“The circle shivered with dread” is an example of what rhetorical device?The question is found in Chapter 8 of Lord of the Flies

In Chapter 8 of Lord of the Flies by
William Golding, a meeting is called because the beast is near where the signal fire is
located; in addition, there is a challenge for Ralph's authority by Jack.  But, when he
calls for a vote, the boys do not respond, looking uncomfortably at the ground instead. 
Jack announces that he is going off by himself, and runs away, tears stinging his
cheeks.

Then, Piggy starts to chide Ralph, but decides
against doing so.  Instead, he tells Ralph,

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We can do without Jack Merridew.  But now we
really got a beast,....we really need to stay close to the platform; there'll be less
need of him and his
hunting....

Ralph replies,
"There's no help, Piggy.  Nothing to be done." And, the boys sit in "depressed silence"
for a while until Simon appears and suggests climbing the
mountain.

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The circle shivered with
dread.  Simon broke off and turned to Piggy who was looking at him with
an expression of derisive
incomprehension.

The circle
represents the boys who sit in a circle at the meetings. They are frightened of the
sight of what they think is the "beast" and do not want to venture up the
mountain.

The figurative term for the use of the circle to
represent the group of boys is called metonymy.  Metonymy
is another form of metaphor, very similar to synecdoche in which the person(s) or
thing(s) cchosen for the metaphorical image is closely associated with the subject to
which it is compared.  (e.g. referring to a king or queen as "the crown.")  In Chapter 8
the boys are referred to as the circle since they have assembled several times and sit
in a circle. Also, as a group,their feelings of fear are in unison:  They shiver all
together--hence, "the circle shivered."