The Remains of the Day
by Kazuo Ishiguro

The Remains of the Day: Personification 1 key example

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 The Remains of the Day

Day Two: Morning
Explanation and Analysis—The Hen:

In Day Two: Morning, Stevens drives slowly to Salisbury. He stops nearby because a chicken is crossing the road and won't make way for his car. He describes this incident with charming imagery and a touch of personification.

The land had become very open and flat at that point, enabling one to see a considerable distance in all directions, and the spire of Salisbury Cathedral had become visible on the skyline up ahead. […] I saw only just in time a hen crossing my path in the most leisurely manner. I brought the Ford to a halt only a foot or two from the fowl, which in turn ceased its journey […] When after a moment it had not moved, I resorted to the car horn, but this had no effect other than to make the creature commence pecking at something on the ground.