Final answer:
The literary device used in the excerpt establishes a sense of place and culture through detailed descriptions and cultural references, which are critical to the narrative's meaning.
Step-by-step explanation:
The literary device used in the excerpt establishes a sense of place and a connection to culture. The detailed description of the setting, incorporating cultural elements like the 'Clock-hands join(ing) palms in respectful greeting' which mirrors the Indian gesture of namaste, emphasizes the significance of the location and its cultural backdrop. The narrator's feeling of being 'handcuffed to history' by his birth, along with the intertwined 'destinies' and the nation's future, points to the importance of both the historical and cultural context of the story.
When considering the purpose of setting in storytelling, we recognize that the setting is much more than just a backdrop; it is integral to the narrative's meaning. According to Eudora Welty's quoted notion, the story's artistry is inherently linked to where and when it unfolds. The setting not only enhances the sense of place but also adds layers of immediacy through the interaction of traditional and modern values, suggesting a vibrant cultural milieu.