So I already post a question however I forgot to write the definition of "conventional phrases" so here it is:Meaning beyond literal meaning

Question

Ex. – if a character is making
his/her bed or making the bed
narrow, the speaker is preparing
for death

My questions are what are the conventional phrases in the Ballad of Birmingham and what is the significance of the question and answer format.

Answer 1

What does the question and answer format mean? What is the mother trying to accomplish by telling the child she can't go to the march? And what is the significance of the girl's desire to "make the country free"? Contrast that with the bomb that takes the girl's life.

"Conventional phrases" still baffles me. The example is a metaphor. It may be "conventional" in some patois, as in common speech, but it's still a metaphor in literary terms. There are some adjective phrases and some contrasts here that have meaning, as in white gloves on the mother's brown hands that may be "conventional", but that's not how I would describe them. "rose petal sweet" is a common image. Is that what your text materials mean? I don't know.

Answer 2

con·ven·tion·al
[kənˈven(t)SH(ə)n(ə)l]

ADJECTIVE
based on or in accordance with what is generally done or believed:
"a conventional morality had dictated behavior"
synonyms: normal · standard · regular · ordinary · usual · traditional · [more]
(of a person) concerned with what is generally held to be acceptable at the expense of individuality and sincerity.
(of a work of art or literature) following traditional forms and genres:
"conventional love poetry"
synonyms: orthodox · traditional · established · [more]
(of weapons or power) nonnuclear:
"agreement on reducing conventional forces in Europe"
bridge
(of a bid) intended to convey a particular meaning according to an agreed upon convention. Often contrasted with natural.