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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 4
Explanation and Analysis—Southern Spring:
Personification appears in The Story of My Life as a device that conveys Helen's romantic observations about nature and the nostalgic settings of her early childhood. In Chapter 4, Helen personifies the "familiar leaves and blossoms" that "come forth to greet" the Spring:
The afternoon sun penetrated the mass of honeysuckle that covered the porch, and fell on my upturned face. My fingers lingered almost unconsciously on the familiar leaves and blossoms which had just come forth to greet the sweet southern spring. I did not know what the future held of marvel or surprise for me.
Here, Helen personifies new spring plants as "familiar" things that "come forth" to greet a new season. Leaves and blossoms do not actually wave or say hello; rather, their abundant appearance at one time of the year gives Helen the impression that they are like people coming out to greet a "sweet" friend or relative. This particular day is "the most important day" in Helen's life because it marks the arrival of her teacher, Anne Sullivan. The descriptions of the nice Spring weather bode well for their meeting—despite initial challenges, the two women form a deep and enduring bond that helps Helen grow into a mature adult. By personifying the blossoms that come forth to greet the new season, Helen subtly evokes the way in which she meets Anne and later progresses in her studies. She also highlights nature throughout the story as a symbol of her ability to appreciate the beauty of the world.
Related Themes:
