Read the literary excerpt below and complete the analytical statement by filling in the blanks with the precise literary devices demonstrated.
Answer:In the line, 'The silence roared through the vacant courtyard while the ancient wall stood as a silent witness to history,' the phrase 'silence roared' exemplifies 【oxymoron】, whereas attributing the ability to act as a 'witness' to an 'ancient wall' demonstrates 【personification】.
Answer
The first blank is 'oxymoron' (or 'an oxymoron') and the second blank is 'personification'.
The expression 'silence roared' pairs two contradictory words directly together, creating an oxymoron. Giving the inanimate wall the human capability of serving as a 'witness' is an example of personification.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Contextual identification of oxymoron and personification in literary excerpts.