Literary Devices In The Rattler

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The Rattler
In the passage The Rattler the author depicts the narrator of the story as regretful of having the obligation to take the life of the snake that could potentially harm others at the ranch. The author, throughout the story, uses literary devices and techniques to explain mankind’s power over nature. This is also seen as the narrator’s sense of duty to the ranch vs the respect he has for all life.
The author’s diction throughout the passage is a clear indication and example of the overlapping theme of duty to the ranch’s inhibitors against morals for killing the snake for the man, the narrator. Life is sacred and not to be taken lightly for, “life was dear, and it would be dearly sold.” In this context, the word “dear” refers to