Which literary device uses substitutions based on close association rather than part-whole relationships?

Study for the MoCA Language Arts Test. Practice with flashcards and multiple-choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Prepare effectively for your exam!

Metonymy is a literary device that utilizes substitutions based on a strong association between concepts or objects rather than a direct part-whole relationship. For example, when referring to the "White House" to mean the U.S. president or their administration, metonymy is at play because it uses a closely related term to represent a broader idea without directly referring to the physical building or its structural components. This device effectively creates vivid imagery and depth in language by drawing on associations that the audience can easily comprehend, enhancing the meaning and engagement with the text. In contrast, other devices like simile rely on direct comparisons, allegory uses symbolic representation to convey a deeper meaning through an entire narrative, and analogy stresses similarities between different subjects rather than close associative relationships.

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