Is this a comparison or a contrast?

i've known my best friend courtney since kindergarten, although we did not become friends until we were in the sixth grade. while we have different personalities, we share many things in common. our similarities are what brought us together and have kept our relationship strong over the years.

comparison

contrast

Which of these devices is most clearly shown here?

What viewpoint about german soldiers does maupassant convey in this excerpt of "two friends"? a. they are all loyal, but heartless. b. they are all cold–hearted and inhuman. c. they are all sympathetic and smart. d. they are all men of their word and good soldiers.

Which words in this excerpt from the count of monte cristo can be used as synonyms to determine the meaning of the word grotto? dant? s entered the second grotto. the second grotto was lower and more gloomy than the first; the air that could only enter by the newly formed opening had the mephitic smell dant? s was surprised not to find in the outer cavern. he waited in order to allow pure air to displace the foul atmosphere, and then went on. 1. air 2. opening 3. mephitic 4. cavern 5. pure 6. atmosphere