Final answer:
Holmes's description of Old Ironsides as the eagle of the sea is an example of Symbolism, representing freedom, strength, and spirit.
Step-by-step explanation:
Holmes's description of Old Ironsides as the eagle of the sea is an example of B) Symbolism. This figurative language technique involves the use of a symbol to represent an idea or qualities. In the context of Old Ironsides, which is a nickname for the famous USS Constitution, an eagle often symbolizes freedom, strength, and the soaring spirit, qualities that can be attributed to the historic warship. This usage does not align with other options such as Onomatopoeia,
which is the formation of a word from a sound associated with what is named; Hyperbole, which is exaggerated statements or claims not meant to be taken literally; nor Alliteration, which is the occurrence of the same letter or sound at the beginning of adjacent or closely connected words.