Well first of all I’m also currently reading this play for my english class but I think he responded that way because it belonged to one of his deceased family members so that could be his wife, or either of his two daughters.
It is an appeal to hearing, as the strong stone workers bravely face the loud wind. Sorry if its wrong:(
So basically whats figurative language : Figurative language is the use of words in an unusual or imaginative manner. Often figurative language involves the use of a metaphor, a simile, personification, hyperbole, idiom, a euphemism, and pun.