Explain the concept of personification and provide an example from a famous literary work.

Explain the concept of personification and provide an example from a famous literary work.

Personification is a literary device that attributes human qualities or characteristics to inanimate objects, animals, or abstract ideas. It is used to create a vivid and imaginative description, allowing readers to connect with non-human entities on a deeper level.

One famous example of personification can be found in William Shakespeare's play, "Macbeth." In Act 2, Scene 1, Macbeth hallucinates and sees a dagger floating in the air before him. He personifies the dagger by describing it as having a handle towards his hand and a blade pointing towards Duncan's chamber. Macbeth says, "Is this a dagger which I see before me, / The handle toward my hand? Come, let me clutch thee!" Here, the dagger is given human-like qualities, such as having a handle and pointing towards a specific direction, which helps to convey Macbeth's inner turmoil and his impending act of regicide.