If a writer aims to create a mood suggestive of danger, which literary device might they utilize?

Creating a mood suggestive of danger can effectively be accomplished through the use of sibilance. Sibilance involves the repetition of 's' sounds, which can create a hissing or whispering effect. This auditory quality often evokes feelings of tension, fear, or unease, which are key components in establishing a sense of danger. The sound itself can mimic the subtleties of a threatening atmosphere, enhancing the mood of the narrative.

While personification, imagery, and hyperbole can also contribute to mood and tone, sibilance specifically manipulates sound to create a visceral reaction in the reader, making it particularly effective in conveying a sense of danger. Imagery creates vivid pictures in the reader's mind, but it does not inherently carry the same auditory implications. Hyperbole exaggerates for effect, which might create drama, but it doesn’t directly evoke the specific tension that sibilance does. In this context, sibilance stands out as the most fitting choice for suggesting danger.