Question

review the text in bold. my lords, the present occasion is too serious to allow me to follow the convention that a woman should not speak in a mans council. those whose interests are threatened by extreme danger should think only of the wisest course of action, not of conventions. in my opinion, flight is not the right course, even if it should bring us to safety. it is impossible for a person, having been born into this world, not to die; but for one who has reigned it is intolerable to be a fugitive. may i never be deprived of this purple robe, and may i never see the day when those who meet me do not call me empress. if you wish to save yourself, my lord, there is no difficulty. we are provisioned; over there is the sea, and yonder are the ships. yet reflect for a moment whether, when you have once escaped to a place of security, you would not gladly exchange such safety for death. as for me, i agree with the adage that the royal purple is the noblest shroud. adapted from empress theodora, \the royal purple is the noblest shroud\ in the text in bold, what rhetorical strategy does empress theodora use? she establishes her royal authority over her husband. she gives a vivid description of her royal riches. she uses the purple cloth to symbolize royalty.

Explanation:

The empress mentions the "purple robe" and "royal purple" as symbols. Purple was historically associated with royalty due to the expense of purple - dye production. By referring to these, she uses the purple cloth as a symbol of royalty. She doesn't focus on establishing authority over her husband or describing royal riches in the bold - text specifically.

Answer:

She uses the purple cloth to symbolize royalty.