Personification

Understanding Personification

• Personification is a figure of speech where inanimate objects, animals or abstract concepts are given human attributes, activities, or characteristics.
• When an author personifies something, they’re giving it qualities we usually associate with humans. This is commonly used to bring a text to life or to create a vivid image in the reader’s mind.
• Personification is noted for its ability to help readers connect to the non-human subjects of poetry or prose, helping to intensify imagery or deepen symbolic meaning.

Identifying Personification

• In order to identify personification, look for instances where non-human entities are given human traits such as emotions, physical abilities, or thoughts. This may be through stated actions, desires, characteristics or qualities.
• Phrases such as “the sun smiled down on us” or “the trees danced in the wind” are examples of personification as the sun is given the human ability to smile and the trees the ability to dance.

Analysing Personification

• When you notice personification in a text, consider how it influences the reader’s understanding of the subject, the tone of the piece, or the author’s intent.
• Personification can add depth and relevance to otherwise inanimate objects or abstract concepts, creating a more relatable or engaging narrative for the reader.
• By personifying elements of the story, the author can create a more immersive world or scenario, adding layers of comprehension that the reader can dive into.

Impact of Personification

• Personification can create emotional resonance, bringing the reader closer to the writer’s experience or creating empathy where there might not have been otherwise.
• By attributing human characteristics to a non-human entity, the writer creates a suspension of disbelief, allowing the reader to accept unlikely scenarios in a way that feels realistic and true.
• Always be aware of the author’s use of personification and consider how it adds value to the text. More specifically, understand how it enhances the tone, mood, or message of the piece.

Developing a sound understanding and keen eye for personification can enrich your experience of reading text and sharpen your skills of literary analysis. Look out for this form of figurative language, consider its purpose, and explore how it contributes to the overall meaning and impact of the text.