Rappaccini's Daughter

A metaphor is a figure of speech in which a term is applied to something to which it is not literally applicable to clarify some aspect of that thing. It is like a simile but does not use such words as “like” and “as.” For example, when describing the purple flowers in Rappaccini’s garden, the narrator uses the metaphor “the lustre and richness of a gem” to describe their vibrant color (Paragraph 7).

Personification is a literary device that endows inanimate objects or plants and animals with human characteristics. The narrator uses phrases, such as “peopled with plants and herbs” and “crept serpent-like” to bring the garden description to life (Paragraph 7). The way Beatrice interacts with the poisonous flowers is also a way of personifying the plants.

Repetition is the frequent use of certain words and phrases. This technique allows the author to subtly suggest certain interpretations, emphasize key ideas, or create a specific atmosphere. For example, in the first paragraph of the story, the word “young” is repeated three times in relation to Giovanni. Likewise, a range of words related to flowers and plants appear repeatedly in relation to Beatrice.

A simile is a descriptive comparison that uses words, such as “like” and “as,” to make the connection between two things clear. Hawthorne’s story is filled with similes. For example, when Giovanni first sees Beatrice, she is described as “beautiful as the day” and “as if another flower” (Paragraph 14).