Often as a break from similes, metaphors, and symbols, writers can use verbal imagery to create a comparison in a more subtle way.
Definition of the Literary Technique: Verbal Imagery
Verbal imagery is to describe a person, place, thing, or idea through a verb or verbal. In this case, the verb of a sentence, or the verbal, creates the image the writer wishes to convey.
Purpose and Examples of the Literary Technique: Verbal Imagery
Writers use verbal imagery to avoid the overworked adjectives or adverbs, or overused similes, metaphors, or symbols. Letting the verb carry the image can deepen the comparison.
For example, it is quite common to compare small children to animals, especially when running wild. Many people might say that trying to gather small children is like herding cattle. This example is a simile, making a comparison between two unlike things, using the words “like” or “as.”
A writer who wants to make the comparison more subtle will incorporate the comparison into the verb. Cattle must be corralled. So, the writer can write, “We corralled the kids.”
There is no obvious comparison of children to cattle, but the verb “corralled” gives the suggestion that the children are like animals who will run amok without supervision.
Analysis of the Literary Technique: Verbal Imagery
Here is a sample analysis of a verbal image. Here the writer is providing the example, a definition, and explaining why the example is verbal imagery.
In this example, from Auntie Mame by Patrick Dennis, the author is describing a poor relation, “Miss Fan,” who is painfully shy. When Auntie Mame and her nephew Patrick are visiting Mame's finance Beau’s Southern plantation home, Miss Fan comes to Patrick’s room to introduce herself.
However, to demonstrate the extent of her shyness, the author doesn’t use the verb “knocked” at the door. Instead, he describes her thus:
“Miss Fan scratched at the door…”
The verb “scratched” indicates that Miss Fan is so shy, that she won’t even knock, but will make the same sort of noise that a timid bird might make.
Verbal Imagery in News and Sports Writing
News and sports writers often use verbal imagery in headlines and in their stories.
When referring to space shuttles, a newscaster might say that the space shuttle “rocketed” into orbit. Thus, the verb “rocketed” is an apt verbal image of a rocket.
Sports writers often use the name of a sports team to inspire their verbs. A team called the Pirates might “steal” a victory. A team called the Broncos might “gallop” to victory.
Here are two headlines regarding the Dallas Cowboys football team.
According to Eric Goska, the columnist for the Green Bay Press Gazette, “Dallas Cowboys Are Tough To Rein In.”
However, only a few days later, when Dallas loses, a writer titles a post that the Cowboys are "Knocked Off Their High Horse."
In these cases, the verbal image might be apt, but also might be over-used or obvious. Writers are always seeking strong verbal images which avoid clichés.
References
Dennis, Patrick. Auntie Mame. New York: Popular Library. 1955.
Goska, Eric. “Dallas Cowboys Are Tough To Rein In.” Green Bay Press Gazette. 14 Nov. 2009.
“Knocked Off Their High Horse.” Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Posts. 16 Nov. 2009.
Remington, Frederick. “Cowboys on Horses.” New York: Harper & Brothers, 1895.
Teresa Knudsen - Teresa's writing appears in the British Library, Harvard, Yale, and Princeton. Online she has written for USA Today and E How.
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