In literary terms, what does 'imagery' typically refer to?

Imagery refers to language that appeals to the senses, creating vivid pictures in the reader's mind. This term encompasses various elements that evoke sensory experiences such as sight, sound, taste, touch, and smell. Writers use imagery to enhance their descriptions, allowing readers to visualize scenes, hear sounds, and even feel textures or tastes, thereby enriching the overall experience of the text. This sensory engagement often contributes to the atmosphere and emotional resonance of a piece, making it a crucial device in poetry and prose alike.

In contrast, the other options explore different aspects of literature. The structure of a narrative involves the arrangement and organization of plot elements, while the emotional overtones of a word pertain to connotation rather than sensory description. A character's development focuses on the evolution of a character throughout a story and does not relate to sensory engagement but rather to thematic and narrative growth.