Which of the following statements best explains the difference between literal and figurative language?
literal language is the dictionary meaning; figurative language is a secondary, more emotional meaning.
literal language is spoken language, whereas figurative language is written language.
literal language is used in the business world; figurative language is used when discussing figures in math courses.
literal language depends on the audience's experiences; figurative language does not require any interpretation.

The answer is: Literal language is the dictionary meaning; figurative language is a secondary, more emotional meaning.

Literal language is also the conventional and common meaning of a word, or the exact denotation of it.

Figurative language, on the other hand, is more complex. This deviates from conventional meaning, and by using certain rhetorical devices, like metaphors, analogies, or similes, it heightens or deepens the meaning of the word associating, comparing or equating it with unrelated meanings. Since this tends to be a hermeneutic exercise, there certainly is a subjective element to it, so that emotion can in fact play an important role in figurative language.  

the price of our current war is high; it costs money and it costs lives.

but it does not cost our pride. it does not cost the guilt that would arise from knowing that we did nothing to intervene while our neighboring nations fell to despotic leaders.

it does not cost the terror of knowing that our allies are unstable. it does not cost the fear that we, too, will be next to fall.

which sentence most accurately explains why the speaker's use of the parallel structure is effective in this passage?

a. it underscores that disagreement will not be tolerated and will be dealt with swiftly.

b. it makes the speaker seem like a decisive and capable leader.

c. it emphasizes reasons to fight and inspires listeners to aid the war effort.

d. it establishes the speaker's credibility by acknowledging the difficulties of war.