Final answer:
Metaphor and figurative language in literature serve to deepen the reader's connection with the text, inviting them to explore complex emotions and concepts through vivid imagery and sensory experiences.
Step-by-step explanation:
The use of metaphor in literature creates vivid imagery and can profoundly impact the reader's understanding and emotions. For instance, in Laura Kasischke's poem, we encounter metaphors that compare everyday concepts with poignant images, like an infant sleeping to a milky sea and a star to both fire and flower.
These comparisons not only enhance the poem's beauty but also deepen our understanding of the objects and feelings being described. Similarly, the comparison of black men to falling stars illuminates the societal challenges they face. Through the use of metaphor, the reader is invited to explore layers of meaning within a text, making connections between seemingly dissimilar things.
Figurative language, which includes metaphors and similes, allows readers to experience the abstract in a more sensory and relatable way. It can convey complex emotions and concepts, like the speaker's epiphany and the presence of imagery that appeals to our senses.
The varied use of figurative language in literature enables readers to bridge the gap between their experiences and those presented in a story, hence fostering a deeper connection with the text.