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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
Part Two, Chapter 11 – Om
Explanation and Analysis—The Laughing River:
Much of Siddhartha takes place on the banks of a river whose flowing waters seem to laugh; as the river becomes a symbol of life itself, its frequent personification reveals the playful, joyful nature of enlightenment and makes the water seem like an integral character in the story. In Chapter 11, just before Siddhartha goes in search of his son, he hears the river laughing:
The river flowed softly and gently, it was the dry season of the year, but the river’s voice sounded strange. It was laughing! It was clearly laughing. The river was laughing, it laughed, clear and bright, at the old ferryman. Siddhartha halted, he leaned over the water the better to hear, and in the silently flowing water he saw his own face reflected, and in this reflected face there was something that reminded him, something forgotten, and by pondering it, he found it.
Related Themes:
Part Two, Chapter 12 – Govinda
Explanation and Analysis—The Laughing River:
Much of Siddhartha takes place on the banks of a river whose flowing waters seem to laugh; as the river becomes a symbol of life itself, its frequent personification reveals the playful, joyful nature of enlightenment and makes the water seem like an integral character in the story. In Chapter 11, just before Siddhartha goes in search of his son, he hears the river laughing:
Unlock with LitCharts A+The river flowed softly and gently, it was the dry season of the year, but the river’s voice sounded strange. It was laughing! It was clearly laughing. The river was laughing, it laughed, clear and bright, at the old ferryman. Siddhartha halted, he leaned over the water the better to hear, and in the silently flowing water he saw his own face reflected, and in this reflected face there was something that reminded him, something forgotten, and by pondering it, he found it.
Related Themes:
