In mentioning the ships in lines 18 - 19 (a heroic ... sails furled), the author uses the literary device known as ___ in order to convey ___

A paradox involves a statement that contradicts itself but may reveal a deeper truth. While the author may express a longing for a different climate, this choice does not accurately reflect the literary device used in the lines about the ships, which focus more on the personification of the ships rather than a contradiction regarding climate.

Hyperbole refers to exaggerated statements not meant to be taken literally. Although the atmosphere of the forests of Africa may indeed be described in vivid terms, the specific lines in question do not utilize hyperbole; instead, they portray ships with human characteristics, aligning with personification.

A simile draws comparisons between two different things using "like" or "as." This option misrepresents the author's intent in the lines about the ships, as the focus is not on comparing the ships to vegetation but rather on attributing human qualities to the ships themselves.