Final answer:
Imagery is a descriptive tool in literature that appeals to the senses to create a vivid mental picture, invoke emotions, and establish the mood within a text. It is different from direct comparisons or contrasts and is used to add depth to the reading experience.
Step-by-step explanation:
Imagery in literature is a language tool that evokes the senses and paints a picture in the reader's mind. It typically does not compare two things directly like a simile or metaphor would. Instead, imagery can bring up a set of connotations such as memories or emotions, associated with the sensory experience being described. For example, the description of the scent of freshly-baked cookies may evoke feelings associated with childhood, comfort, or home. Authors use imagery to highlight certain ideas, characters, or settings, and to help establish the mood of the text. In a story, rain imagery might be used to create a somber and reflective mood, influencing the reader's emotional response and adding depth to the narrative.