Heart of Darkness

by Joseph Conrad

Heart of Darkness: Personification 1 key example

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
Part 1
Explanation and Analysis—The Jungle:

Throughout the novella, Marlow personifies the Congo rainforest in order to emphasize its immensity, mystery, and resilience to human activity. For instance, after he reaches the Central Station in Part 1, he comments:

The silent wilderness surrounding this cleared speck on the earth struck me as something great and invincible, like evil or truth, waiting patiently for the passing away of this fantastic invasion.

Part 2
Explanation and Analysis—The Jungle:

Throughout the novella, Marlow personifies the Congo rainforest in order to emphasize its immensity, mystery, and resilience to human activity. For instance, after he reaches the Central Station in Part 1, he comments:

The silent wilderness surrounding this cleared speck on the earth struck me as something great and invincible, like evil or truth, waiting patiently for the passing away of this fantastic invasion.

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