It mocks the children for their lack of good manners.
In the epic tale of Beowulf and John Gardner's novel called <span>Grendel, </span>the most striking difference is Gardner's decision to have Grendel tell his own story, thus making the monster a more sympathetic character.
In Beowulf, Grendel's entrance into the mead hall, repeated as he has done for twelve years, is described as he moves with seething anger intent upon grabbing and devouring his first victim. He is thrilled to see such a collection of...
The figurative language is personification.
The meaning behind this quote and use of figurative language is rich. It means that "we" (those that are speaking) suffered slowly during said draught, and time continued passing while the days blended together. By 'day after day the pitiless sun blazed down,' the narrator means that every time a day passed and the sun set, it was sad and pathetic - meaning so little. The sun is personified in order to add depth and information to the text, which allows the reader to grasp the idea and mood the author is trying to convey to the audience.
They're a kind of negative self-talk.
