Morrison personifies nature throughout the novel. When Son gets caught in a dangerous current, his life is threatened because he must swim with the current. The author introduces the "water lady" that takes control of Son. If he struggles against the current, he will drown, but when he treads water and lets the "water lady" guide him, the current "cupped him in the palm of her hand" and led him to the yacht.

The river is also personified when it's described as "grieving" because it is now only a swamp.

The sailor "exchanged stares with the moon", giving the moon the human ability of eyesight.

Morrison's personification vividly describes many of the things in nature. This adds life and beauty to the language the author uses.