Analyzing and Interpreting Literature CLEP Prep Practice Exam

What is the difference between imagery and symbolism?

1. Imagery describes while symbolism depicts a meaning.

2. Symbolism uses figures of speech while imagery does not.

3. Imagery is a metaphor while symbolism is a simile.

4. Symbolism uses abstract words while imagery uses concrete words.

The correct answer is: Imagery describes while symbolism depicts a meaning.

Imagery and symbolism are two literary techniques commonly used in writing. While both involve the use of images and symbols, the key difference lies in their purpose and function within a text. Imagery is used to provide vivid and sensory descriptions, often appealing to the reader's senses of sight, sound, and touch. On the other hand, symbolism is used to convey a deeper and more abstract meaning beyond the literal interpretation of the words. Therefore, option A is the correct answer as it accurately defines the difference between the two techniques. Options B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not accurately describe the difference between imagery and symbolism, and instead, mix up the characteristics of the two. For example, option D mentions that symbolism uses abstract words, but this is not always the case as concrete symbols can also carry deeper meanings. Hence, option D is not a suitable definition of symbolism and is