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Paradox
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 In the Time of the Butterflies
Chapter 3: This little book belongs to María Teresa, 1945 to 1946
Explanation and Analysis—Dear Little Book:
María Teresa, or Mate, personifies the notebook she writes diary entries inside of in Chapter 3, beginning each entry with "Dear Little Book." Clearly a version of "Dear Diary," this personification is made explicit through the occasional variation of the starting phrase: for instance, Mate begins one entry, "Dear best friend Little Book," and yet another, "My dearest, darling Little Book!" The consistent capitalization of "Little Book" emphasizes the personification, mimicking the capitalization of pronouns and making "Little Book" the name of the notebook.
Related Themes:
Chapter 4: Patria, 1946
Explanation and Analysis—Awoken Hands:
In Chapter 4, Patria personifies her hands while using imagery to describe touching herself:
Unlock with LitCharts A+It came in the dark in the evil hours when the hands wake with a life of their own. They rambled over my growing body, they touched the plumping of my chest, the mound of my belly, and on down. I tried reining them in, but they broke loose, night after night.
Related Themes:
