The thing is, figurative language is not just limited to literature - we use it all the time in our daily lives. When you say "this coffee is as hot as the sun", you're using a simile to describe the temperature. Or, when you tell your friend "you're the best", you're using a hyperbole to express your appreciation.
So, why should we care about figurative language in The Lottery? Well, for starters, it helps us understand the subtext of the story. Jackson uses figurative language to hint at the darker themes of the story, like the dangers of blind tradition and the consequences of following the crowd. By paying attention to these literary devices, we can gain a deeper understanding of the story and its message.
