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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
Chapter 24
Explanation and Analysis—The Public Conscience:
In Chapter 24, Riis lays out for the reader what has been done so far to solve the issues with tenement housing. He accuses the public of doing too little and of becoming outraged at the conditions in the tenements only when such conditions have a direct effect on middle-class Americans. In order to most effectively level this criticism, Riis defaults to figurative language, utilizing personification:
Public sentiment has done something also, but very far from enough. As a rule, it has slumbered peacefully until some flagrant outrage on decency and the health of the community aroused it to noisy but ephemeral indignation, or until a dreaded epidemic knocked at our door.
Related Themes:
