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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
Key Examples in Beowulf
New Celebration (Lines 1640–1912)
Explanation and Analysis—Pride:
After Beowulf slays Grendel’s mother, Hrothgar showers the warrior with gifts and praise. However, he also offers Beowulf some advice, anticipating that Beowulf might become a King someday. In his speech, Hrothgar personifies the notion of “pride,” imagining it as an escaped prisoner. Describing a hypothetical man who has good fortune but succumbs to pride, Hrothgar states:
All the world
wends at his will, no worse he knoweth,
till all within him obstinate pride
waxes and wakes while the warden slumbers,
the spirit's sentry; sleep is too fast
which masters his might, and the murderer nears,
stealthily shooting the shafts from his bow!
Under harness his heart then is hit indeed
by sharpest shafts; and no shelter avails
from foul behest of the hellish fiend.
Him seems too little what long he possessed.
Greedy and grim, no golden rings
he gives for his pride; the promised future
forgets he and spurns, with all God has sent him.
Related Themes:
