In Roberta Hill’s “In the Longhouse, Oneida Museum” personifications are used to give life to the museum, help readers understand the importance of culture, and the memories the museum houses. The indigenous people prioritize their many values and strong connections with nature and the world around them. Hill clearly shows her strong connections and memories with her heritage throughout the poem. Telling us as readers to observe and read in between the lines in order to understand and appreciate the writing she has given us. Even if we are not indigenous, we are able to make connections and reflect on Hill’s personal experiences. Through the use of personification in “In the Longhouse, Oneida Museum” the readers are able to make the connection…show more content… Hill is able to reflect on and cherish her indigenous origin as it got her here today, while also reflecting on her past memories. Also, “the throat of the furnace wheezed and rattled its regular death” (513). In this quote we see the use of personification as a furnace does not have a throat and is not able to physically wheeze and rattle. We can see Hill’s connection to her indigenous heritage through this personification by understanding the indigenous tribes treasure things around them and everything they have. Meaning, Hill is able to have a stronger memory of certain things in her childhood, such as the sound of the furnace in the place she called home. As we can see, the use of personification allows us to comprehend the relationship between the speaker and her culture. By understanding Hill’s personification in the poem “In the Longhouse, Oneida Museum” we are able to put together the memories the museum holds for her. It is common for tribes or origins to play a role in one’s belief system. For example, the indigenous people have strong beliefs in having a respectful relationship with the land and nature around
