Answer :
Final answer:
In 'The Bells' by Edgar Allan Poe, personification is used to give human qualities to the bells, creating a deeper connection with the reader. The tolling and tintinabulation of the bells are depicted with emotions, such as joy and sorrow, enriching the poem's thematic expression. This literary device effectively portrays the array of human experiences resonating with the sound of the bells.
Explanation:
In Edgar Allan Poe's poem 'The Bells', personification plays a critical role in contributing to the meaning of the poem. Personification is the literary device where inanimate objects or abstract concepts are given humanlike qualities or characteristics. In this poem, the bells are personified to convey different emotions and stages of life. The various types of bells and their ringing serve as a metaphor for human experiences, creating a deeper, more empathetic connection to the themes presented in the poem.
For example, the tolling of the bells is described as having a monody that compels solemn thoughts, illustrating the connection between the bells' sound and a feeling of seriousness or mourning. The bells' moaning and groaning emphasize the feeling of despair, especially during solemn or sad occasions, like funerals or moments of contemplation. Additionally, the jingling and the tinkling of the bells contrast with their darker tones to portray merriment and joy, often associated with celebrations or festive times such as Christmas or weddings.
The tintinabulation that Poe refers to creates a musical quality to the poem, aligning the sound of the bells with the rhythm of the verse itself. This musicality, paired with the human characteristics attributed to the bells, allows the reader to feel the emotions more personally as if the bells are indeed alive and communicating feelings directly to the audience. Overall, by personifying the bells, Poe effectively imbues them with emotional depth that stirs the reader’s own emotions and reflections on life.
