Monday, October 5, 2015

What is an example of personification in the short story Everyday Use?

Personification is attributing qualities of a human being
to something that is not human.  In this story, personification is very closely tied to
the basic theme of the story which is the contrast between Magge and Dee.  One woman is
seeking bits and pieces of her heritage after she has adopted a new one.  The other is
still living the live of a traditional southern black woman. For Dee, life has presented
her with a degree of education and wealth.  For Maggie, acceptance of her simple lot in
life is evident in her lack of confidence.


Personfication
occurs in the following line: "Like good looks and money, quickness passes her by."  
The use of personification is evident in the way that implies an active intent on the
part of good looks and money to avoid Maggie.  In a way, this seems to imply that
Maggie's life is one dictated to her by fate, something she cannot
change.

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