Answer: A literal interpretation of poetry takes the words of the poem at face value and interprets them as straightforward statements of fact or description. In other words, a literal interpretation of a poem focuses on the surface meaning of the words and does not look beyond what is explicitly stated.
On the other hand, a figurative interpretation of poetry goes beyond the literal meaning of the words and seeks to uncover the deeper meaning and symbolism of the poem. Figurative interpretation involves looking for metaphors, similes, personification, and other literary devices that convey the poet's intended meaning. By examining the figurative language used in a poem, readers can gain a deeper understanding of the emotions, ideas, and themes that the poet is trying to express.
Explanation: For example, consider the following lines from Emily Dickinson's poem "Hope is the thing with feathers":
"Hope is the thing with feathers
That perches in the soul
And sings the tune without the words
And never stops at all"
A literal interpretation of these lines might suggest that hope is a bird that lives inside a person's soul and sings continuously. However, a figurative interpretation would recognize that the bird is a metaphor for hope, and Dickinson is expressing the idea that hope is always present, even in the darkest of times, and brings comfort to the soul.
In summary, a literal interpretation of poetry takes the words of the poem at face value, while a figurative interpretation looks beyond the literal meaning to uncover the deeper meaning and symbolism of the poem.