Literal and Figurative Meaning of a poem

Hello,

Tomorrow I will have the exam of the American Literature, and I do need your help.

What does it mean to say; the literal and figurative meaning of the poem? This is what I did understand:

The literal meaning is to give the general idea discussed in the poem.
The Figurative meaning is the deeper analysis of the poem that is: any kind of “metaphor” is taken into consideration.

So, can anyone help me in additional information??? :cry:

You're on the right tracks IMo. I'd say that the literal meaning is the surface meaning and the figurative meaning is the meaning that is underneath the surface.