Question

Which literary device does the poet rely on to create the image of how Higlac is killed? "And he'd fought in Higlac's war With the Frisians, fought at his lord's side Till a sword reached out and drank Higlac's Blood, till a blade swung in the rush Of battle killed the Geats' great king

a) Simile
b) Metaphor
c) Personification
d) Alliteration

Answer 1

The poet uses personification to describe Higle's death, as the sword is given human-like qualities.

Step-by-step explanation:

The literary device referenced in the excerpt from the poem about Higle's death is personification. The sword is described as being able to 'reach out' and 'drink Higle's blood,' as if the sword had a will or agency of its own. This is distinct from both a simile, which would use 'like' or 'as' to compare two things indirectly, and a metaphor, which would state that one thing is another to draw a direct comparison. There is no direct use of alliteration, which involves the repetition of initial consonant sounds, in this specific line.