Convergence Of The Twain Essay, Research Paper

“The Convergence of the Twain”

Personification is “endowing inanimate objects or abstract ideas with life or human characteristics” (Kirszner 2058). In the poem “The Convergence of the Twain” the author?s use of personification allows the reader to make a more fluid transition from the past to the present. A poets use of personification can create visual image or capture a feeling of empathy.

“Deep from human vanity, / And the Pride of Life that planned her, stilly couches she” (2-3). These lines from the beginning of “The Convergence of the Twain” exemplify the use of personification to create a visual image and empathy. “[S]tilly couches she” (3) is used to creates a visual image of the ship lying at the bottom of the ocean. The author uses the word “she” (3) giving the ship a gender and creating an identity. Through this identity the reader implies that the ship is dead, provoking a sense of empathy.

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Through the line, “[t]he sea worm crawls- grotesque, slimed, dumb, indifferent” (9), the poet explores the use of personification to create empathy for the ship. This is achieved by using the words “dumb” (9) and “indifferent” (9). These are qualities that human possess but sea worms lack, therefore this is an example of personification. The sea worm is described as dumb, implying that he is unaware of the purpose for the ship?s location at the bottom of the ocean. Indifferent also suggests that the sea worm is not concerned with the wealth of the ship. The reader connects with the ship because of the sea worm?s apparent disregard for it.

“?What does this vaingloriousness down here???” (15). This question that is asked by the fish in the poem is an illustration of personification. Fish do not speak and by giving the fish this ability, the poet allows the reader to enter the poem and begin questioning the reason for the ship being at the bottom of the ocean.

In “The Convergence of the Twain,” the poet?s use of personification allows for visual images and empathy. Diction, syntax, similes, metaphors, structure, and tone can be used with

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personification to create imagery and empathy. All of these are equally necessary in creating a successful poem.