Below each of the passages from Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God, list the type of literary device(s) employed and explain how the passage exemplifies the device(s).
1. Were it not for the sovereign pleasure of God, the earth would not bear you one moment...There are black clouds of God's wrath now hanging directly over your heads, full of the dreadful storm, and big with thunder, and were it not for the restraining hand of God, it would immediately burst forth upon you.
A: Imagery and repetition are employed. "...black clouds of God's wrath...full of dreadful storm, and big with thunder" creates a word picture, and the repetition of "were it not" is an example of the repeated use of any element of language.
2. The wrath of God is like great waves that are damned for the present.
A: Simile is employed. The passage makes a comparison between the wrath of God and great waters using like.
3. Now they see, that those things on which they depended for peace and safety, were nothing but thin air and empty shadows.
A: Metaphor is employed. "Those things on which they depended for peace and safety" are spoken of as if it were something else. In this case, "thin air and empty shadows."
You are correct.
Passage 1:
The literary devices employed in this passage are imagery and repetition. The phrase "black clouds of God's wrath...full of dreadful storm, and big with thunder" creates a vivid word picture, appealing to the senses and painting a visual image of impending doom. This use of imagery helps the audience to better comprehend the severity and intensity of God's wrath.
Repetition is also utilized in the passage through the repeated phrase "were it not." This repetition emphasizes the message and creates a sense of urgency. By repeating this phrase, the preacher underscores the idea that it is only the restraining hand of God that prevents the imminent outpouring of his wrath upon the sinners. The effect of repetition is to drive home the gravity of the situation and make the message more memorable for the listeners.
Passage 2:
The literary device employed in this passage is simile. The preacher compares the wrath of God to "great waves that are damned for the present" using the word "like" to draw a parallel between the two. This simile enhances the audience's understanding of the severity of God's wrath by likening it to powerful and forceful waters. The comparison helps to convey the idea that just as great waves are held back before crashing down, God's wrath is temporarily restrained but can be unleashed at any moment.
Passage 3:
The literary device employed in this passage is metaphor. The preacher metaphorically describes the things on which the sinners depended for peace and safety as "thin air and empty shadows." This metaphor suggests that their sense of security and stability was illusory, only appearing substantial but actually lacking any true substance. By using this metaphor, the preacher emphasizes the fleeting and deceptive nature of worldly comforts and possessions. The passage encourages the audience to reevaluate their reliance on temporary things and turn towards God for genuine peace and safety.
Your analysis of the literary devices employed in each passage is correct. Here is a summary of the devices and their examples in the passages:
1. Passage 1:
- Imagery: The description of "black clouds of God's wrath," the "dreadful storm," and being "big with thunder" creates vivid mental images for the readers.
- Repetition: The phrase "were it not" is repeated, emphasizing the idea that the wrath of God is being held back only by His restraining hand.
2. Passage 2:
- Simile: The comparison between the wrath of God and great waves that are "damned for the present" helps the readers visualize the magnitude and power of God's wrath.
3. Passage 3:
- Metaphor: The things on which people depended for peace and safety are metaphorically described as "thin air and empty shadows." This metaphor reveals the emptiness and insignificance of those things in comparison to God's absolute power and judgment.