Personification is the literary device in which human qualities are attributed to non-human things, animals, or abstract concepts. People use personification for various reasons, some of which are discussed below.
One reason people use personification is to make abstract concepts more relatable and easier to understand. For example, when we say "the sun is smiling," we are using personification to describe the sun as if it were a person with the ability to smile. This helps us to better visualize and understand the concept of the sun, which is otherwise difficult to comprehend. Similarly, when we say "the wind is howling," we are using personification to describe the wind as if it were a person with the ability to howl. This helps us to better understand the concept of wind and the different ways it can manifest.
Another reason people use personification is to add depth and emotion to their writing. Personification allows writers to imbue their work with feelings and personality, which can make it more engaging and interesting to read. For example, when we say "the flowers danced in the breeze," we are using personification to describe the flowers as if they were capable of dancing. This adds a sense of whimsy and joy to the description, making it more engaging and vivid.
A third reason people use personification is to create metaphor and simile. Metaphors and similes are literary devices that compare one thing to another, and personification is often used to create these comparisons. For example, when we say "the clouds are sheep," we are using personification to compare the clouds to sheep. This creates a metaphor that helps us to better understand the concept of clouds and the various shapes they can take.
In conclusion, people use personification for various reasons, including to make abstract concepts more relatable, to add depth and emotion to their writing, and to create metaphor and simile. Whether in literature, everyday speech, or advertising, personification is a powerful tool that helps us to better understand and engage with the world around us.
