Final answer:
The literary device used in the provided passage from Mark Twain's 'The Danger of Lying in Bed' is irony, as it plays with the misconception of dangers in daily life.
Step-by-step explanation:
The passage from Mark Twain's 'The Danger of Lying in Bed' leverages a literary device known as irony. The text implies that people have misconceptions about the dangers of everyday activities compared to more sensational ones, which can be considered a form of situational irony. Twain often uses literary devices, such as hyperbole and vivid description, to enhance his writing and engage the reader. Although hyperbole is mentioned as a trait in Twain's writing, the specific excerpt provided in the question illustrates irony rather than hyperbole or metaphor.