What Is Personification?

2021-05-24

what

Personification is a literary device in which human characteristics are attributed to an animal, object, or idea. This can be done through the use of language that suggests human-like qualities, or by giving the non-human entity a human voice or point of view.

Personification is a powerful tool that can be used to create a variety of effects in writing. It can be used to add humor, pathos, or drama to a story, or to create a more vivid and engaging image in the reader's mind. Personification can also be used to explore abstract concepts or to give voice to the voiceless.

Personification is a common literary device that has been used for centuries. It can be found in all genres of writing, from poetry and fiction to drama and nonfiction. Some of the most famous examples of personification include the talking animals in Aesop's fables, the personified forces of nature in Greek mythology, and the anthropomorphic characters in children's stories.

What is Personification

Personification is a literary device that gives human qualities to non-human things.

Human qualities to non-human things
Assigning human characteristics
Creating vivid imagery
Adding depth and emotion
Exploring abstract concepts
Giving voice to the voiceless
Common literary device
Used in all genres of writing
Famous examples: Aesop's fables, Greek mythology, children's stories

Human qualities to non-human things

Personification is a literary device that gives human qualities to non-human things. This can be done in a variety of ways, such as giving the non-human entity a human voice or point of view, or by describing it in human terms.

One common way to personify non-human things is to give them human emotions. For example, a writer might describe a tree as being "sad" or "lonely," or a storm as being "angry" or "furious." This can help the reader to connect with the non-human entity on a more personal level and to see it in a new light.

Another way to personify non-human things is to give them human thoughts and actions. For example, a writer might describe a river as "flowing through the valley like a silver ribbon," or a mountain as "standing tall and proud like a sentinel." This can help the reader to imagine the non-human entity as a living, breathing being with its own unique personality.

Personification can also be used to give non-human things human motivations. For example, a writer might describe a wind as "whispering secrets in the trees" or a fire as "dancing in the night." This can help the reader to understand the non-human entity as a force with its own agency and power.

Assigning human characteristics

Another way to personify non-human things is to assign them human characteristics. This can include physical characteristics, such as a face, arms, and legs, or it can include more abstract characteristics, such as thoughts, feelings, and motivations.

Giving human physical characteristics
This is perhaps the most straightforward way to personify a non-human thing. For example, a writer might describe a tree as having a "gnarled face" or a river as having "long, flowing hair." This can help the reader to visualize the non-human entity in a more human way and to connect with it on a more personal level.
Giving human thoughts and feelings
This can be done through dialogue, interior monologue, or simply through description. For example, a writer might describe a tree as "sighing in the wind" or a mountain as "looking down on the valley with pride." This can help the reader to understand the non-human entity as a living, breathing being with its own unique thoughts and feelings.
Giving human motivations
This can be done by describing the non-human entity as acting in a way that is consistent with human motivations. For example, a writer might describe a river as "rushing to the sea to be reunited with its loved ones" or a fire as "dancing in the night to celebrate its freedom." This can help the reader to understand the non-human entity as a force with its own agency and power.
Giving human speech
This is a common way to personify animals, but it can also be used to personify other non-human things, such as objects or forces of nature. For example, a writer might describe a tree as "whispering secrets to the wind" or a storm as "roaring its fury." This can help the reader to hear the non-human entity's voice and to understand its perspective.

Assigning human characteristics to non-human things can be a powerful way to create a more vivid and engaging image in the reader's mind. It can also help the reader to connect with the non-human entity on a more personal level and to see it in a new light.

Creating vivid imagery

One of the main reasons writers use personification is to create vivid imagery in the reader's mind. By giving human qualities to non-human things, writers can make them more relatable and easier to visualize.

Making the non-human seem more human
When writers give human qualities to non-human things, they make them seem more familiar and relatable to readers. This can help readers to connect with the non-human things on a more personal level and to see them in a new light.
Creating a more immersive experience for the reader
When readers can visualize the non-human things in a story, they are more likely to feel immersed in the story world. This can lead to a more enjoyable and memorable reading experience.
Adding depth and complexity to the non-human things
By giving non-human things human qualities, writers can add depth and complexity to their characters. This can make the non-human things more interesting and memorable for readers.
Highlighting certain aspects of the non-human things
Personification can be used to highlight certain aspects of the non-human things. For example, a writer might personify a storm to emphasize its power and fury, or a writer might personify a tree to emphasize its strength and resilience.

Personification is a powerful tool that writers can use to create vivid imagery and to make their stories more engaging and memorable for readers.

Adding depth and emotion

Personification can also be used to add depth and emotion to a story. By giving human qualities to non-human things, writers can make them more relatable and easier for readers to empathize with.

