Final answer:
The phrase 'Retribution was creeping up on the hoof-prints of his dapper nags' uses personification by attributing the ability to creep to 'retribution', a non-human force. This literary technique adds depth to the writing, offering readers a more vivid and emotive experience.
Step-by-step explanation:
The phrase 'Retribution was creeping up on the hoof-prints of his dapper nags' utilizes a literary technique known as personification. Personification is a figure of speech where human qualities are given to animals, objects, or ideas. In this instance, 'retribution' is personified as it is described to be 'creeping up', which is a action typically associated with a person or an animal. The term 'dapper nags' refers to well-groomed horses, which adds a visual element to the description. The imagery and personification serve to enhance the narrative by giving life and emotion to otherwise inanimate concepts or non-human entities, thereby allowing the reader to better connect with the scene and theme of the story.