What effect does imagery typically aim to achieve in poetry?

Imagery in poetry is a powerful tool that poets use to evoke sensory experiences and emotions in the reader. By painting vivid pictures using descriptive language that appeals to the senses—sight, sound, taste, touch, and smell—poets aim to elicit specific emotional responses. This connection fosters a deeper understanding and enjoyment of the poem, allowing readers to feel what the poet intends them to feel, whether that's joy, sorrow, nostalgia, or any other emotion.

Other options do not align with the primary purpose of imagery. For instance, confusing the reader doesn’t serve the intended emotional resonance imagery seeks to create. Similarly, while poetry can convey factual information, that is not the main goal of employing imagery. Finally, maintaining a formal tone is more related to the style and structure of writing rather than the emotional effect imagery is designed to have. Thus, creating a specific emotional response is central to the function of imagery in poetry.