* Vivid Imagery: Figurative language helps create vivid imagery in the reader's mind, bringing the story to life and making it more engaging. Think of similes ("the sky was as blue as a robin's egg"), metaphors ("the city was a concrete jungle"), and personification ("the wind whispered secrets through the trees").
* Emotional Impact: Figurative language allows writers to evoke strong emotions in readers. A well-placed metaphor can create a powerful sense of awe, sadness, or fear.
* Depth and Meaning: Figurative language adds layers of meaning to prose. It can create symbolism, connect seemingly disparate ideas, and provide deeper insights into characters and themes.
* Memorable Writing: Figurative language helps create memorable passages and lines that resonate with readers long after they finish the book.
In short, prose writers use figurative language to make their writing more impactful, engaging, and memorable. It's an essential tool in their arsenal, allowing them to paint pictures with words and connect with readers on a deeper level.