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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 Tess of the d'Urbervilles
Chapter 10
Explanation and Analysis—Tantridge Villagers:
In the following passage from Chapter 10, the narrator uses personification and a simile to describe the behavior of the drunk Tantridge villagers, whom Tess walks with on her way back home at night:
They followed the road with a knowledge that they were soaring along in a supporting medium, possessed of original and profound thoughts, themselves and surrounding nature forming an organism of which all the parts harmoniously and joyously interpenetrated each other. They were as sublime as the moon and stars above them, and the moon and stars were as ardent as they.
Related Themes:
Chapter 14
Explanation and Analysis—Pagan Sun Dieties:
At the beginning of Chapter 14, the narrator utilizes personification to present the sun as both a male figure and a deity:
Unlock with LitCharts A+The sun, on account of the mist, had a curious sentient, personal look, demanding the masculine pronoun for its adequate expression. His present aspect, coupled with the lack of all human forms in the scene, explained the time-old heliolatries in a moment. One could feel that a saner religion had never prevailed under the sky. The luminary was a golden-haired, beaming-faced, mild-eyed, God-like creature, gazing down in the vigour and intentness of youth upon an earth that was brimming with interest for him.
Related Themes:
Chapter 19
Explanation and Analysis—The Ache of Modernism:
In the following passage from Chapter 19, Angel is (condescendingly) surprised by the sophisticated ideas Tess communicates—ideas that are akin to those expressed by the literary masterminds of the time. Tess personifies "tomorrow," expressing horror at the idea of the future:
Unlock with LitCharts A+"You seem to see numbers of to-morrows just all in a line, the first of ’em the biggest and clearest, the others getting smaller and smaller as they stand farther away; but they all seem very fierce and cruel and as if they said, 'I’m coming! Beware o’ me! Beware o’ me!' … But you can raise up dreams with your music, and drive all such horrid fancies away!" Angel was surprised to find that this young woman . . . [was expressing] feelings which might almost have been called those of the age—the ache of modernism."
Related Themes:
Chapter 30
Explanation and Analysis—Modernity:
In this passage from Chapter 30, Hardy personifies "modern life," giving it the capacity to feel:
Unlock with LitCharts A+[Tess and Angel] crept along towards a point in the expanse of shade before them at which a feeble light was beginning to assert its presence, a spot where, by day, a fitful white streak of steam at intervals upon the dark green background denoted intermittent moments of contact between their secluded world and modern life. Modern life stretched out its steam feeler to this point three or four times a day, touched the native existences, and quickly withdrew its feeler again, as if what it touched had been uncongenial.
Related Themes:
