Question

Which sentence in this excerpt from Ambrose Bierce's "An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge" uses personification?
Excepting the group of four at the center of the bridge, not a man moved. The company faced the bridge, staring stonily, motionless. The sentinels, facing the banks of the stream, might have been statues to adorn the bridge. The captain stood with folded arms, silent, observing the work of his subordinates, but making no sign. Death is a dignitary who when he comes announced is to be received with formal manifestations of respect, even by those most familiar with him. In the code of military etiquette silence and fixity are forms of deference.

A)Excepting the group of four at the center of the bridge, not a man moved.
B)The company faced the bridge, staring stonily, motionless.
C)The sentinels, facing the banks of the stream, might have been statues to adorn the bridge.
D)The captain stood with folded arms, silent, observing the work of his subordinates, but making no sign.
E) Death is a dignitary who when he comes announced is to be received with formal manifestations of respect, even by those most familiar with him.
F)In the code of military etiquette silence and fixity are forms of deference.

Answer 1

E) Death is a dignitary who when he comes announces is to be received with formal manifestations of respect, even by those most familiar with him.

The author made that sentence into personification because they acted as if death was a man, that everyone knew.

Answer 2

Answer: E) Death is a dignitary who when he comes announced is to be received with formal manifestations of respect, even by those most familiar with him.

Personification refers to the practice of giving human qualities and traits to inanimate objects or phenomena. It is a very common literary device. In this example, "death" is given human qualities, such as being a dignitary who receives manifestations of respect.