Identifying the Literary Device

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 46 views

Unraveling the Literary Device: A Closer Look at the Quote

Literary devices are an essential part of literature, allowing authors to convey complex ideas, emotions, and themes in a creative and engaging way. One of the most fascinating literary devices is the metaphor, which is a comparison between two unlike things without using "like" or "as." In this article, we will delve into a quote from an unknown author and identify the literary device used. We will also explore the meaning behind the metaphor and its significance in the context of the quote.

"'Is it he?' quoth one, 'Is this the man?By him who died on cross,With his cruel bow he laid full lowThe harmless albatross."

Breaking Down the Quote

At first glance, the quote may seem like a jumbled collection of words. However, upon closer inspection, we can identify several key elements that help us understand the literary device used.

The quote begins with a question, "Is it he?" This sets the tone for the rest of the passage, which is a commentary on a person or character.
The phrase "By him who died on cross" is a reference to Jesus Christ, who is often depicted as a symbol of sacrifice and redemption.
The phrase "With his cruel bow he laid full low" is a metaphorical expression that suggests the person or character being referred to is responsible for the death of the albatross.
The final phrase, "The harmless albatross," is the key to understanding the literary device used in the quote.

Identifying the Literary Device

The literary device used in the quote is a metaphor. A metaphor is a comparison between two unlike things without using "like" or "as." In this case, the author compares the albatross to a harmless creature, implying that it is innocent and not responsible for any harm.

The Metaphor: A Closer Look

The metaphor "The harmless albatross" is a powerful tool used by the author to convey a message. The albatross is a symbol of good luck and prosperity in many cultures, but in this context, it is used to represent something that is innocent and not responsible for any harm.

The use of the metaphor suggests that the author is making a commentary on the idea that even the most innocent and harmless creatures can be affected by the actions of others. This is a powerful message that resonates with readers and encourages them to think critically about the world around them.

The Significance of the Metaphor

The metaphor "The harmless albatross" is significant because it highlights the idea that even the most innocent and harmless creatures can be affected by the actions of others. This is a powerful message that resonates with readers and encourages them to think critically about the world around them.

The use of the metaphor also suggests that the author is making a commentary on the idea that we are all responsible for the harm that we cause to others. This is a powerful message that encourages readers to think about their actions and how they impact the world around them.

In conclusion, the literary device used in the quote is a metaphor. The metaphor "The harmless albatross" is a powerful tool used by the author to convey a message about the idea that even the most innocent and harmless creatures can be affected by the actions of others. The use of the metaphor suggests that the author is making a commentary on the idea that we are all responsible for the harm that we cause to others. This is a powerful message that resonates with readers and encourages them to think critically about the world around them.

What is the literary device used in the quote?
- The literary device used in the quote is a metaphor.
What is the metaphor "The harmless albatross" used to represent?
- The metaphor "The harmless albatross" is used to represent something that is innocent and not responsible for any harm.
What is the significance of the metaphor?
- The metaphor highlights the idea that even the most innocent and harmless creatures can be affected by the actions of others.

For more information on literary devices, please see our article on literary devices.
For more information on metaphors, please see our article on metaphors.
For more information on the quote, please see our article on the quote.
Frequently Asked Questions: Unraveling the Literary Device

A: The literary device used in the quote is a metaphor. A metaphor is a comparison between two unlike things without using "like" or "as." In this case, the author compares the albatross to a harmless creature, implying that it is innocent and not responsible for any harm.

A: The metaphor "The harmless albatross" is used to represent something that is innocent and not responsible for any harm. The albatross is a symbol of good luck and prosperity in many cultures, but in this context, it is used to represent a creature that is innocent and not responsible for any harm.

A: The metaphor highlights the idea that even the most innocent and harmless creatures can be affected by the actions of others. This is a powerful message that resonates with readers and encourages them to think critically about the world around them.

A: The author is trying to convey the idea that we are all responsible for the harm that we cause to others. The use of the metaphor suggests that even the most innocent and harmless creatures can be affected by the actions of others, and that we must take responsibility for our actions.

A: The metaphor is a key element of the quote, and it helps to convey the author's message about the importance of taking responsibility for our actions. The metaphor is used to create a powerful and evocative image that resonates with readers and encourages them to think critically about the world around them.

A: The albatross is a symbol of good luck and prosperity in many cultures, but in this context, it is used to represent a creature that is innocent and not responsible for any harm. The use of the albatross as a metaphor highlights the idea that even the most innocent and harmless creatures can be affected by the actions of others.

A: The metaphor highlights the idea that we are all responsible for the harm that we cause to others. The use of the metaphor suggests that even the most innocent and harmless creatures can be affected by the actions of others, and that we must take responsibility for our actions.

A: The phrase "By him who died on cross" is a reference to Jesus Christ, who is often depicted as a symbol of sacrifice and redemption. The use of this phrase helps to create a powerful and evocative image that resonates with readers and encourages them to think critically about the world around them.

A: The metaphor highlights the idea that even the most innocent and harmless creatures can be affected by the actions of others. The use of the metaphor suggests that we must take responsibility for our actions and consider the impact that they have on others.

A: The phrase "With his cruel bow he laid full low" is a metaphorical expression that suggests the person or character being referred to is responsible for the death of the albatross. The use of this phrase helps to create a powerful and evocative image that resonates with readers and encourages them to think critically about the world around them.

A: The quote is a powerful and evocative expression that highlights the idea that we are all responsible for the harm that we cause to others. The use of the metaphor creates a powerful and evocative image that resonates with readers and encourages them to think critically about the world around them.