What Is Personification? | Definition & Examples
Personification is the attribution of human qualities to nonhuman entities, such as animals, objects, or even abstract concepts. This technique is used to create more vivid and engaging descriptions, set the mood, or convey emotions.
That piece of cake is calling my name. (That piece of cake looks delicious. I want to eat it.)
The flowers were begging for water. (The flowers needed water.)
The train sighed as it came to a halt. (The train braked as it came to a halt.)
Personification can be found in various forms of literature, including poetry, prose, and drama, as well as everyday language.
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Personification definition
Personification is the act of describing something nonhuman as having human traits, like thoughts, actions, or feelings. It is a type of figurative language often used in the context of creative writing as well as everyday speech.
By attributing recognizable human characteristics to objects or abstract concepts, writers can make their descriptions more vivid and engaging for their readers. This literary technique helps humanize the objects of personification, making it easier for readers to build an emotional connection with them.
In the context of everyday language, personification also allows us to express our thoughts and feelings in a way that resonates with others or describe mundane experiences in an interesting way. For example, saying “My phone died” or “That last piece of cake is calling my name” is a more evocative way to express oneself.
Personification and anthropomorphism
Personification and anthropomorphism are both literary devices that ascribe human characteristics to nonhuman entities, but they differ in their application.
- Personification represents nonhuman entities as if they had human qualities. For example, the sentence “The leaves danced in the wind” personifies the leaves because it describes them as if they had the ability to dance.
- Anthropomorphism portrays a nonhuman entity as if it had human traits, feelings, and behaviors. For example, cartoons are often populated by anthropomorphic animals, like in Zootopia, or objects, like in Toy Story.
In short, personification is metaphorical, and it usually involves a brief description added for effect, whereas anthropomorphism is literal and typically involves a more extensive portrayal of nonhumans as humans.
Personification examples
In William Wordsworth’s poem “I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud,” he personifies nature, particularly daffodils. This personification paints a vivid image of the natural scenery.
And twinkle on the milky way,
They stretched in never-ending line
Along the margin of a bay:
Ten thousand saw I at a glance,
Tossing their heads in sprightly dance.
In the following lines from Shakespeare’s Macbeth (Act 4, Scene 3), Malcolm, the lawful heir to the Scottish throne, meets with Macduff, a nobleman. Malcolm uses personification to present a powerful description of the state of Scotland under the rule of Macbeth, who has usurped the throne.
I speak not as in absolute fear of you.
I think our country sinks beneath the yoke.
It weeps, it bleeds, and each new day a gash
Is added to her wounds.
We often use personification in everyday life without even realizing it.
The bridge stretched over the interstate.
The tornado devoured everything in its path.
The cool water was inviting me to jump in.
Frequently asked questions about personification
- What is an example of personification?
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An example of personification is the sentence “The rusty hinge screamed every time the door opened.” Here, the hinge is described as “screaming,” which is a human action associated with expressing pain or distress. This personification creates a vivid and memorable image, emphasizing the condition of the hinge.
- Why do we use personification?
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Personification is used for several reasons. By describing nonhuman entities in human terms, writers can do the following:
- Foster an emotional connection between the objects of personification and the reader
- Highlight a character’s relationship with a nonhuman entity, such as the protagonist’s car or house
- Create vivid and imaginative descriptions that help readers immerse themselves in the story
