul; theme parks of the imagination.” Analysing the images above and comment on how it emphasises the importance of public libraries. 6 marks

Question One ‘On the sandbanks the rabbits sat as quietly as little grey, sculptured stones.’ The object of the image is_________________ Points of similarity/connotations: Rabbits - Stones – Answer: Just as ____________________________________________________________ So too_________________________________________________________________

Question two ‘His arms did not swing at his sides, but hung loosely and only moved because the heavy hands were pendula.’ (look up pendula/pendulum in the dictionary) The object of the image is ________________ Points of similarity/connotations: Arms- _________ - Answer: Just as _____________________________________________________________ So too______________________________________________________________

Question three ‘A water-snake glided smoothly up the pool, twisting its periscope head from side to side:’ The object of the image is ________________ Points of similarity/connotations: Water-snake’s head - ___________ - Answer: Just as _____________________________________________________________ So too______________________________________________________________

Question four “ ‘Don’t you go yellin’,’ he said, and he shook her; and her body flopped like a fish.” The object of the image is ________________ Points of similarity/connotations: _____________ - _____________ - Answer: Just as _____________________________________________________________ So too______________________________________________________________

Question five ‘The light climbed on out of the valley, and as it went, the tops of the mountains seemed to blaze with increasing brightness.’ The object of the image is ________________ Points of similarity/connotations: _________________ - _____________ - Answer: Just as ____________________________________________________________ So too_____________________________________________________________

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