Choose the correct figure of speech in the lines given below :

Pride goeth forth on horseback, grand and gay,
But cometh back on foot, and begs its way.

Question

Choose the correct figure of speech in the lines given below :

Pride goeth forth on horseback, grand and gay,
But cometh back on foot, and begs its way.

Accepted Answer

The correct figure of speech in the given lines is personification, as indicated by Option 1. Here is a detailed explanation supporting this choice:

1. **Explanation for Personification (Option 1):**
   - Personification is a figure of speech where human qualities are attributed to non-human entities or abstract concepts. In the lines provided, "Pride" is depicted as having human characteristics and actions. It is described as going forth "on horseback, grand and gay," and then returning "on foot, and begs its way." These actions—riding on horseback, walking on foot, and begging—are human actions, thus personifying the abstract concept of pride. This attribution of human traits to pride effectively illustrates the rise and fall of pride in a vivid and relatable manner.

2. **Explanation for why other options are incorrect:**

- **Simile (Option 2):**
     - A simile is a figure of speech that compares two different things using the words "like" or "as." The lines do not contain any such comparison using "like" or "as." Therefore, simile is not applicable here.

- **Metaphor (Option 3):**
     - A metaphor is a direct comparison between two unrelated things, implying that one is the other. While the lines do use metaphorical language to describe pride's journey, the primary figure of speech at play is personification, as the focus is on giving pride human characteristics rather than directly comparing it to something else.

- **None (Option 4):**
     - This option suggests that no figure of speech is present, which is incorrect. The lines clearly employ personification, as explained above, making Option 4 unsuitable.

In conclusion, the correct answer is Option 1, personification, as it accurately describes the use of human characteristics attributed to the abstract concept of pride in the given lines.