The literary device could be a simile or a metaphor. Does the comparison use the words like or as? If so, it's a simile. If not, it's a metaphor. I'm pretty sure the answer you are looking for is either similie or metaphor.
Answer: D
Explanation: a primary claim is sort of like the “main idea”, or the idea that an author is going to prove. A, B and C are longer sentences, and would be ones that were used to prove or further explain the main idea.
Are you referring to straight as a arrow? If so, Yes, it would be figurative language, Simile to be precise.
D. answers the 5 W's and H.
Who - He
What - Gave penances and absolution
Where - wherever he thought he could get gifts
When - whenever a group receives gifts
Why - to receive absolutions for his sins
How - if a high enough price is given, the penitent person would truly feel sorry for what he had done.
