Which figure of speech gives human traits to nonhuman things?

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Multiple Choice

Which figure of speech gives human traits to nonhuman things?

Giving human traits to nonhuman things is personification. This device makes objects or creatures come alive by attributing thoughts, feelings, or actions that only humans typically have. When you hear phrases like the wind whispered, the sun smiled, or the door groaned in protest, you’re seeing personification in action—the author treats the wind, sun, or door as if they could talk, feel, or choose. A metaphor, in contrast, states that one thing is another to create a vivid image, but it doesn’t focus on making the nonhuman thing act like a person. A simile uses like or as to draw a comparison, signaling similarity rather than giving the thing human traits. Hyperbole is all about intentional exaggeration for effect, not about assigning human qualities.

Giving human traits to nonhuman things is personification. This device makes objects or creatures come alive by attributing thoughts, feelings, or actions that only humans typically have. When you hear phrases like the wind whispered, the sun smiled, or the door groaned in protest, you’re seeing personification in action—the author treats the wind, sun, or door as if they could talk, feel, or choose.

A metaphor, in contrast, states that one thing is another to create a vivid image, but it doesn’t focus on making the nonhuman thing act like a person. A simile uses like or as to draw a comparison, signaling similarity rather than giving the thing human traits. Hyperbole is all about intentional exaggeration for effect, not about assigning human qualities.

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