Final answer:
The figurative language in the excerpt is used to stir emotions, illustrate the consequences of inaction, and suggest that courage can lead to collective happiness and prevent regret.
Step-by-step explanation:
The purpose of the figurative language in the excerpt from ‘The Crisis, Number I’ is to evoke powerful emotions and convey the gravity of the situation being described. The imagery of cursed blood and the notion of cowardice when not acting for the greater good is designed to stir the reader into action and reflect on the consequences of inaction. Strong words like ‘curse, cowardice, happy, little,’ and ‘whole’ are utilized strategically to appeal to the readers' emotions and suggest that individual bravery can lead to collective happiness and prevent widespread regret.