You have learnt that naming words are called nouns and only proper nouns begin with a capital letter. Why has the author used a capital letter for the 'River' even when it is a common noun?
The author has used a capital letter for 'River' because the River is personified in the story—it is given human qualities and characteristics.
The River speaks, laughs, gives advice, and shows emotions like concern and humor.
By capitalizing 'River,' the author treats it as a proper noun, giving it a name and identity like a person.
This literary technique of personification makes the River a character in the story rather than just a background setting. The capital letter signals to readers that the River is special and important, not just an ordinary object.
Explanation
The clue provided in the question guides students to recognize that the River has been given qualities of a human being. Personification is a literary device where non-human entities are given human characteristics, and capitalizing the name is a way to emphasize this personification.
Solution Steps
The River is personified in the story, meaning it is given human qualities and characteristics
The River demonstrates human behaviors: speaking, laughing, giving advice, and showing emotions
Capitalizing 'River' treats it as a proper noun, giving it a name and identity like a person
Personification transforms the River into a character rather than mere background setting
The capital letter signals to readers that the River is special and important