In Lewis Carroll's poem "The Walrus and the Carpenter," personification is a key literary device that gives human traits and characteristics to nonhuman characters. The Walrus and the Carpenter are depicted as anthropomorphic figures who engage in conversation, display emotions, and exhibit human-like behaviors. Here are some examples of how personification is utilized in the poem:
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Human Traits and Behaviors: The Walrus and the Carpenter walk along the beach, talk to each other, and interact with the oysters as if they were fellow human beings. Their ability to converse and express desires showcases their human-like qualities.
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Emotions and Motivations: The characters display emotions such as charm and persuasion. The Walrus, for instance, tries to persuade the oysters to join him, using eloquence reminiscent of a human speaker.
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Moral Ambiguity: The portrayal of the Walrus and the Carpenter reflects human-like traits of deception and cunning. Their actions toward the oysters raise moral questions about exploitation and manipulation, similar to themes found in human behavior.
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Interactions with the Environment: The way the characters interact with their surroundings, such as walking along the shore and inviting the oysters to join them, further emphasizes their human-like existence in an otherwise fantastical setting.
Through these examples, Carroll uses personification to create a whimsical yet thought-provoking narrative that mirrors human social interactions and the complexities of morality, making the poem both engaging and layered.