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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
Act 4, Scene 2
Explanation and Analysis—Innocence:
In Act 4, Scene 2, while lamenting the Duchess’s death and trying to process his guilt, Bosola uses personification to describe what he is witnessing and feeling. His monologue is tempered by his grief and horror. He has just witnessed the violent strangling of the Duchess and then, as he was reckoning with the fact that he was partially responsible, she revealed that she was still alive. This provides Bosola with a moment of redemption, wherein he can tell her that her husband is still alive. After she really dies, he is left alone with his pain and guilt. He says:
Oh, she’s gone again! There the chords of life broke.
Oh, sacred innocence, that sweetly sleeps
On turtles’ feathers, whilst a guilty conscience
Is a black register
Explanation and Analysis—Murder Shrieks Out:
In Act 4, Scene 2, Bosola is forced to witness the Duchess’s brutal murder. As he tries to process what he’s seen, he uses personification to express his horror and guilt. He and the Duchess have become close companions, despite Bosola’s role as a double agent who consistently betrays her to her brothers. His internal conflict over his role in her downfall and murder comes to the forefront in this moment, as he tries to reckon with the violence of her death while Ferdinand is strangely unmoved. Finally, he bursts into speech. In an attempt to confront Ferdinand over his lack of emotion, Bosola says:
Unlock with LitCharts A+Do you not weep?
Other sins only speak; murder shrieks out.
