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Question

Difficulty: MediumFigurative Language and Tropes

Read the following poetic lines:

"The soldiers marched into the gathering dusk,
Bearing the burden of silent thunder."

Which figure of speech is used in the phrase "silent thunder"?

  1. OxymoronAnswer
  2. B
    Paradox
  3. C
    Metaphor
  4. D
    Dramatic irony

Answer

Oxymoron
The phrase 'silent thunder' places two contradictory terms—'silent' (soundless) and 'thunder' (a roaring noise)—immediately next to each other to convey suppressed emotional tension. This direct pairing of opposite words is an oxymoron.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the components of the target phrase
The phrase combines 'silent' (absence of sound) and 'thunder' (a loud sound).
Identifying the literal meanings of the two words reveals that they are mutually contradictory.
2
Examine the structural arrangement of the words
The two contradictory words are directly juxtaposed next to each other.
Direct side-by-side placement of opposing terms defines an oxymoron.

Key Concept

Oxymoron
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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Topics

Figurative Language and Tropes

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