Figurative Speech

Based on the excerpt, there are two types of figurative language; personification hyperbole.

Personification

 Personification gives life and attributes to nonliving things. In the passage, the writer gives the scorching sun a human attribute. The sun is pitiless as it emits heat, which in turn causes drought. Personifying the sun describes all aspects of the sun with ease: it heats up land hence causing drought and famine. In addition, personification of the sun brings into context everything the author talks about.

Hyperbole

Hyperbole is an extreme exaggeration. In the passage, the author claims that ‘the drought continued until we lost count of time’ instead of stating clearly that the drought lasted for many years, may be ten or more years. In reality, it is not easy counting time and keeping stock but through hyperbole, the writer indirectly shows the negative effects of the drought and his longing for change from the tedious heat.