Making the non-human things more relatable
When writers give human qualities to non-human things, they make them seem more familiar and relatable to readers. This can help readers to connect with the non-human things on a more personal level and to see them in a new light.
Creating a more emotional connection between the reader and the non-human things
When readers can empathize with the non-human things in a story, they are more likely to feel emotionally invested in the story. This can lead to a more enjoyable and memorable reading experience.
Adding depth and complexity to the non-human things
By giving non-human things human qualities, writers can add depth and complexity to their characters. This can make the non-human things more interesting and memorable for readers.
Exploring themes and ideas in a new and unique way
Personification can be used to explore themes and ideas in a new and unique way. For example, a writer might personify a natural disaster to explore the theme of the power of nature, or a writer might personify a machine to explore the theme of the relationship between humans and technology.

Personification is a powerful tool that writers can use to add depth and emotion to their stories. By giving human qualities to non-human things, writers can make their stories more relatable, engaging, and memorable for readers.

Exploring abstract concepts

Personification can also be used to explore abstract concepts in a new and unique way. By giving human qualities to non-human things, writers can make these concepts more concrete and easier to understand.

Making abstract concepts more concrete
When writers personify abstract concepts, they make them more concrete and easier to visualize. This can help readers to understand these concepts in a new and more meaningful way.
Creating a more engaging and memorable way to learn about abstract concepts
Personification can be used to create a more engaging and memorable way to learn about abstract concepts. By giving these concepts human qualities, writers can make them more relatable and easier for readers to connect with.
Exploring the relationship between humans and abstract concepts
Personification can be used to explore the relationship between humans and abstract concepts. For example, a writer might personify death to explore the human experience of grief and loss, or a writer might personify love to explore the human experience of love and relationships.
Providing a new perspective on abstract concepts
Personification can provide a new perspective on abstract concepts. By giving these concepts human qualities, writers can challenge readers to think about them in a new and different way.

Personification is a powerful tool that writers can use to explore abstract concepts in a new and unique way. By giving human qualities to non-human things, writers can make these concepts more concrete, relatable, and memorable for readers.

Giving voice to the voiceless

Personification can also be used to give voice to the voiceless. By giving human qualities to non-human things, writers can allow these things to express their thoughts, feelings, and experiences.

This can be a powerful way to raise awareness of important issues and to challenge readers to think about the world in a new way. For example, a writer might personify a tree to tell the story of deforestation, or a writer might personify an animal to tell the story of animal cruelty.

Personification can also be used to give voice to the marginalized and oppressed. By giving human qualities to these individuals, writers can help readers to understand their experiences and to see the world from their perspective.

For example, a writer might personify a refugee to tell the story of the refugee crisis, or a writer might personify a person with a disability to tell the story of the challenges faced by people with disabilities.

Personification is a powerful tool that writers can use to give voice to the voiceless. By giving human qualities to non-human things and to the marginalized and oppressed, writers can raise awareness of important issues, challenge readers to think about the world in a new way, and help readers to understand the experiences of others.

Common literary device

Personification is a common literary device that has been used for centuries. It can be found in all genres of writing, from poetry and fiction to drama and nonfiction.

Used to add depth and interest to writing
Personification can be used to add depth and interest to writing by giving non-human things human qualities. This can make the writing more engaging and memorable for readers.
Used to create a more vivid and immersive experience for readers
Personification can be used to create a more vivid and immersive experience for readers by allowing them to see the world from the perspective of non-human things. This can help readers to connect with the story on a deeper level.
Used to explore complex themes and ideas
Personification can be used to explore complex themes and ideas in a new and unique way. By giving human qualities to non-human things, writers can challenge readers to think about these themes and ideas in a new light.
Used to add humor or pathos to writing
Personification can be used to add humor or pathos to writing. For example, a writer might personify a pet to create a humorous scene, or a writer might personify a natural disaster to create a sense of pathos.

Personification is a versatile literary device that can be used to achieve a variety of effects in writing. It is a powerful tool that can be used to add depth, interest, and meaning to any piece of writing.

Used in all genres of writing

Personification is a common literary device that can be found in all genres of writing.

Poetry
Personification is often used in poetry to create vivid imagery and to explore complex themes and emotions. For example, the poet William Wordsworth uses personification in his poem "The Solitary Reaper" to describe the natural world as being alive and responsive to human emotion.
Fiction
Personification is also commonly used in fiction to create memorable characters and to add depth and interest to the story. For example, the author J.R.R. Tolkien uses personification in his novel The Lord of the Rings to create the character of Treebeard, a giant walking tree.
Drama
Personification can also be found in drama, where it is often used to create allegorical characters or to represent abstract concepts. For example, the playwright William Shakespeare uses personification in his play The Tempest to create the character of Ariel, a spirit of the air.
Nonfiction
Personification can even be found in nonfiction writing, where it is often used to make complex concepts more accessible to readers. For example, the scientist Carl Sagan uses personification in his book Cosmos to describe the universe as being "alive" and "conscious."

As you can see, personification is a versatile literary device that can be used to achieve a variety of effects in writing. It is a powerful tool that can be used to add depth, interest, and meaning to any piece of writing, regardless of the genre.

Famous examples: Aesop's Fables, Greek Mythology, Children's Stories

Personification is a common literary device that has been used for centuries. It can be found in all genres of writing, from poetry and fiction to drama and nonfiction.

Some of the most famous examples of personification can be found in Aesop's Fables, Greek mythology, and children's stories.

Aesop's Fables

Aesop's Fables are a collection of stories that were originally told in Ancient Greece. These stories often feature animals and other non-human things that are given human qualities. For example, in the story "The Fox and the Grapes," the fox tries to convince himself that the grapes are sour because he is unable to reach them. This story uses personification to teach a moral about the importance of contentment.

Greek Mythology

Greek mythology is full of personified gods, goddesses, and other supernatural beings. These beings often have human-like emotions and desires, and they can interact with humans in a variety of ways. For example, the god Zeus is often depicted as a powerful and majestic figure, while the goddess Hera is often depicted as a jealous and vengeful wife.

Children's Stories

Children's stories often use personification to make the stories more engaging and memorable for young readers. For example, in the story "The Very Hungry Caterpillar," the titular character eats his way through a variety of foods before finally emerging as a beautiful butterfly. This story uses personification to teach children about the importance of patience and transformation.

These are just a few examples of the many ways that personification can be used in literature. It is a powerful tool that can be used to add depth, interest, and meaning to any piece of writing.

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about personification:

Question 1: What is personification?

Answer: Personification is a literary device in which human qualities are attributed to an animal, object, or idea. This can be done through the use of language that suggests human-like qualities, or by giving the non-human entity a human voice or point of view.

Question 2: What are some examples of personification?

Answer: Some examples of personification include:

The wind whispered through the trees.
The sun smiled down on the earth.
The flowers danced in the breeze.
The stars twinkled like diamonds in the night sky.

Question 3: Why do writers use personification?

Answer: Writers use personification for a variety of reasons, including:

To add depth and interest to their writing.
To create a more vivid and immersive experience for readers.
To explore complex themes and ideas.
To add humor or pathos to their writing.

Question 4: Where can I find examples of personification?

Answer: Personification can be found in all genres of writing, including poetry, fiction, drama, and nonfiction. Some famous examples of personification can be found in Aesop's Fables, Greek mythology, and children's stories.

Question 5: How can I use personification in my own writing?

Answer: To use personification in your own writing, simply give human qualities to a non-human thing. You can do this through the use of language that suggests human-like qualities, or by giving the non-human entity a human voice or point of view.

Question 6: What are some tips for using personification effectively?

Answer: Here are a few tips for using personification effectively in your writing:

Use personification sparingly. Too much personification can be distracting and confusing for readers.
Make sure that your personification is appropriate for the context of your writing.
Use personification to create a specific effect or mood in your writing.

I hope this FAQ has helped to answer your questions about personification.

Now that you know more about personification, you can start using it in your own writing to add depth, interest, and meaning to your work.

Tips

Here are a few tips for using personification effectively in your writing:

Tip 1: Use personification sparingly.

Too much personification can be distracting and confusing for readers. Use personification sparingly to create a specific effect or mood in your writing.

Tip 2: Make sure that your personification is appropriate for the context of your writing.

Not all types of writing are appropriate for personification. For example, personification would not be appropriate in a scientific paper or a legal document. However, personification can be used effectively in creative writing, such as poetry, fiction, and drama.

Tip 3: Use personification to create a specific effect or mood in your writing.

Personification can be used to create a variety of effects in writing, such as humor, pathos, or suspense. For example, you could use personification to create a humorous scene by giving human qualities to a pet or a household object. Or, you could use personification to create a sense of pathos by describing a natural disaster as a force of destruction.

Tip 4: Use strong and vivid language.

When using personification, it is important to use strong and vivid language that will create a clear image in the reader's mind. For example, instead of saying "The wind blew through the trees," you could say "The wind howled through the trees like a banshee." This more vivid language will help the reader to visualize the scene and to feel the power of the wind.

By following these tips, you can use personification effectively in your writing to add depth, interest, and meaning to your work.

Now that you know how to use personification effectively, you can start incorporating it into your own writing. With a little practice, you'll be able to use personification to create vivid images, explore complex themes, and engage your readers on a deeper level.

Conclusion

Personification is a powerful literary device that can be used to add depth, interest, and meaning to any piece of writing.

By giving human qualities to non-human things, writers can create vivid images, explore complex themes, and engage readers on a deeper level.

Here are some of the key points we discussed in this article:

Personification is a literary device in which human qualities are attributed to an animal, object, or idea.
Personification can be used to create a variety of effects in writing, such as humor, pathos, or suspense.
Personification can be found in all genres of writing, from poetry and fiction to drama and nonfiction.
Some famous examples of personification can be found in Aesop's Fables, Greek mythology, and children's stories.
To use personification effectively in your own writing, use it sparingly, make sure it is appropriate for the context, use it to create a specific effect or mood, and use strong and vivid language.

I encourage you to experiment with personification in your own writing. With a little practice, you'll be able to use this powerful literary device to create memorable and engaging stories that will leave your readers wanting more.

Thanks for reading!