Final answer:
In literature, authors use metaphors and similes as part of figurative language to create connections that engage the reader's senses and emotions, enriching the story and adding depth to the understanding of characters, settings, or situations.
Step-by-step explanation:
In literature, authors frequently use figurative language, including metaphors and similes, to create vivid and immersive experiences for their readers. Metaphors, which are direct comparisons without the use of 'like' or 'as', and similes, which use these words, both serve to draw connections between two different concepts or images.
For example, saying 'My love, you are a rose' is a metaphor that compares a loved one to a rose to suggest beauty and preciousness. Alternatively, using a simile would be, 'My darling, you are like a rose,' which similarly creates an image or idea for the reader to connect with.
Throughout literary works, such connections engage readers' senses and emotions, enhancing the storytelling. Evocative descriptions such as these help to convey a deeper meaning or interpretation of the characters, settings, or situations. The use of figurative language enriches the text and adds layers to the reader's understanding and enjoyment of the work.