Question

a) zeugma b) verbal irony c) hyperbole d) idiom e) antithesis f) metonymy g) onomatopoeia h) meiosis read the excerpt below ask yourselves how this gracious reception of our petition comports with these war - like preparations which cover our waters and darken our land. (henry) are we disposed to be of the number of those who, having eyes, see not, and, having ears, hear not... (henry) an appeal to arms and to the god of hosts is all that is left us! (henry) choose the device from the word bank explain why this is the correct device to use

Explanation:

1. For "Ask yourselves how this gracious reception of our petition comports with these war - like preparations which cover our waters and darken our land." - The contrast between "gracious reception" and "war - like preparations" is an example of antithesis. Antithesis presents opposing ideas in a balanced way.
2. For "Are we disposed to be of the number of those who, having eyes, see not, and, having ears, hear not..." - This is verbal irony as it says the opposite of what is meant. People with eyes and ears are expected to see and hear, but here they are said not to.
3. For "An appeal to arms and to the God of Hosts is all that is left us!" - There is no clear indication of a single rhetorical device from the given list. However, if we consider the dramatic nature of the statement, it could be seen as a hyperbole as it exaggerates the situation to emphasize the desperation.

Answer:

1. e) antithesis; The statement contrasts two opposing ideas.
2. b) verbal irony; It says the opposite of what is expected.
3. c) hyperbole; It exaggerates the situation for emphasis.