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Oxymorons
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 5
Explanation and Analysis—Astonished Portraits:
In Chapter 5, Anne uses personification as she takes in and describes the Great House, where the Musgroves live:
Oh! [...] could the gentlemen in brown velvet and the ladies in blue satin have seen what was going on, have been consciousness of such an overthrow of all order and neatness! The portraits themselves seemed to be staring in astonishment.
Anne gives the hanging portraits human-like qualities. She describes them as if they are alive and shocked, like her, at the state of their surroundings. This instance of personification dramatizes just how different the Musgroves and the Elliots are. Whereas the Musgroves seemingly don't notice or care about the state of their surroundings, Anne and her family clearly feel as if the Great House is in an astonishing state—so astonishing, it seems, that even the figures in the portraits hanging on the walls are taken aback by what they see. Unlike the Elliots (and the portraits), though, the Musgroves are not overly concerned with appearances. This detail is significant, as many of the characters in Persuasion are preoccupied with status and class distinctions. Sir Walter Elliot, for example, views himself highly due to his social ranking as a Baron, and Lady Russell originally advises Anne against marrying Captain Wentworth due to his “low rank."
Related Themes:
Chapter 10
Explanation and Analysis—A Beautiful Glossy Nut:
In Chapter 10, during a conversation with Louisa Musgrove, Captain Wentworth uses a simile and compares a person with conviction—a person who is not "yielding"— to a hearty nut:
Let those who would be happy be firm. Here is a nut to exemplify: a beautiful glossy nut, which, blessed with original strength, has outlived all the storms of autumn.
Like the nut, people who hold onto their beliefs can’t be "cracked" and move through life unmoored, with a firmness of resolve. Captain Wentworth continues by personifying the nut, saying:
This nut [...] while so many of his brethren have fallen and been trodden under foot, is still in possession of all the happiness that a hazel nut can be supposed capable of.
The use of a simile and personification of the nut reflects Captain Wentworth's general attitude and stance on persuasion. He believes that in order to be principled, one must be adamant in sticking to one’s beliefs. This idea is explored throughout the novel. Characters either seek the advice of others or attempt to convince others to make certain choices. Early in the novel, for example, Sir Walter Elliot goes to Mr. Shepherd and Lady Russell for financial advice. Lady Russell advises Anne against marrying Captain Wentworth due to his rank, but then—ironically—he turns out to be a more than suitable match. All in all, Persuasion offers commentary on whether it is best to consult and seek the counsel of others or rely on one’s own convictions and desires, and this instance of a simile (that makes use of personification) provides a good snapshot of the novel's focus in this regard.
Related Themes:
