Poem passage -

'Weavers weaving at break of day,
Why do you weave a garment so gay?
Blue as the wings of a halcyon wild,
We weave the robes of a new-born child.'

'Blue as the wings of a halcyon wild.' The figure of speech used in the extract is

Question

Poem passage -

'Weavers weaving at break of day,
Why do you weave a garment so gay?
Blue as the wings of a halcyon wild,
We weave the robes of a new-born child.'

'Blue as the wings of a halcyon wild.' The figure of speech used in the extract is

Accepted Answer

The figure of speech used in the extract "Blue as the wings of a halcyon wild" is a simile, which is correctly identified as Option 2. Here is a detailed explanation supporting this choice:

1. **Explanation for Option 2 (Simile):**
   - A simile is a figure of speech that directly compares two different things using the words "like" or "as." In the given extract, the phrase "Blue as the wings of a halcyon wild" compares the color of the garment to the blue wings of a halcyon bird using the word "as." This direct comparison highlights the vividness and beauty of the color, making it clear that a simile is being used.

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

- **Option 1 (Alliteration):**
     - Alliteration is the repetition of the same consonant sounds at the beginning of closely connected words. In the extract, there is no repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words. Therefore, alliteration is not present in this line.

- **Option 3 (Metaphor):**
     - A metaphor is a figure of speech that implies a comparison between two unlike things without using "like" or "as." It suggests that one thing is another. The extract uses "as" to make a comparison, which is characteristic of a simile, not a metaphor. Hence, a metaphor is not used here.

- **Option 4 (Assonance):**
     - Assonance is the repetition of vowel sounds within nearby words. While the extract contains vowel sounds, there is no significant repetition of a particular vowel sound that would constitute assonance. Therefore, assonance is not applicable in this context.

In conclusion, the use of "as" to draw a comparison between the color of the garment and the wings of a halcyon bird clearly indicates the use of a simile, making Option 2 the correct answer.