What is the primary function of figurative language?

The primary function of figurative language is to create vivid imagery and express complex ideas effectively. Figurative language employs various devices such as metaphors, similes, personification, and hyperbole, which help to paint mental pictures and evoke emotions in the reader. This enhances the sensory experience of the writing, allowing readers to connect with the text on a deeper level.

Through figurative expressions, writers can convey nuances and layers of meaning that go beyond literal interpretations. For example, saying "the world is a stage" uses a metaphor to suggest that life is performative, prompting readers to consider themes of roles and experiences in a new light. This richness in expression is what makes figurative language a powerful tool in literature and communication.

While other options present important aspects of writing, they do not align with the innate purpose of figurative language. Literal meanings and clarity focus more on straightforward communication, and simplification or emphasis on facts does not harness the imaginative and interpretive strengths that figurative language offers.