California Teacher Credentialing Examination (CSET) Practice Test 2025 - Free CSET Practice Questions and Study Guide

Personification is defined as the attribution of human qualities to non-human things, which allows writers and poets to bring inanimate objects or abstract concepts to life, giving them human-like characteristics. This literary device enriches the narrative by evoking emotions and creating vivid imagery that helps readers connect with the subject on a personal level.

For example, when a writer describes the wind as "whispering through the trees" or "angry clouds," they are not just describing the weather; they are imparting a sense of mood and personality to these natural elements, allowing readers to engage with them as if they possess feelings or intentions. This technique can enhance the thematic depth of a work and foster a more immersive experience for the audience.

Understanding personification helps in recognizing how literature can create emotional resonance and connect readers to ideas, scenes, and meanings that might otherwise feel abstract or distant.