Question

which literary device is used in this sentence to evoke a sense of urgency?
the clocks ticking echoed louder and faster, counting down to an inevitable disaster.
a allusion
b irony
c symbolism
d personification

Explanation:

• Option A (allusion): Allusion is a reference to another work or concept; the sentence does not reference anything else, so A is incorrect.
• Option B (irony): Irony involves a contrast between expectation and reality; the sentence does not show such a contrast, so B is incorrect.
• Option C (symbolism): Symbolism uses symbols to represent ideas, but the clock here is not just a symbol—it’s given human - like action. So C is incorrect.
• Option D (personification): Personification gives human traits to non - human things. The clock’s ticking is described as “counting down,” which is a human action. This creates a sense of urgency as the clock is acting like a person with a purpose related to the disaster.

Answer:

D. personification