Previous
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 Bleak House
Chapter 46
Explanation and Analysis—Light on Tom-All-Alone's:
Dickens uses personification and metaphor in Chapter 46 to highlight the grimness and filth of the tenement street of Tom-All-Alone's. Every foul aspect of the place seethes with evil, taking on human characteristics that present it as an enemy to humanity, the moon, and life itself:
Darkness rests upon Tom-all-Alone’s [...] For a time there were some dungeon lights burning, as the lamp of Life burns in Tom-all-Alone’s, heavily, heavily, in the nauseous air, and winking – as that lamp, too, winks in Tom-all-Alone’s – at many horrible things.
Related Themes:
Chapter 58
Explanation and Analysis—Rumor Flitters Around:
In Chapter 58, Dickens personifies "Rumour" as a voracious little gossip, fluttering around London spreading misinformation about the situation of the Dedlock family. The narrator's voice takes on both the perspective and the confiding tone of this personified "Rumour" to "spread" the news to the reader:
Unlock with LitCharts A+Rumour, busy overmuch, however, will not go down into Lincolnshire. It persists in flitting and chattering about town. It knows that that poor unfortunate man, Sir Leicester, has been sadly used. It hears, my dear child, all sorts of shocking things. It makes the world of five miles round, quite merry. Not to know that there is something wrong at the Dedlocks’ is to augur yourself unknown.
Related Themes:
