Question

Thousands would escape . . . but for the strong cords of affection that bind them to their friends. What is the effect of the figurative language in this passage?

Answer 1

Metaphor would be the answer

Answer 2

Answer:

The effect of the figurative language in this passage, apart from enriching the passage, is illustrating more vividly the reason why those would escape (the strong connection that exists between those who escape and their friends.)

Explanation:

In the given passage, the figurative language is represented by the phrase:

the strong cords of affection that bind them

This is a metaphor: the strong cords refer to those love feelings that act as connection between the people escaping and their friends. The metaphor of cords and binding talks about how close these people are and how those strong ties (feelings of affection) would make them overcome fear or danger and try to escape.