It gives the reader a notice about what the text it is a about. This could be to see if the reader of the text is interested in the text. Sub headings gives the reader a notice about what the reader will find in that part of the text.
Answer:
I think it's similes.
Explanation:
You can immediately cancel out allusions (reference to well-known person, place, or event outside the story) and hyperbole (an exaggeration, not to be entirely believed) leaving simile and metaphor. Because the word "like" shows up twice at the beginning and end- the roof came down steep and black <em>like a cowl</em>, their thick-leaved, far-reaching branches shadowed it <em>like </em>a pall- we can assume the answer is simile. Hope this helps!