Question

Which line in the excerpt from “Out, Out—” by Robert Frost uses metonymy?

The boy's first outcry was a rueful laugh,
As he swung toward them holding up the hand
Half in appeal, but half as if to keep
The life from spilling. Then the boy saw all—
Since he was old enough to know, big boy
Doing a man's work, though a child at heart—
He saw all spoiled. 'Don't let him cut my hand off
The doctor, when he comes. Don't let him, sister!

Answer 1

I think the line 'Since he was old enough to know, big boy' is the best line in the excerpt that uses metonymy. This is because the phrase 'he was old enough' is just an expanded meaning of the phrase 'big boy' - which is what metonymy is all about.