An author of a detective novel is most likely to use figurative language to?

A. entertain the reader.
B. suggest hidden meanings.
C. mislead the reader.
D. help the reader visualize a character.

I think it is C or D, but I can't choose between either. I know for a fact that it is not B. Please help. This is the only question I am having trouble with.

As an avid reader of detective novels, I vote for D.

Well, as an avid reader of detective novels, too, I'd vote for B or D. Sometimes the clue is hidden, but is there.

Thank you so much Ms. Sue and Reed!

I appreciate your help!

You're very welcome.

To determine the correct answer, let's go through the options and analyze the purpose of using figurative language in a detective novel:

A. Entertain the reader: While figurative language can indeed be entertaining, it is not the primary purpose in a detective novel. The main goal of this genre is to engage the reader in solving a mystery rather than simply providing amusement.

B. Suggest hidden meanings: As you mentioned, this is not the correct answer. Figurative language is not typically used in detective novels to suggest hidden meanings, as the focus is on presenting clues and allowing the reader to uncover the truth.

C. Mislead the reader: This is a possibility. Authors may use figurative language to create red herrings or misdirection, leading the reader to suspect certain characters or events that later turn out to be false leads. However, this is not the most common use of figurative language in detective novels.

D. Help the reader visualize a character: This is a common use of figurative language in detective novels. By using vivid and descriptive language, authors can help readers visualize the appearance, actions, and personality traits of the characters in the story. This can contribute to the overall understanding and enjoyment of the novel.

Thus, based on the options provided, the correct answer would be:

D. Help the reader visualize a character.

Figurative language is frequently employed in detective novels to provide detailed descriptions that enable the reader to imagine and engage with the characters on a deeper level.