Final answer:
The literary device used in the quotation from 'Ethan Frome' is a rhetorical question, highlighting Ethan's concern for Mattie's prospects in the city given her lack of experience.
Step-by-step explanation:
The literary device used in the quotation from Ethan Frome is a rhetorical question. This device is employed to express Ethan's concern and worry about Mattie's future without directly stating it. The quote "What chance had she, inexperienced and untrained, among the million bread-seekers of the cities?" underscores the helplessness and the overwhelming circumstances Mattie is likely to face in the city, suggesting that her prospects are bleak given her lack of experience and training in a competitive environment. This rhetorical question doesn't require an answer because it's meant to provoke thought and emphasize Ethan's inner turmoil over Mattie's departure.