Read this passage from an essay by Ralph Waldo Emerson. As you read, look for examples of figurative language, and identify its role in conveying Emerson's ideas.

The phrase "admonishing smile" is an example of **personification**. This is because it attributes human qualities—specifically the ability to admonish or give advice—to a non-human entity (the smile). By using personification, Emerson conveys a sense of warmth and guidance in the smile, suggesting that it carries a deeper meaning or emotional weight. This enhances his ideas about the importance of interpersonal connections and the wisdom that can be gleaned from everyday experiences.