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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
Part 1: The Smell of Friendship
Explanation and Analysis—Accordion Story:
In Part 1: The Smell of Friendship, Liesel and Hans bond over books and Hans's accordion. Death foreshadows Max's arrival at Himmel Street with a bit of personification:
She didn’t see him watching as he played, having no idea that Hans Hubermann’s accordion was a story. In the times ahead, that story would arrive at 33 Himmel Street in the early hours of morning, wearing ruffled shoulders and a shivering jacket. It would carry a suitcase, a book, and two questions. A story. Story after story. Story within story.
Related Themes:
Part 5: The Whistler and the Shoes
Explanation and Analysis—Toupee Roof Tiles:
In Part 5: The Whistler and the Shoes, Liesel takes Rudy to the mayor's house to steal a book. Death uses a simile and personification to describe the houses on Grande Strasse:
Unlock with LitCharts A+On Grande Strasse, they took in the splendor of the houses. The front doors glowed with polish, and the roof tiles sat like toupees, combed to perfection. The walls and windows were manicured and the chimneys almost breathed out smoke rings.
Related Themes:
Part 6: Death's Diary: 1942
Explanation and Analysis—Grim Reaper:
The novel is narrated by Zusak's personification of Death. In Part 6: Death's Diary: 1942, Death includes an aside to the reader about how he differs from the stereotypical image of Death personified:
Unlock with LitCharts A+I do not carry a sickle or scythe.
I only wear a hooded black robe when it’s cold.
And I don’t have those skull-like
facial features you seem to enjoy
pinning on me from a distance. You
want to know what I truly look like?
I’ll help you out. Find yourself
a mirror while I continue.
Related Themes:
