Which rhetorical device would it be if the author is trying to show hope for the audience by showing a nice sky in the background.

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Read up on metaphor or some kind of sensory detail, and then decide if any of them fit. If none does, then keep reading about the others on this list until you find what you're looking for.

@Writeacher, I have a question for you:

Is it all right to use the two verb tenses in the following sentence when writing a cover letter?
I developed communication skills as an Assistant at Oakly Inc., catering to the needs of my supervisor and assisting at the front desk.

The rhetorical device you're referring to is called "pathos," which is an appeal to the emotions and values of the audience. It aims to evoke certain feelings in readers or listeners to persuade them or create a connection between them and the message being conveyed.

To determine the specific rhetorical device in your example, we should analyze the impact and intention of the "nice sky" in the background. Given that the author wants to convey hope to the audience, it is likely that they are using a form of imagery, specifically visual imagery, to create a positive emotional response. By painting a pleasant picture of a beautiful sky, they tap into the audience's emotions and evoke feelings of optimism, joy, and hope.

It's important to note that this technique is primarily associated with visual art, film, or literature. In rhetoric, visual imagery is often used to enhance or emphasize certain ideas or themes, appealing to the reader's imagination.

To further clarify whether it is pathos and visual imagery being employed, consider the overall context, other elements of the text, and the desired effect on the audience. Additionally, it may be helpful to analyze the tone, language, and other rhetorical devices used in conjunction with the visual imagery to solidify your interpretation.