The poem "The Waking" by Theodore Roethke explores themes of existence and awareness through the intricate relationship between the speaker and nature. Personification is a literary device in which human qualities or actions are attributed to non-human entities or objects. In the poem, Roethke employs personification in the line, "I feel my roots, I look in the mirror." This example vividly illustrates an intimate connection between the speaker and the natural world, suggesting that the speaker’s identity is deeply intertwined with nature. By portraying roots as something that can be felt, Roethke allows readers to understand that the speaker is not just a passive observer of nature but an active participant in the cycle of life and growth. This personification enhances the poem's exploration of self-discovery and consciousness, demonstrating that our understanding of ourselves is often rooted in our connection to the world around us. Ultimately, the use of personification in "The Waking" reveals a deeper theme about the unity of the self with nature and the importance of acknowledging this interdependence.
English 9 Unit 5 and 6 Test, Open Response
Read the following poem, then write a paragraph-long response (at least SIX sentences) that:
Begins with a topic sentence that names the poem, the poet and a brief description of what the poem is about.
Defines personification in your own words.
Shares an example of personification from the poem by quoting the line exactly.
Explains HOW this example of personification helps the reader to understand what the poem is about.
Concludes with a sentence that describes how the use of personification helps to reveal the deeper meaning, or theme of the poem.
5 answers
In "So Much Happiness" by Naomi Shihab Nye, the poet reflects on the profound moments of joy and the simple beauty of life, emphasizing how happiness can arise in unexpected ways. Personification is a literary device in which human traits or emotions are attributed to non-human things or abstract concepts. An example of personification from the poem is when Nye writes, “the glass that was empty suddenly filled with light.” This vivid imagery suggests that the glass, a mere object, is capable of experiencing a transformative moment, much like how a person might feel their spirit lifted by joy. By attributing the ability to “fill with light” to the glass, the poet conveys how happiness can illuminate one's life unexpectedly, elevating the mundane to a state of beauty and wonder. This personification helps readers grasp the theme that moments of happiness can fill our lives, transforming our perception of everyday items and experiences. Ultimately, through her use of personification in "So Much Happiness," Nye reveals a deeper insight about the ability of joy to infuse life with brightness and meaning, encouraging us to remain open to the small delights that surround us.
In "So Much Happiness," Naomi Shihab Nye reflects on the unexpected moments of joy that can transform our perception of life. Personification, which attributes human qualities to non-human things, is exemplified in the line, “the glass that was empty suddenly filled with light.” This imagery suggests that the glass, an inanimate object, can experience a revelation of joy, paralleling the way people can suddenly feel uplifted. By giving the glass the ability to “fill with light,” Nye illustrates how happiness can infuse our lives unexpectedly, turning ordinary moments into occasions for wonder. Ultimately, this personification reveals a deeper theme: the capacity for joy to illuminate our existence and encourages us to appreciate the simple delights that surround us.