Lines 14-17 in the poem are best described as an example of what literary device?

The lines in question can indeed be described as a metaphor, which is a literary device that makes a direct comparison between two unlike things without using "like" or "as." In poetry, a metaphor can create vivid imagery by equating one thing to another, allowing readers to perceive commonalities in their characteristics or emotional resonance.

If the lines in the poem illustrate an abstract concept by comparing it to something concrete or different, this empowers the reader to engage with the text on a deeper level, enhancing the overall meaning and emotional impact of the poem.

In contrast, similes, which do use "like" or "as" for comparison, are distinct and serve a different purpose in crafting imagery. Animation typically refers to the act of bringing something to life, and personification specifically attributes human qualities to non-human entities. These devices, while valuable in their own right, do not apply to the metaphorical use of language described in the selected answer.