This question is based on General Literary Principles. 'If Winter comes, can Spring be far behind?' Shelly, 'Ode to the West Wind'. The literary device used...

This question is based on General Literary Principles.

'If Winter comes, can Spring be far behind?' Shelly, 'Ode to the West Wind'. The literary device used here is 

Answer Details

The literary device used in the line "If Winter comes, can Spring be far behind?" from Shelly's "Ode to the West Wind" is a rhetoric, specifically a rhetorical question. A rhetorical question is a figure of speech where a question is asked not to get an answer but to make a point or emphasize an idea. In this case, the speaker is using a rhetorical question to suggest that even though winter may be harsh and difficult, it is a sign that spring is coming soon, and better times are ahead. The question itself, "If Winter comes, can Spring be far behind?" is not meant to be answered directly, but rather to encourage the listener or reader to consider the idea that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope for something better.