Which of the following literary devices does the narrator use in her description of both the clock and the tree in this passage? a. anthropomorphism, in which a human quality, emotion or ambition is attributed to a non-human object or being. this is often used in order to relate the object to the reader on a familiar level and also to increase the level of relativity between the humans and objects while lending character to the subject. b. paradox, characterized by the use of contradictory concepts or ideas that, when placed together, bear a deep significance or possible truth. c. sarcasm, characterized by the use of harsh or bitter derision or irony. this is often conveyed through understatement, but it can also be conveyed through overstatement. the speaker is usually stating the opposite of what is meant. d. flashback, characterized by a depiction of specific events which have taken place before the present time in the narration. flashback devices that are commonly used are past narratives by characters, depictions and references of dreams and memories. flashback is used to provide background information to the present situation, place or person. e. aphorism, characterized by the use of a concise statement that is made in a matter of fact tone to state a principle or an opinion that is generally understood to be a universal truth. aphorisms are often adages, wise sayings and maxims aimed at imparting sense and wisdom.