Imaginative language can be aesthetically moving and can serve moral or educational purposes. But presenting a figurative picture as a literal fact can mislead the audience.
For example, “Time flies like a bird” may effectively convey the speed of passing time. It does not imply that time is literally a bird.
The proper distinction is between a literary image and a factual report. Appreciating poetic value need not confuse these categories.
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Poetic Syllogism: Imagined Premises and Emotional Influence
Imaginative language can be aesthetically moving and can serve moral or educational purposes. But presenting a figurative picture as a literal fact can mislead the audience.
For example, “Time flies like a bird” may effectively convey the speed of passing time. It does not imply that time is literally a bird.
The proper distinction is between a literary image and a factual report. Appreciating poetic value need not confuse these categories.