What term describes the use of figurative language to create vivid images that appeal to the senses?

The correct answer is imagery, which refers to the use of descriptive and figurative language that paints vivid pictures in the reader's mind, appealing directly to the senses—sight, sound, taste, touch, and smell. When a writer employs imagery, they create a sensory experience that enhances the emotional depth and connection to the text. This technique helps to engage readers fully, making the scenes more relatable and impactful.

In contrast, symbolism involves using symbols to represent larger ideas or themes, which does not necessarily focus on sensory details. Personification is the attribution of human characteristics to non-human entities, which is distinct from crafting sensory images. Foreshadowing suggests future events in a narrative and is not related to immediate sensory experiences. Thus, imagery distinctly stands out as the term specifically linked to creating vivid sensory experiences through language.