elp it and tell it what to do" (146). Dickey's language here powerfully illustrates the hierarchy of power present at this point in the novel, for Ed's innocence makes him a slave of the rapids. Ed is truly powerless compared to the incredible power that the river possesses, and Dickey describing Ed's body as "heavy" is of profound significance, for Ed has obviously not gained any weight on the canoeing trip. Rather, Dickey describing Ed's body as heavy signifies Ed's fear as he struggles to take control of the canoe, for the river's power far surpasses that of any human. This power is seen here through Dickey's brilliant use of personification, for the rapids obviously cannot tell Ed's body "what to do." Rather, this personification is used to once again highlight Ed's lack of control as he struggles to "move without the tremendous authority of the rapids," which have stripped Ed of the power associated with being a potent
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