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Motifs
Definition of Personification
Personification is a type of figurative language in which non-human things are described as having human attributes, as in the sentence, "The rain poured down on the wedding guests, indifferent... read full definition
Personification is a type of figurative language in which non-human things are described as having human attributes, as in the sentence, "The rain poured down... read full definition
Personification is a type of figurative language in which non-human things are described as having human attributes, as in the... read full definition
Chapter 1 (The Magnet Attracting: A Waif Amid Forces)
Explanation and Analysis—Cold Reality:
Carrie's encounter with her sister at the train station brings forth the stark reality of city life. Using personification, the narrator makes “cold reality” seem like a threatening figure:
Carrie realised the change of affectional atmosphere at once. Amid all the maze, uproar, and novelty she felt cold reality taking her by the hand. No world of light and merriment. No round of amusement. Her sister carried with her most of the grimness of shift and toil.
Related Themes:
Chapter 7 (The Lure of the Material: Beauty Speaks for Itself)
Explanation and Analysis—Unwise Chipmunks:
The narrator, when outlining their view on human nature, emphasizes the wisdom inherent in animals. They personify “Nature” as a being with agency, acting as a guiding light for dumb beasts and innocents:
Unlock with LitCharts A+The unintellectual are not so helpless. Nature has taught the beasts of the field to fly when some unheralded danger threatens. She has put into the small, unwise head of the chipmunk the untutored fear of poisons.
Related Themes:
