The Revenger’s Tragedy

by Thomas Middleton

The Revenger’s Tragedy: 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
Act 1, Scene 1
Explanation and Analysis—Occasion:

Discussing his plan to seek vengeance against the Duke for the poisoning of his beloved fiancée nine years earlier, Vindice uses a common idiom from the early modern period that personifies “Occasion” (meaning "opportunity") as a human figure. Urging his brother to go to court and quickly report back what he learns, Vindice states: 

Go to then: 
The smallest advantage fattens wronged men. 
It may point out Occasion, if I meet her, 
I’ll hold her by the fore-top fast enough; 
Or like the French mole heave up hair and all. 
I have a habit that will fit it quaintly – Here comes our mother.