Personification Humanizes the Abstract
Definition
Personification
Personification is a literary device where non-human things are given human characteristics such as actions, emotions, or intentions. This includes objects, animals, ideas, or forces of nature behaving or feeling like people.
- This technique transforms the abstract into the relatable, so you can connect emotionally with concepts that might otherwise seem distant or impersonal.
Why Personification Matters
- By humanizing the non-human, personification:
- Elicits empathy: Readers are more likely to feel connected to abstract ideas when they are presented in human terms.
- Foreshadows emotional or thematic shifts: The human traits attributed to non-human elements often hint at underlying emotions or themes.
- Creates vivid imagery: Personification makes descriptions more engaging and memorable.
How Personification Works
Consider the sentence: "The night crept in on silent feet."
- Here, night is given the human ability to creep, suggesting stealth and impending danger.
- This personification not only sets a mood but also hints at a possible threat, engaging the reader's imagination.
- What’s personified? The night.
- What’s the human trait? The ability to creep like a person moving stealthily.
