Concept:This question tests the ability to identify a literary device used in a prose passage.
Explanation:Personification gives human qualities, actions, or emotions to non-human things.
In the passage, the flood waters are described as a "great gaoler."
Also, "the sky and the lips of the flood waters met in a mocking kiss."
These actions—mocking and kissing—are human behaviours attributed to nature.
This creates a vivid image of Akpatse's helplessness and isolation.
The other options, contrast, euphemism, and litotes, are not supported by the imagery in the passage.
Therefore, the dominant literary device here is personification.
Answer:C. personification