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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.
As Carrie gets off the train to start her Chicago adventure, she feels a chill, noticing the “change of affectional atmosphere” around her. The "cold reality" of urban life is personified as a tangible, guiding force that ushers Carrie into her new environment. Instead of the warm embrace of her sister, Carrie is greeted by the harshness of industrial life and the grayness of the urban environment. This is further emphasized by the juxtaposition of the "cold" reality against her prior imaginations of meeting her sister. Instead of an idyllic family welcome, she encounters a new world with “no light and merriment.” There’s nothing to excite her on arrival, and the presence of “cold reality” makes her notice her sister’s tiredness. Contrary to her expectations, there’s no “round of amusement” waiting for her. Indeed, her first impression of Minnie is of the “grimness of shift and toil.” The personification of "cold reality" here amplifies the stark shift from Carrie’s romantic imaginings to the factual challenges of city living.
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:
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.
The depiction of "Nature" here moves it beyond being an abstract concept. Rather than being a collection of chaotic events, nature emerges as an active and nurturing mentor with a consciousness. It is, the novel implies, intricately involved in the well-being and guidance of animals and humans, pointing them away from danger. By attributing human-like characteristics to "Nature," the narrator makes a larger comment about the role of instincts and innate judgement—naïve people and animals alike have a sense of the dangers that surround them, even if they don’t always understand why.
This personification not only paints "Nature" as an observer but also positions it as a benevolent guardian. It takes an active role in equipping its charges with abilities of self-preservation. In this passage, the narrative bridges the gap between human intuition and the “chipmunk's” innate fears. Like all of “Nature's” creatures, Dreiser suggests that humans are endowed with inherent guidance systems.
Related Themes:
