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Parody
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
The Fall of the House of Usher
Explanation and Analysis—The House of Usher:
Throughout “The Fall of the House of Usher” Edgar Allan Poe builds an ever-increasing sense that the literal house itself is a sentient entity. He begins to hint at this possibility with small phrases, such as when the narrator approaches the home of his friend for the first time. Upon nearing the building, the narrator takes note of “the vacant and eye-like windows,” personifying the House of Usher with a statement that, somewhat paradoxically, brings a feeling of both life and death to the home. With this one phrase, the building becomes humanized, but its human-like features are cold and unfeeling.
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The Masque of the Red Death
Explanation and Analysis—Out-Heroding Herod:
The personification of death in “The Masque of the Red Death” is striking and terrifying:
Unlock with LitCharts A+[...] the figure in question had out-Heroded Herod, and gone beyond the bounds of even the prince’s indefinite decorum. There are chords in the hearts of the most reckless which cannot be touched without emotion. [...] The figure was tall and gaunt, and shrouded from head to foot in the habiliments of the grave. The mask which concealed the visage was made so nearly to resemble the countenance of a stiffened corpse that the closest scrutiny must have had difficulty in detecting the cheat. [...] But the mummer had gone so far as to assume the type of the Red Death. His vesture was dabbled in blood—and his broad brow, with all the features of the face, was besprinkled with the scarlet horror.
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