Question

Use the sentences to answer the question.

"Why cannot a man starve in the great desert? Because he can eat the sand which is there."

In one to two sentences, interpret the figure of speech in the statement. Make sure to include the word or language being used in the figure of speech and explain the deeper meaning.

The word(s) that stand out are/is ____________________. The figure of speech is a ____________ because ______________.

Answer 1

The word(s) that stand out are/is "eat the sand" (and "starve"). The figure of speech is a paradox because it asserts a seemingly impossible contradiction — that sand's mere presence prevents starvation — to highlight the absurdity that availability alone does not equal usefulness or nourishment.