Question

Which literary device is used in the phrase “murderous innocence of the sea”?

• A. Simile
• B. Paradox
• C. Metaphor
• D. Hyperbole

Answer 1

Answer:

B. Paradox

The phrase “murderous innocence of the sea” is a paradox. The sea is innocent because it is a natural force, yet murderous because of its destructive power. Yeats uses this to represent both the natural world’s beauty and its potential for harm.