Read the given passage and answer the four questions that follow:-
Donkeys may be the proverbial beast of burden, and the animal itself has come to symbolise a dimwit, someone of little value. But not all donkeys are created equal. The Halari donkeys, a breed native to Gujarat's Halar region, is not just valued, it is a VVIP.
The Halari donkey is a source of 'liquid gold', with its milk, valued for its distinctive properties, known to have sold for an astounding Rs 5000 to Rs 7000 per litre at some online platforms.
But this acclaim comes with its own set of challenges. With fewer than 500 Halari donkeys remaining, the primary need is, of course, conservation. But the larger aim is not just increasing their numbers; it's about teaching farmers the best practices, so that they can command premium prices.
Recognising the pressing need for conservation, the National Research Centre on Equines (NRCE) in Bikaner has started a dedicated programme to safeguard these animals. NRCE is also evaluating donkey milk for potential use in skincare products to sustain its value.
The Halari donkey is not just valued for its milk; its unique characteristics make it particularly valuable for sustainable dairy farming. Their docile nature, combined with their adaptability to various climates, makes them ideal for small-scale farmers. They also have a much lower environmental foot-print, compared to larger livestock, requiring less feed and water. Infact, their grazing habits even help maintain grassland ecosystems.
Identify the literary device used in the following sentence.
Halari donkey's milk is 'liquid gold'.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → Metaphor
Metaphor:
- A figure of speech that calls one thing another to show a likeness, without "like" or "as".
- It is an implied comparison: the quality of the second thing is carried over to the first.
- This sentence: the milk is not actually gold; calling it "liquid gold" presents it as being as precious and costly as gold (it sells for Rs 5000 to Rs 7000 a litre).
Example: The teacher's remark "this classroom is a zoo" is a metaphor for its noise and disorder.
Why the Other Options are Incorrect?
Option 1: Imagery — Incorrect. Imagery is description that appeals to the senses (sight, sound, smell) to paint a picture. "Liquid gold" does not describe how the milk looks or tastes; it compares its value to gold.
Example: "The golden fields swayed under a warm, buzzing sky" uses imagery.
Option 2: Pun — Incorrect. A pun is a play on a word with two meanings or two words that sound alike, used for humour. There is no double meaning in "liquid gold".
Example: "A bicycle can't stand on its own because it is two-tired" is a pun on "too tired".
Option 4: Allusion — Incorrect. An allusion is a short reference to a well-known person, story or event. "Liquid gold" refers to no such person or story.
Example: Calling a rich man "a modern Kubera" is an allusion to the god of wealth.
Contrast: a metaphor calls one thing another; imagery appeals to the senses, a pun plays on a double meaning and an allusion refers to a well-known person or story.