Question

What does the term 'mental pictures' refer to in literature?

1) The sensory perceptions in a text
2) The emotions experienced by the characters
3) The plot of the story
4) The author's writing style

Answer 1

The term 'mental pictures' in literature refers to imagery, which uses sensory details and descriptive language to engage the reader's senses and create a vivid experience of the text.

Step-by-step explanation:

The term 'mental pictures' in literature refers to imagery which is a description that engages one of the five senses. It involves using sensory details and descriptive language to create vivid images in the reader's mind, helping to evoke emotions, suggest moods, and enhance the reader's experience of the text.

These images can involve visual cues, but also encompass descriptions that engage the sense of hearing, taste, touch, and smell. This literary device helps readers to connect more deeply with the story by allowing them to experience it rather than just read it, thereby resonating into symbols, suggesting themes, and enhancing the overall narrative.