Final answer:
The phrase “The lamp was a beacon of sunshine” is a metaphor because it directly compares the lamp to a beacon without using words like "like" or "as," which are indicative of a simile.
Step-by-step explanation:
The phrase “The lamp was a beacon of sunshine” is a metaphor. A metaphor is a figure of speech that directly compares one thing to another for rhetorical effect. Unlike a simile, which compares two things using connecting words such as “like” or “as” to highlight similarities, a metaphor asserts that one thing is another thing, not just like it. In your example, the lamp isn’t literally a beacon of sunshine, but is being compared to one to emphasize how bright and inviting it is, akin to the welcoming quality of sunlight.
Literary devices, such as metaphors, are used by authors to create vivid imagery and convey complex ideas in a more understandable and relatable way. They also add depth to the text by encouraging readers to look beyond the literal meanings of words. Understanding the use of metaphor in literature is important as it enhances the reading experience by engaging the reader's imagination.