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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
Act 1, scene 3
Explanation and Analysis—An Angry Ocean:
In Act 1, Scene 3, the characters of Julius Caesar attempt to make sense of some strange omens appearing throughout Rome. Describing their fearsome appearance, Casca personifies the omens to Cicero:
O Cicero,
I have seen tempests when the scolding winds
Have rived the knotty oaks, and I have seen
Th’ ambitious ocean swell and rage and foam
To be exalted with the threat’ning clouds…
Act 5, scene 5
Explanation and Analysis—The Nod from Nature:
In Act 5, Scene 5, as Julius Caesar draws to a close and Brutus lies dead on the stage, Antony offers his tribute to the tragic hero. Antony uses personification to communicate the depth of his admiration for Brutus:
Unlock with LitCharts A+This was the noblest Roman of them all.
All the conspirators save only he
Did that they did in envy of the great Caesar.
He only in a general honest thought
And common good to all made one of them.
His life was gentle and the elements
So mixed in him that nature might stand up
And say to all the world “This was a man.”
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