B. would apply to any kind of novel.
This question is specifically about detective novels.
A. Entertain the reader.
B. help the reader visualize a character.
C. suggest hidden meanings.
D. mislead the reader.
Answer is "B"
This question is specifically about detective novels.
Well it's "C" suggest hidden meanings
THAT ANSWER IS WRONG!
A. Entertain the reader: While figurative language can indeed entertain the reader by adding literary flair, this is not its primary purpose in a detective novel.
B. Help the reader visualize a character: This option is the most probable answer. Figurative language, such as similes, metaphors, or descriptive imagery, is commonly used in detective novels to help the reader create a mental picture of the characters, their appearance, and their actions.
C. Suggest hidden meanings: While figurative language can convey deeper meanings, such as symbolism or foreshadowing, this usage might be more common in literary fiction rather than detective novels.
D. Mislead the reader: While misdirection and leading the reader astray can be important elements in a detective novel, figurative language itself does not serve this purpose.
Considering these points, it is most likely that an author of a detective novel would use figurative language to help the reader visualize a character (Option B).