Note, the word figurative language basically refers to the used of words to communicate in a way that what is said or written does not follow a regular (literal; simple) meaning rather is to be understood in a more complex or unique (symbolic) way.
In the first excerpt, the use of the phrase <em>"he took the tortillas out of his poetry"</em> is to be understood symbolically. Similarly, in the second excerpt, the expression <em>"the tall American trees were dangling their thick branches right down over his head," </em>the reader observes a personification of the object, 'tree', this is a good example where figurative language can be observed.
