Source: https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/1-1-7-images-and-symbols

[Revision notes](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes.md) › [GCSE](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse.md) › [English Language](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language.md) › [AQA](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa.md) › Images & Symbols

# Images & Symbols

English Language: AQA GCSE, topic 1.1.7

## Key Terms for English Language - Images and Symbols

You need to know the following key terms for your English Language exam:

### Symbolism

![Symbolism](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/courseImages/physics/AQA%20New%20Modules/7.1.3/black%20matte%20surface.jpg)

- When one idea, feeling, emotion, or other concept is represented by something else. They reflect the figurative meaning of a picture, object, colour, etc.
 - E.g. The colour black is often used to represent death or evil.

### Simile

![Simile](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2018-04/0750b86d-53cd-4dd0-9330-c0b85a576d9e/shutterstock_696622699.jpg)

- A figure of speech involving the comparison of one thing with another thing of a different kind, using ‘like’ or ‘as.’ 
- You are comparing the qualities of the two things you are comparing.
 - E.g. in the phrase __'He was as fierce as a lion'__, you are comparing the anger and aggression of the lion with the anger and aggression of the man you are describing.

### Personification

![Personification](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2025-09/332b7b9c-4fdf-48cf-8eba-20e4427f35c6/3eedbe88-29c4-4db7-9846-49efe4a819fe.png)

- Giving human characteristics to something that isn't human to create imagery. 
 - E.g. The waves danced on the shore.

### Metaphor

![Metaphor](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2018-05/02f9fc86-09b3-4b3e-862b-d67d4d2cbe8d/shutterstock_296511050.jpg)

- A figure of speech in which you say something is another thing. You compare the qualities or behaviour of two things using metaphors.
 - E.g. in __'the curtain of fog'__, you create the image of the fog falling down on the area as if it is a curtain being dropped over the place - this could also suggest that the fog is thick and difficult to see through.

### Imagery

![Imagery](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/courseImages/chemistry/10.1.1%20Potable%20water/wave-1913559_640-min.jpg)

- Language and description that appeals to the five senses (smell, sight, taste, touch and hearing). Often, imagery includes similes, metaphors, etc.
 - E.g. The waves battered the defenceless rocks, crashing and bashing against them and spraying frigid, salty water into the night.

### Anthropomorphism

![Anthropomorphism](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2018-10/9cb4d1a4-eb6c-4e76-87dc-d339385275ad/sorting-hat-.jpg)

- This is when we make something that is not human do or say things that make them seem human.
 - E.g. The Sorting Hat talks in Harry Potter. 
- The difference between anthropomorphism and personification: anthropomorphism is when something inhuman actually does human-like things; personification creates imagery where something inhuman seems human.

## Test yourself on Images & Symbols

- What two words can we use to compare things in similes?
- What technique does this sentence use?**James was as silly as a clown.**
- What technique is being used in this sentence?**Jenny was a ghost in her paleness.**

[Practise this topic for free](https://app.senecalearning.com/classroom/course/df1578de-6327-45fa-9420-1619f20f680e/section/3b4cfd2d-8dc6-4771-b947-b6bc86a8392b/session)

- Previous topic: [1.1.6 Language](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/1-1-6-language.md)
- Next topic: [1.1.8 Phrases](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/1-1-8-phrases.md)

## English Language: AQA GCSE contents

### 1 Key Terms
- 1.1 Key Terms
  - [1.1.1 Nouns](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/1-1-1-nouns.md)
  - [1.1.2 Verbs](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/1-1-2-verbs.md)
  - [1.1.3 Sentence Types](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/1-1-3-sentence-types.md)
  - [1.1.4 Words](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/1-1-4-words.md)
  - [1.1.5 Sound](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/1-1-5-sound.md)
  - [1.1.6 Language](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/1-1-6-language.md)
  - [1.1.7 Images & Symbols](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/1-1-7-images-and-symbols.md)
  - [1.1.8 Phrases](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/1-1-8-phrases.md)
  - [1.1.9 Mood](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/1-1-9-mood.md)
  - [1.1.10 Key Terms - Other Techniques](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/1-1-10-key-terms-other-techniques.md)
  - [1.1.11 End of Topic Test - Key Terms](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/1-1-11-end-of-topic-test-key-terms.md)

### 2 Language Techniques
- 2.1 Language Devices
  - [2.1.1 Metaphors](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/2-1-1-metaphors.md)
  - [2.1.2 Similes](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/2-1-2-similes.md)
  - [2.1.3 Metaphors & Similes HyperLearning](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/2-1-3-metaphors-and-similes-hyperlearning.md)
  - [2.1.4 Personification](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/2-1-4-personification.md)
  - [2.1.5 Pathetic Fallacy](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/2-1-5-pathetic-fallacy.md)
  - [2.1.6 Pun](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/2-1-6-pun.md)
  - [2.1.7 Oxymoron](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/2-1-7-oxymoron.md)
  - [2.1.8 Hyperbole](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/2-1-8-hyperbole.md)
  - [2.1.9 Alliteration](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/2-1-9-alliteration.md)
  - [2.1.10 Sibilance](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/2-1-10-sibilance.md)
  - [2.1.11 Onomatopoeia](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/2-1-11-onomatopoeia.md)
  - [2.1.12 Emotive Language](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/2-1-12-emotive-language.md)
  - [2.1.13 All Language Devices](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/2-1-13-all-language-devices.md)
  - [2.1.14 End of Topic Test - Language Devices](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/2-1-14-end-of-topic-test-language-devices.md)
- 2.2 Writing Structure
  - [2.2.1 Narrators](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/2-2-1-narrators.md)
  - [2.2.2 Paragraphs](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/2-2-2-paragraphs.md)
  - [2.2.3 Present Tense](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/2-2-3-present-tense.md)
  - [2.2.4 Past Tense](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/2-2-4-past-tense.md)
  - [2.2.5 Future Tense](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/2-2-5-future-tense.md)
  - [2.2.6 Present vs Past vs Future](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/2-2-6-present-vs-past-vs-future.md)
  - [2.2.7 Foreshadowing](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/2-2-7-foreshadowing.md)
  - [2.2.8 Structure](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/2-2-8-structure.md)
  - [2.2.9 End of Topic Test - Writing Structure](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/2-2-9-end-of-topic-test-writing-structure.md)

### 3 Paper 1: Reading
- 3.1 Paper 1: Reading - Section A
  - [3.1.1 Paper 1: Reading - Overview - Section A](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/3-1-1-paper-1-reading-overview-section-a.md)
  - [3.1.2 Paper 1: Reading - Answering Question 1](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/3-1-2-paper-1-reading-answering-question-1.md)
  - [3.1.3 Paper 1: Reading - Answering Question 2](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/3-1-3-paper-1-reading-answering-question-2.md)
  - [3.1.4 Exam-Style Questions - Paper 1: Reading](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/3-1-4-exam-style-questions-paper-1-reading.md)
  - [3.1.5 Paper 1: Reading - Answering Question 3](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/3-1-5-paper-1-reading-answering-question-3.md)
  - [3.1.6 Paper 1: Reading - Answering Question 4](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/3-1-6-paper-1-reading-answering-question-4.md)
  - [3.1.7 End of Topic Test - Section A](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/3-1-7-end-of-topic-test-section-a.md)
  - [3.1.8 Exam-Style Questions - Paper 1: Reading](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/3-1-8-exam-style-questions-paper-1-reading.md)
  - [3.1.9 Diagnostic Misconceptions - P1 Q2](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/3-1-9-diagnostic-misconceptions-p1-q2.md)
  - [3.1.10 Diagnostic Misconceptions - P1 Q3](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/3-1-10-diagnostic-misconceptions-p1-q3.md)
  - [3.1.11 Diagnostic Misconceptions - P1 Q4 1](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/3-1-11-diagnostic-misconceptions-p1-q4-1.md)
  - [3.1.12 Diagnostic Misconceptions - P1 Q4 2](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/3-1-12-diagnostic-misconceptions-p1-q4-2.md)

### 4 Paper 1: Writing
- 4.1 Paper 1: Writing - Structuring Your Answer
  - [4.1.1 Paper 1: Writing - Overview - Section B](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/4-1-1-paper-1-writing-overview-section-b.md)
  - [4.1.2 Paper 1: Writing - Descriptive Writing](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/4-1-2-paper-1-writing-descriptive-writing.md)
  - [4.1.3 Paper 1: Writing - Narrative Writing](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/4-1-3-paper-1-writing-narrative-writing.md)
  - [4.1.4 Paper 1: Writing - Answering Section B (option 1)](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/4-1-4-paper-1-writing-answering-section-b-option-1.md)
  - [4.1.5 Paper 1: Writing - Answering Section B (option 2)](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/4-1-5-paper-1-writing-answering-section-b-option-2.md)
  - [4.1.6 Paper 1: Writing - Answering Section B - Checklist](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/4-1-6-paper-1-writing-answering-section-b-checklist.md)
  - [4.1.7 End of Topic Test - Writing Section](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/4-1-7-end-of-topic-test-writing-section.md)
  - [4.1.8 Exam-Style Questions - Paper 1: Writing](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/4-1-8-exam-style-questions-paper-1-writing.md)
  - [4.1.9 Diagnostic Misconceptions - P1 Q5 1](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/4-1-9-diagnostic-misconceptions-p1-q5-1.md)
  - [4.1.10 Diagnostic Misconceptions - P1 Q5 2](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/4-1-10-diagnostic-misconceptions-p1-q5-2.md)

### 5 Paper 2: Reading
- 5.1 Paper 2: Reading - DAFORESTER
  - [5.1.1 Paper 2: Reading - Direct Address](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/5-1-1-paper-2-reading-direct-address.md)
  - [5.1.2 Paper 2: Reading - Alliteration](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/5-1-2-paper-2-reading-alliteration.md)
  - [5.1.3 Paper 2: Reading - Facts](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/5-1-3-paper-2-reading-facts.md)
  - [5.1.4 Paper 2: Reading - Opinions](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/5-1-4-paper-2-reading-opinions.md)
  - [5.1.5 Paper 2: Reading - Repetition](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/5-1-5-paper-2-reading-repetition.md)
  - [5.1.6 Paper 2: Reading - Exaggeration (Hyperbole)](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/5-1-6-paper-2-reading-exaggeration-hyperbole.md)
  - [5.1.7 Paper 2: Reading - Statistics](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/5-1-7-paper-2-reading-statistics.md)
  - [5.1.8 Paper 2: Reading - Triples (Rule of 3)](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/5-1-8-paper-2-reading-triples-rule-of-3.md)
  - [5.1.9 Paper 2: Reading - Emotive Language](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/5-1-9-paper-2-reading-emotive-language.md)
  - [5.1.10 Paper 2: Reading - Rhetorical Questions](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/5-1-10-paper-2-reading-rhetorical-questions.md)
  - [5.1.11 End of Topic Test - DAFORESTER](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/5-1-11-end-of-topic-test-daforester.md)
- 5.2 Paper 2: Reading - Structuring Your Answer
  - [5.2.1 Paper 2: Reading - Overview - Section A](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/5-2-1-paper-2-reading-overview-section-a.md)
  - [5.2.2 Paper 2: Reading - Answering Question 1](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/5-2-2-paper-2-reading-answering-question-1.md)
  - [5.2.3 Paper 2: Reading - Answering Question 2](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/5-2-3-paper-2-reading-answering-question-2.md)
  - [5.2.4 Paper 2: Reading - Answering Question 3](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/5-2-4-paper-2-reading-answering-question-3.md)
  - [5.2.5 Exam-Style Questions - Paper 2: Reading](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/5-2-5-exam-style-questions-paper-2-reading.md)
  - [5.2.6 Paper 2: Reading - Answering Question 4](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/5-2-6-paper-2-reading-answering-question-4.md)
  - [5.2.7 End of Topic Test - Section A](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/5-2-7-end-of-topic-test-section-a.md)
  - [5.2.8 Exam-Style Questions - Paper 2: Reading](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/5-2-8-exam-style-questions-paper-2-reading.md)
  - [5.2.9 Diagnostic Misconceptions - P2 Q1](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/5-2-9-diagnostic-misconceptions-p2-q1.md)
  - [5.2.10 Diagnostic Misconceptions - P2 Q2 1](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/5-2-10-diagnostic-misconceptions-p2-q2-1.md)
  - [5.2.11 Diagnostic Misconceptions - P2 Q2 2](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/5-2-11-diagnostic-misconceptions-p2-q2-2.md)
  - [5.2.12 Diagnostic Misconceptions - P2 Q4](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/5-2-12-diagnostic-misconceptions-p2-q4.md)

### 6 Paper 2: Writing
- 6.1 Paper 2: Writing - Structuring Your Answer
  - [6.1.1 Paper 2: Writing - Overview - Section B](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/6-1-1-paper-2-writing-overview-section-b.md)
  - [6.1.2 Paper 2: Writing - Answering Section B](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/6-1-2-paper-2-writing-answering-section-b.md)
  - [6.1.3 Diagnostic Misconceptions - P2 Q5 1](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/6-1-3-diagnostic-misconceptions-p2-q5-1.md)
  - [6.1.4 Diagnostic Misconceptions - P2 Q5 2](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/6-1-4-diagnostic-misconceptions-p2-q5-2.md)
  - [6.1.5 Diagnostic Misconceptions - P2 Q5 3](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/6-1-5-diagnostic-misconceptions-p2-q5-3.md)
- 6.2 Types of Writing
  - [6.2.1 Paper 2: Writing - Article](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/6-2-1-paper-2-writing-article.md)
  - [6.2.2 Paper 2: Writing - Essay](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/6-2-2-paper-2-writing-essay.md)
  - [6.2.3 Paper 2: Writing - Leaflet](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/6-2-3-paper-2-writing-leaflet.md)
  - [6.2.4 Paper 2: Writing - Letter](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/6-2-4-paper-2-writing-letter.md)
  - [6.2.5 Paper 2: Writing - Speech](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/6-2-5-paper-2-writing-speech.md)
  - [6.2.6 Paper 2: Writing - Review](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/6-2-6-paper-2-writing-review.md)
  - [6.2.7 Paper 2: Writing - Travel Writing](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/6-2-7-paper-2-writing-travel-writing.md)
  - [6.2.8 Paper 2: Writing - Diaries & Journals](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/6-2-8-paper-2-writing-diaries-and-journals.md)
  - [6.2.9 End of Topic Test - Types of Writing](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/6-2-9-end-of-topic-test-types-of-writing.md)
- 6.3 Writing to...
  - [6.3.1 Paper 2: Writing - Writing to Inform](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/6-3-1-paper-2-writing-writing-to-inform.md)
  - [6.3.2 Paper 2: Writing - Writing to Inform - Example](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/6-3-2-paper-2-writing-writing-to-inform-example.md)
  - [6.3.3 Paper 2: Writing - Writing to Explain](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/6-3-3-paper-2-writing-writing-to-explain.md)
  - [6.3.4 Paper 2: Writing - Writing to Explain - Example](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/6-3-4-paper-2-writing-writing-to-explain-example.md)
  - [6.3.5 Paper 2: Writing - Writing to Persuade](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/6-3-5-paper-2-writing-writing-to-persuade.md)
  - [6.3.6 Paper 2: Writing - Writing to Persuade - Example](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/6-3-6-paper-2-writing-writing-to-persuade-example.md)
  - [6.3.7 Paper 2: Writing - Writing to Argue](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/6-3-7-paper-2-writing-writing-to-argue.md)
  - [6.3.8 Paper 2: Writing - Writing to Argue - Example](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/6-3-8-paper-2-writing-writing-to-argue-example.md)
  - [6.3.9 Paper 2: Writing - Writing to Persuade vs Writing](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/6-3-9-paper-2-writing-writing-to-persuade-vs-writing.md)
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