Personification is a literary device that gives human characteristics to an inanimate object, animal, or concept. It is a powerful tool for conveying ideas and providing readers with a more vivid understanding of the subject. Personification can take a range of forms, from simply giving an inanimate object a human characteristic or quality to giving an inanimate object a full human persona.
One of the most common forms of personification is giving an inanimate object a human characteristic, such as talking or feeling. For example, in the children’s book, The Giving Tree, the tree is described as being happy and giving and speaks directly to the young boy who visits it. This gives readers a better understanding of the tree and its feelings.
Personification can also be used to give an animal or concept a human trait. For example, in the poem “The Sea” by John Masefield, the sea is described as “old and wise” and “gray and wise.” This gives the sea a sense of wisdom and conveys a message of respect for the power of the sea.
Personification can also be used to describe abstract concepts such as time or love. For example, in the poem “Time” by Alfred Lord Tennyson, time is described as a “winged chariot” that moves swiftly and carries away life. This gives readers a better understanding of the concept of time and its power over our lives.
Personification effectively brings life and emotion to a story or poem and helps readers connect to the subject matter. By giving an inanimate object, animal, or concept a human characteristic or quality, the writer is able to give readers a deeper understanding of the subject and create a vivid image in the reader’s mind.
