What are examples of personification in "A Mystery of Heroism"?

There are numerous examples of personification in Stephen Crane’s short story “A Mystery of Heroism.” Personification is a literary technique used by an author to give human qualities or emotions to non-human or inanimate objects. The objective is to provide vivid, relatable imagery to the reader.

In Stephen Crane’s war story, he uses personification to add to the sights and sounds of the battlefield. He states, “On the top of the hill a battery was...

There are numerous examples of personification in Stephen Crane’s short story “A Mystery of Heroism.” Personification is a literary technique used by an author to give human qualities or emotions to non-human or inanimate objects. The objective is to provide vivid, relatable imagery to the reader.

In Stephen Crane’s war story, he uses personification to add to the sights and sounds of the battlefield. He states, “On the top of the hill a battery was arguing in tremendous roars with some other guns, and …” The battery of guns is said to be “arguing” which gives the reader the image of the back and forth nature of the loud battle.

Another instance of personification is, “For the little meadow which intervened was now suffering a terrible onslaught of shells.” Crane personifies the meadow by saying it was “suffering.” The active battle moves into the meadow which shows the wear and tear of the action. In addition, he personifies the “blades of grass,” saying, “And there was a massacre of the young blades of grass,” instead of simply saying that the grass on the battle was destroyed. This give the reader a complete image of the destruction the battle caused.

As you continue reading the story, you will find more examples of personification which will add to the reader’s experience of the battle and its surroundings.