What literary device is used in “The Sermon on the Plain”?
The literary devices commonly used in "The Sermon on the Plain" include:
1. Allusion: References to Old Testament scriptures and teachings are made throughout the sermon, connecting Jesus' words to the established religious tradition.
2. Metaphor: Jesus uses metaphors to convey his teachings and make them more relatable. For example, he refers to his followers as "salt of the earth" and "light of the world."
3. Parallelism: The sermon is structured with parallel phrases and ideas, such as the repeated use of the phrase "Blessed are" to highlight different qualities of the faithful.
4. Hyperbole: Jesus uses exaggerated language to emphasize his points, such as when he advises his followers to pluck out their own eyes if they cause them to sin.
5. Contrast: Throughout the sermon, Jesus presents contrasts between different states or behaviors, such as the contrast between blessings and woes, or the contrast between love for enemies and hatred for others.
The literary device used in "The Sermon on the Plain" is known as parallelism.
To determine the literary device used in "The Sermon on the Plain," we can start by analyzing the text itself. "The Sermon on the Plain" is a famous passage from the New Testament of the Bible, specifically found in the Gospel of Luke. It is a teaching by Jesus Christ, where he delivers a series of moral and ethical instructions to his disciples and the crowds gathered to hear him.
One literary device commonly used in this passage is parallelism. Parallelism refers to the repetition of similar grammatical structures or ideas for rhetorical effect. In "The Sermon on the Plain," Jesus uses a repetitive structure to deliver his teachings, often starting sentences with similar phrases such as "Blessed are" or "woe to."
To identify parallelism and other literary devices in any text, you can follow these steps:
1. Read the passage carefully: Read the text attentively to grasp its overall meaning and context.
2. Identify recurring patterns: Look for repeated words, phrases, or sentence structures in the passage.
3. Analyze the effect: Consider the impact of these repetitions on the passage's tone, rhythm, or emphasis.
4. Consult literary resources: Various literary resources, such as textbooks or online sources, can provide specific examples of literary devices commonly used in literature.
5. Verify with experts: Passages from religious texts like "The Sermon on the Plain" often have extensive scholarship associated with them. Consulting academic commentaries or seeking the opinion of biblical scholars can further validate your analysis.
Remember, literary devices are tools that authors use to convey their ideas effectively. Spotting and understanding these devices can enhance your overall understanding and appreciation of a text.