How does the personification in these lines from "Columbus"
affect the poem?
This mad sea shows his teeth to-night.
He curls his lip, he lies in wait,
With lifted teeth, as if to bite!
It conveys that the sailors have all gone mad and
injects humor into the work.
It indicates how badly the sailors longed to be home
and gives the poem a wistful tone.
It suggests impending violence and creates a sense
of growing dread in the piece.
It demonstrates how the ocean looks and reinforces a
sense of wonder in the poem.



Answer :

The personification in the lines from "Columbus" affects the poem by suggesting impending violence and creating a sense of growing dread in the piece. Here's why: 1. The description of the sea as "mad" and portraying it as showing its teeth, curling its lip, and lying in wait with lifted teeth as if to bite, evokes a sense of danger and aggression. This imagery implies that something ominous is lurking beneath the surface, adding a layer of tension to the poem. 2. By attributing human-like qualities to the sea, such as anger and the intent to harm, the personification intensifies the atmosphere of the poem. It sets a tone of foreboding and unease, hinting at the challenges and threats the sailors may face on their journey. 3. The use of personification in this context not only helps to vividly depict the sea but also creates a sense of mystery and unpredictability. It engages the reader's imagination and heightens the emotional impact of the poem, drawing them into the sailors' perilous voyage. Overall, the personification in these lines enhances the poem by infusing it with a sense of imminent danger and building a mood of suspense and apprehension that contributes to the overall impact of the work.

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