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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 49
Explanation and Analysis—Rare Winter Day:
In Chapter 49, Milady arrives in England, where unbeknownst to her Lord de Winter is waiting to imprison her. Dumas uses personification and imagery to describe the beautiful day on which she arrives:
It was one of those beautiful and rare winter days when England remembers that there is a sun. Still radiant as it set on the horizon, the sun streaked the sea and the sky with crimson and cast a last golden ray on the towers and buildings of the city, making the windowpanes glitter as though from the reflection of a fire. Smelling the increasing fragrance of the air as the ship approached land, Milady contemplated the powerful force of vessels and men that she was expected to defeat by her own efforts [...].
By personifying England as someone who from time to time "remembers that there is a sun," Dumas suggests a connection between the social and political goings-on in England and the weather. England rarely "remembers" the sun's existence, being too busy with the gloomy hustle and bustle of daily life on the island. Whether the bad weather causes the dreary social atmosphere or whether the social atmosphere causes the bad weather, England's normal state according to Dumas is bleak. On this day, though, the sun is shining on England even as it sets. The crimson-streaked sea, the glittering windowpanes, and the distinct "fragrance" of the air elevate the scene and create the sense that Milady is going toward something important and magnificent. Milady seems to think that the shining city is a reflection of the "fire" of her rage and will to "defeat" her enemies. She is in awe not only of everything she is "expected" to overcome, but also of her own success in making it this far.
There is another way to read the imagery and personification, too. The beauty of the city, and the rare sunny day, reflects the happy fact that Milady, who has become the novel's villain, is about to be thwarted. The musketeers are French and are often pitted against England. In this instance, though, they have collaborated with Lord de Winter to set a trap for Milady. Whereas England is usually not a place the musketeers like, this is one day when it has "remembered" how to be glorious and good.
Related Themes:
