The purpose of imagery in poetry is to help get the poet's message across in language that is strong, vivid and very visual. The poet will use words to create images in our heads that help us to interpret the poem in the way he sees it. Every person has a different view on life and poets are inspired to record theirs for others to read and identify with. Sometimes, such as in "Vampire" by Ted Hughes, the images will be gruesome - as in a party host with a slack mouth like a gaping sack. Sometimes, such as in Shakespeare (Sonnet 18) the images are delicate and beautiful as in "shall I compare thee to a summer's day." Sometimes poets use similes in comparison, sometimes they use personification and sometimes metaphor. All create visuals for us, whether to shock or delight. HOPE THIS HELPS :)
