Final answer:
The phrase 'If a deep chasm opens up in my stomach' is metaphorical, representing deep emotional or psychological feelings. Literature and poetry often use figurative language, such as metaphors, to convey complex ideas and emotions in a more engaging way.
Step-by-step explanation:
If a deep chasm opens up in my stomach, what type of figurative language is being used? This question invites us to explore the nature of figurative language in literature and poetry. Figurative language includes various figures of speech like metaphors, similes, personification, and hyperbole. The phrase in question suggests a metaphor, where a deep chasm represents a profound emotional or psychological feeling.
When examining the texts provided, we can observe the use of figurative language in various contexts. For instance, Kasischke's poem challenges us to decipher what is literal and figurative, highlighting the slipperiness of language.
Similarly, the description of a surreal tunnel in the second text uses vivid imagery to evoke a sense of depth and mystery, while 'Untimely Unions' uses metaphorical language to describe overcoming obstacles. Dr. Zucker's dramatic description evokes the intense emotional experience of the soul in turmoil, and the excerpts from the biology textbook and LibreTexts employ language to elucidate scientific and historical concepts.