Language...figuratively.

Well it looks like there are a few different forms of figurative language in David Brooks' "How to Fight the Man." So here they are:

Tone:
Brooks' tone is very formal (and I'm too lazy to find the best examples, so these will have to do):
"This seems to be a moment of fervent protest movements that are ultimately vague and ineffectual."
"The paradox of reform movements is that, if you want to defy authority, you probably shouldn’t think entirely for yourself."


Rhetorical Questions (or suggestions, I guess?):
Using questions makes the reader think for themselves before the writer presents the solution clearly for them:
"Maybe people today are simply too deferential. Raised to get college recommendations, maybe they lack the oppositional mentality necessary for revolt. Maybe people are too distracted."


Allusion:
"A blogger named Kevin DeYoung pointed out, for example, that it is biblically inaccurate to say that Jesus hated religion. In fact, Jesus preached a religious doctrine, prescribed rituals and worshiped in a temple."

There ya go. Have fun!