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The Personification Of The Knife By Richard Selzer

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The Personification of the Knife
In Richard Selzer's essay “The knife,” the author uses literary techniques to change the knife from a tool used in surgery into a character with its own personality, motives and impact on the narrative. By going into the intricate relationship between the surgeon and his knife, Selzer leaves are interesting story that goes further than the physical act of surgery itself. through metaphors, introspective reflections and vivid descriptions, Selzer in a way breathes life into the knife, allowing it to come forward as a powerful entity that shapes the narrative and contributes to the overall themes of the essay. This allows the reader to have a deeper understanding of the essay.
Selzer does a good job of portraying …show more content…

The knife becomes more than an instrument, it takes on a persona that initiates actions and choices. The author describes how the knife "makes the cut" and "seeks with blind intent" as if it possesses an inherent desire to fulfill its purpose. Through this personification, Selzer emphasizes the knife's autonomy and the surgeon's reliance on its precision and guidance. Selzer depicts the knife in the book as an "instrument of terror" and the "blood-brother of the surgeon," using metaphors to emphasize the knife's dual character. It has the potential to be both a weapon and a life-saving tool. Selzer underlines the knife's significance as a character with innate motivations and intricate dynamics by linking it with such profound symbolism.
Selzer explores the knife's unique perspective, he highlights its deep knowledge of the human body and the surgical process itself. He portrays the knife as being an observer, that reveals its insights into the body and how it works on the inside as well as the surgeon's technique. This perspective adds some depth and complexity to the narrative, allowing the reader to see surgery from the point of view of the knife. By doing so, Selzer points out the knife's important role in the procedure and its huge effect on both the surgeon's and the patient's

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