Analyzing Purpose and Point of View in a Narrative

Read the following excerpt from a fictional narrative:

As I stood on the edge of the cliff, the ocean waves crashed violently against the rocks below. It was a turbulent sea, mirroring the chaos I felt inside. The wind howled like a creature mourning its loss, and I couldn't help but wonder if the tempest reflected my own turmoil. Never had I felt so isolated, yet so driven to confront my fears. In that moment, I realized that sometimes, the fiercest storms can reveal profound truths about ourselves.

This excerpt is written from the first-person point of view. What is the author's purpose in presenting the character’s internal struggle through vivid imagery and strong emotions?