The statement: "But old fears have a way of clinging like cobwebs" is related to figurative language as this demonstrates a simile.
Answer: D
Explanation
Simile, a figurative device of speech used in comparing two objects, events, places etc using connecting words like 'as' or 'like'.
Similes adds beauty and connection to other things that the poet addresses.
Here the word 'like' can be seen in the statement.
The simile is used here to compare the clinging of old fears to cobwebs.