Which literary device has been used in the expression ‘scarlet soldiers’ ?
Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow.
O what is that sound which so thrills the ear
Down in the valley drumming, drumming ?
Only the scarlet soldiers, dear,
The soldiers coming.
O what is that light I see flashing so clear
Over the distance brightly, brightly ?
Only the sun on their weapons, dear,
As they step lightly.
O what are they doing with all that gear,
What are they doing this morning, this morning ?
Only the usual manoeuvres, dear,
Or perhaps a warning.
O why have they left the road down there,
Why are they suddenly wheeling, wheeling ?
Perhaps a change in the orders, dear,
Why are you kneeling ?
Which literary device has been used in the expression ‘scarlet soldiers’ ?
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Correct answer: (D) transferred epithet
Explanation
The official key treats 'scarlet', which really describes the soldiers' red coats, as transferred to the soldiers themselves - a transferred epithet. The repeated 's' sound is also alliteration.