The Tempest

by William Shakespeare

The Tempest: Personification 2 key examples

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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 2
Explanation and Analysis—Fortune and Destiny:

Shakespeare often personifies abstract concepts. One such example occurs in Act 1, Scene 2 when Prospero explains to Miranda how their enemies landed on the island:

By accident most strange, bountiful Fortune,
Now my dear lady, hath mine enemies
Brought to this shore; and by my prescience
I find my zenith doth depend upon
A most auspicious star [...]

Act 2, scene 1
Explanation and Analysis—Antonio's Speech:

The Tempest brims with ingenious metaphors. In Act 2, Scene 1, for instance, Antonio uses metaphors and an instance of personification in his effort to convince Sebastian to murder his brother, Alonso. Speaking about Alonso, Antonio says:

Whom I, with this obedient steel, three inches of it,
Can lay to bed for ever; whiles you, doing thus,
To the perpetual wink for aye might put
This ancient morsel, this Sir Prudence, who
Should not upbraid our course. For all the rest,
They'll take suggestion as a cat laps milk;
They'll tell the clock to any business that
We say befits the hour.

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Act 3, scene 3
Explanation and Analysis—Fortune and Destiny:

Shakespeare often personifies abstract concepts. One such example occurs in Act 1, Scene 2 when Prospero explains to Miranda how their enemies landed on the island:

By accident most strange, bountiful Fortune,
Now my dear lady, hath mine enemies
Brought to this shore; and by my prescience
I find my zenith doth depend upon
A most auspicious star [...]

Unlock with LitCharts A+