Flight by John Steinbeck: Exploring the Beauty of Nature

John Steinbeck uses personification in his excerpt from "Flight" to evoke the beauty of nature by imbuing the natural elements with human-like qualities. This literary device allows him to create a deeper emotional impact on the reader, making the landscape come alive in a way that purely descriptive language cannot achieve.

The Farm Buildings

When Steinbeck describes the farm buildings as "huddled like the clinging aphids on the mountain skirts, crouched low to the ground," he personifies these structures by likening them to tiny insects. This comparison not only adds a sense of scale to the scene but also conveys a feeling of vulnerability and interconnectedness with the natural world.

The Five-Fingered Ferns

The image of the five-fingered ferns hanging over the water and dropping spray from their fingertips is a powerful example of personification. By attributing the action of dropping spray to the ferns' "fingertips," Steinbeck creates a sense of motion and delicacy that enhances the beauty of the setting.

The High Mountain Wind

Steinbeck's portrayal of the high mountain wind coasting sighing through the pass and whistling on the edges of the granite blocks adds a dynamic element to the scene. The personification of the wind as it moves through the landscape conveys a sense of life and breath, making nature feel more alive and vibrant.

The Scar of Green Grass

The description of the scar of green grass cutting across the flat and the desolate mountain rising behind it with dead rocks and starving bushes creates a stark contrast that emphasizes the harsh beauty of the natural world. By personifying the grass and the mountain as having their own characteristics, Steinbeck elevates the scenery to a more evocative and emotionally resonant level.

In conclusion, John Steinbeck's masterful use of personification in his excerpt from "Flight" adds depth, beauty, and emotion to the natural landscape he describes. Through giving human qualities to inanimate objects, he invites the reader to engage more fully with the setting and appreciate the intricate interconnectedness of the world around us.