What are literary devices authors can use in short stories

[he] let his gaze wander to the swirling water of the stream racing madly beneath his feet. a piece of dancing driftwood caught his attention and his eyes followed it down the current. how slowly it appeared to move! what a sluggish stream! what contrasting words are used to describe the stream in this passage?

Which statement correctly describes the verb function in this sentence? the word “dancing” is a verb that functions as a noun. the word “dancing” is a verb that functions as an adjective. the word “becoming” is a verb that functions as a noun. the word “becoming” is a verb that functions as an adjective.

Which modifier could be used to make a comparison? first identical entirely talented