Final answer:
The figurative language in the poem emphasizes the theme of interconnectedness, using metaphors and symbols such as islands and rivers to illustrate the concept that humanity thrives on community rather than isolation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The figurative language in lines 1-4 of the poem "No man is an island" contributes to the development of the poem's overarching theme of interconnectedness and human empathy. The metaphorical phrase suggests that people are not isolated entities; rather, they are part of a larger community and their actions affect others. The use of figurative language, specifically metaphor, emphasizes the idea that human beings are not self-sufficient and need one another to thrive, just as an island is a part of a larger landmass and connected by water to other places.
The author's language is indeed full of figurative language, employing images such as islands, rivers, and mirroring to convey deeper meanings. The various symbols within the poem hold both general significance and specific relevance to the text. For example, an island may generally symbolize isolation, while in the context of the poem, it represents the notion that one should not live in emotional or social isolation.
As for the structure of the poem such as indentation and rhyme pattern, these choices affect the poem's flow and can create emphasis or highlight connections between certain lines or stanzas. Lastly, the imagery, tone, and word choice all contribute to the theme and emotional resonance of the poem, providing depth beyond the literal meaning of the words.