After doing a close reading, why should you analyze the figurative language in a text? to reveal the author's background
to reveal hidden meanings
to understand characterization
to understand the setting
to understand the tone

Answer : to reveal hidden meanings

Figurative language refers to the word or words used in a sentence that carries a different meaning from its literal meaning. Making use of a literal language simply means that the author is only stating facts, nothing less and nothing more. Most of the time, figurative language uses exaggerations and even flowery words to make certain point.  Symbolism, hyperbole, simile, metaphor are some of the common examples of figurative language. It is very necessary to be able to analyze the figurative language in a text in order to find out the hidden or the real meaning of it because usually the meaning of the figurative language is different from what you thought it is.