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Pathos
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 2: Matthew Cuthbert Is Surprised
Explanation and Analysis—Nature:
Anne's frequent personification of trees and other natural features reveals her respect for nature and desire for companionship. In Chapter 2, Anne says that the trees are talking in their sleep:
The yard was quite dark as they turned into it and the poplar leaves were rustling silkily all round it.
“Listen to the trees talking in their sleep,” she whispered, as he lifted her to the ground. “What nice dreams they must have!”
In this scene, Anne and Matthew have just arrived at Green Gables. Despite her unfamiliarity with the farm, Anne quickly grows fond of its natural features. The rustling poplar leaves inspire her to imagine the trees are "talking" and even dreaming. Here, personification shows the significance of nature to Anne, as she greatly respects the beauty and grandeur of Avonlea.
This moment also demonstrates Anne's need for companionship. As an orphan who grew up without family or close friends, she feels less alone when she personifies the natural world. She feels a great affinity with nature and even gives some features specific names, such as the cherry tree outside her window. She calls the tree "Snow Queen," a name that highlights her reverence for its magnificence. Anne's continual worship of natural beauty, as well as her need for companionship, find poignant expression when she personifies different elements of nature.
Related Themes:
Chapter 38: The Bend in the Road
Explanation and Analysis—Anne's Duty:
At the end of the novel, the narrator personifies Anne's duty as a "friend," which shows how comfortable she is with her decision to stay at Green Gables. When Matthew dies, and Marilla discovers her failing eyesight, Anne must make a choice: accept a scholarship to Redmond, or remain at Green Gables. She decides to stay because she feels obligated to help keep up the homestead. But her sense of duty never embitters her; in fact, she views it as a welcome challenge.
In Chapter 38, the narrator personifies Anne's sense of duty as a friend:
Anne felt as if she had lived years since then, but before she went to bed there was a smile on her lips and peace in her heart. She had looked her duty courageously in the face and found it a friend—as duty ever is when we meet it frankly.
Despite the fact that Anne feels much older ("as if she had lived years since then"), she is also wiser and more content. Her decision to stay at Green Gables marks her maturity and resilience. This example of personification shows that she is as comfortable with her decision as she would be with an old friend. She manages to look her duty "courageously in the face," and finds that it aligns with her own heart. Of course, duty does not have a face. This phrase simply means that Anne regarded her duty fully, openly, and with serious consideration. This moment also reflects Anne's search for friendship with a "bosom friend." Throughout the story, she seems very preoccupied with finding companionship. In the story's final chapters, the personified friendliness of duty represents her ever-growing maturity.
Related Themes:
