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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 1: Nature
Explanation and Analysis—Nature Speaks:
In the essay, Emerson frequently personifies the concept of nature by presenting it as something active and human-like. Nature is referred to with feminine language, namely through Emerson utilizing "she" as the pronoun to refer to Nature.
To that end, nature is given a voice, and she speaks about the race of man:
[...] he is my creature, and maugre all his impertinent griefs, he shall be glad with me. Not the sun or the summer alone, but every hour and season yields its tribute of delight; for every hour and change corresponds to and authorizes a different state of the mind, from breathless noon to grimmest midnight.
Putting these words in nature's mouth solidifies the bond between humanity and nature itself, as nature recognizes—on some level—that she and humanity are interconnected. Nature has some aspects of humanity interwoven into itself, while humanity has some aspects of nature. Using personification further emphasizes Emerson’s later point that concrete natural facts (like a river flowing) correspond to abstract mental thoughts (like time passing).
The personification also establishes nature as benevolent, for she offers "delight" to man. Lots of writing on nature characterizes it as violent and indifferent, but Emerson's characterization of nature establishes her as something gentle and willing to aid humanity.
In addition to nature as a whole, individual parts of nature are also personified. For example, vegetables and the winds both wave at Emerson as he passes on his walks. This particular instance of personification emphasizes how humans and nature are capable of having a reciprocal relationship in which nature heals humans and offers various commodities, forms of beauty, and abstract understandings. And, in turn, humans repay nature with gratitude.
Related Themes:
