Question

Explain the rhetorical strategies used in the following line: “There is a path through the willows and among the sycamores, a path beaten hard by boys coming down from the ranches to swim in the deep pool, and beaten hard by tramps who come wearily down from the highway in the evening to jungle-up near water.”

Answer 1

The sentence uses rhetorical strategies such as pathetic fallacy, juxtaposition, and rich imagery to create a vivid and engaging narrative with a strong sense of place.

Step-by-step explanation:

The sentence provided employs multiple rhetorical strategies to craft a vivid and engaging narrative. First, we can identify the use of pathetic fallacy, where the path through the willows and sycamores is personified as being 'beaten hard' by both boys and tramps, suggesting frequent and forceful use that lends the path its own life and history.

Additionally, we see an example of juxtaposition with the contrast between the lively, energetic boys and the weary tramps, creating a dynamic picture of the diversity of life that traverses the path. Lastly, the text utilizes rich imagery, which paints a detailed picture of the setting and evokes a strong sense of place. The specific trees mentioned (willows and sycamores) alongside the details of the pool and the highway draw readers into a tangible world.

Answer 2

Well, I can see repetition "a path" is repeated and "beaten hard" is also repeated.

I also see alliteration "through the"

Perhaps there are others but I can't see anymore right now, sorry!