English Literary Terms Questions Long
Personification is a literary device that attributes human qualities or characteristics to inanimate objects, animals, or abstract concepts. It is a figurative language technique that brings life and vividness to the non-human elements in a literary work. By giving human attributes to these non-human entities, personification allows readers to relate to and understand them on a deeper level.
In literature, personification is used to create imagery, evoke emotions, and enhance the overall meaning and impact of a text. It helps to make the descriptions more engaging and relatable, as it allows readers to visualize and connect with the non-human elements in a more familiar and human-like way.
One common way personification is used in literature is through the portrayal of nature. For example, a poet might describe the wind as "whispering secrets" or the sun as "smiling warmly." By attributing human actions and emotions to these natural elements, the reader can better understand and appreciate their significance in the poem or story.
Personification is also frequently used to depict abstract concepts or ideas. For instance, a writer might personify love as a person with arms that embrace or a heart that beats. This personification helps to make the abstract concept of love more tangible and relatable to the reader.
Moreover, personification can be employed to create a sense of empathy or sympathy towards non-human characters or objects. By giving them human qualities, readers can develop a deeper emotional connection with these entities. For example, a writer might personify a tree, describing its branches as "reaching out for companionship" or its leaves as "whispering in the wind." This personification allows readers to empathize with the tree and view it as more than just an inanimate object.
In summary, personification is a literary device that attributes human qualities to non-human entities. It is used in literature to create vivid imagery, evoke emotions, enhance meaning, and establish a deeper connection between readers and the non-human elements in a text. By employing personification, writers can bring life and relatability to inanimate objects, animals, or abstract concepts, making their works more engaging and impactful.