Which literary device is employed in the line “The river of desire flows through the heart of men”?
Answer
Metaphor
The correct answer is Metaphor — Hence, the line is a metaphor.
Step-by-step solution
- Recall the definition of a metaphor – a direct comparison without using "like" or "as".
- Examine the line: "river of desire" equates desire with a river, and it "flows" through the heart.
- Note that no "like" or "as" is used, so it is not a simile.
- Personification would give human traits to a non‑human; here the river is a symbol, not a person.
- Alliteration looks for repeated consonant sounds, which is absent.
- Hence, the line is a metaphor.
Common mistake: Selecting personification because the river is described as moving, which can mislead students.
Concept tested: Figurative language
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