Explain what literary device(s) are used in the following sentence and why?

"Ira was sitting in the shade because it was over ninety degrees in the sun, which beat down with a fierce vengeance.“

Metaphor
Simile
Alliteration
Personification

1 answer

In the sentence, "Ira was sitting in the shade because it was over ninety degrees in the sun, which beat down with a fierce vengeance," several literary devices are employed:

  1. Personification: The phrase "beat down with a fierce vengeance" attributes human-like qualities to the sun, suggesting that it acts with intent and intensity. This personification emphasizes the harshness of the heat and creates a vivid image of the oppressive conditions.

  2. Imagery: While not one of the specific options listed, the description of the "over ninety degrees in the sun" and the sun "beating down" creates a strong sense of place and feeling. This contributes to the overall imagery of the scene, allowing readers to visualize and feel the heat.

  3. Alliteration: The repetition of the 'b' sound in "beat" and "beneath" creates a rhythmic quality and can enhance the emphasis on the force of the sun’s rays.

In summary, the primary literary device in the sentence is personification, as it gives the sun human traits, while elements of imagery and alliteration also contribute to the richness of the description.