Explain the purpose of using figurative language.

The purpose of using figurative language, as opposed to literal language, is as follows: the use of figurative speech allows the reader to imagine what the author means when he writes a sentence or a statement. Figurative speech adds strength and depth to an authored work. A good example of figurative speech is the following:

The literal version is: The sun rose at 4:45 am. 

The figurative version could be something along the lines of:
The girl stood and watched as a golden globe rose out of the sea.