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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 10
Explanation and Analysis—Nibble At Me:
As Kambili and Amaka get ready for Mass together, Adichie uses personification to depict Kambili’s discomfort over thinking she looks good:
I took my time putting on the shorts, but I did not stand in front of the mirror for too long, as Amaka did, because guilt would nibble at me. Vanity was a sin.
The personification of guilt as something that “nibbles” at Kambili makes it seem as though her personal scruples about vanity are acting without her consent. By attributing agency to guilt, the passage illustrates how deeply ingrained her fear of sin is. Even though Amaka is unashamed of looking at herself in the mirror, Kambili can hardly bear it. The imagery of “nibbling” conveys a sense of discomfort and unease. Even when Kambili finds a brief moment of self-acceptance, the oppressive power of her father’s strict moral expectations manage to destroy it. His unbending moral pronouncements have taught her to associate even small acts of self-appreciation with moral failure.
The pairing of guilt with the “sin” of vanity points to the rigidity of Eugene’s religious influence on Kambili’s worldview. Putting on the shorts and seeing herself in the mirror momentarily allows her to enjoy her appearance. However, her enjoyment is quickly overshadowed by a sense of wrongdoing. She is not allowed to enjoy looking at herself, as vanity is a sin. Her father’s harsh standards—which prioritize obedience and humility over individuality—stop her from experiencing any nice feelings in an unqualified way.
Related Themes:
