Final answer:
Figurative language serves to creatively express ideas and engage the reader's senses, using tools like metaphor and simile to craft vivid and emotionally resonant images in literature.
Step-by-step explanation:
The purpose of using figurative language is to express ideas, objects, or actions in a way that is not only imaginative and artistic but also appeals to our physical senses, creating a more vivid and engaging reading experience. By making use of metaphors, similes, personification, and hyperbole, authors are able to forge connections, make comparisons, and invoke a particular mood or atmosphere. For example, when an author describes lemons as 'miniature suns,' they are not only invoking the sense of sight but also imbuing the imagery with warmth and brilliance. Similarly, by saying someone is 'climbing the wheel like a squirrel,' the author provides a visual and kinetic image that captures the frantic energy of the action.
Imagery is a key component of figurative language that invokes our sensory experiences, from visual details to sounds and smells, which can transport readers and allow them to experience the narrative on a deeper level. Striking imagery can also carry connotations and emotional resonances, such as the homely warmth suggested by the scent of freshly-baked cookies. Overall, figurative language and imagery are vital in bringing literature to life, making it immersive and memorable for the reader.