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Motifs
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 Her First Ball
Personification
Explanation and Analysis—Dancing Light:
Mansfield uses personification to demonstrate Leila’s excitement and convey her enthusiastic, romanticized perception of the ball. When Leila first enters the drill hall, her excitement is infused in the descriptions of the world around her, filtering the setting through her excited outlook. Leila imagines the music leaping and the light in the dressing room flickering as if it's dancing:
A great quivering jet of gas lighted the ladies’ room. It couldn’t wait; it was dancing already.
Related Themes:
