What figurative device is The pen is mightier than the sword?

Answer 1

This phrase means that words are stronger than physical force. If you fight someone (use "the sword" because that's all the weapons they had when this phrase was invented), you might beat him now. However if you write something down ("the pen"), it's going to last a lot longer and maybe even make other people believe what you wrote, so that you end up making a much bigger difference than just by one fight. But, the sword could be mightier than the pen if you are just talking about brute strength

Answer 2

The meaning of that is that often written explanations and requests can be more persuasive than oral arguments or actual battles or fights.

The use of the written word is very powerful. Those reading what is written can learn, think about what they read, and use it to change the world or society. The sword destroys rather than changing the world through persuasion, and any triumph with the sword just ends in resentment, not willing acquiescence. That makes the written word more powerful. Good examples are The Bible, the Constitution, as well as various books and letters.

Answer 3

The different figurative devices are simile, personification, paradox, and metonymy. The phrase which goes the pen is mightier than the sword is an example of personification.

Answer 4

personification