Literary Device-Personification

What are literary devices?

Literary devices or literary techniques are specific structures that writers often use to add meaning or create more compelling stories for the reader. Some common examples are metaphor, alliteration, hyperbole, and imagery. These techniques can give the reader a greater understanding and meaning of the writers intent.

Personification

Definition of Personification Personification is a figure of speech in which an idea or thing is given human attributes and/or feelings or is spoken of as if it were human. Personification is a common form of metaphor in that human characteristics are attributed to nonhuman things. This allows writers to create life and motion within inanimate objects, animals, and even abstract ideas by assigning them recognizable human behaviors and emotions.

Personification is a literary device found often in children’s literature. This is an effective use of figurative language because personification relies on imagination for understanding. Of course, readers know at a logical level that nonhuman things cannot feel, behave, or think like humans. However, personifying nonhuman things can be an interesting, creative, and effective way for a writer to illustrate a concept or make a point.

For example, in his picture book, “The Day the Crayons Quit,” Drew Daywalt uses personification to allow the crayons to express their frustration at how they are (or are not) being used. This literary device is effective in creating an imaginary world for children in which crayons can communicate like humans.

Common Examples of Personification

Here are some examples of personification that may be found in everyday expression:

• My alarm yelled at me this morning.

• I like onions, but they don’t like me.

• The sign on the door insulted my intelligence.

• My phone is not cooperating with me today.

• That bus is driving too fast.

• My computer works very hard.

• However, the mail is running unusually slow this week.

• I wanted to get money, but the ATM died.

• This article says that spinach is good for you.

• Unfortunately, when she stepped on the Lego, her foot cried.

• The sunflowers hung their heads.

• That door jumped in my way.

• The school bell called us from outside.

• In addition, the storm trampled the town.

• I can’t get my calendar to work for me.

• This advertisement speaks to me.

• Fear gripped the patient waiting for a diagnosis.

• The cupboard groans when you open it.

• Can you see that star winking at you?

• Books reach out to kids.

Examples of Personification in Speech or Writing

Here are some examples of personification that may be found in everyday writing or conversation:

• My heart danced when he walked in the room.

• The hair on my arms stood after the performance.

• Why is your plant pouting in the corner?

• The wind is whispering outside.

• Additionally, that picture says a lot.

• Her eyes are not smiling at us.

• Also, my brain is not working fast enough today.

• Those windows are watching us.

• Our coffee maker wishes us good morning.

• The sun kissed my cheeks when I went outside.

Famous Personification Examples

Think you haven’t heard of any famous personification examples? Here are some well-known and recognizable titles and quotes featuring this figure of speech:

Titles

• “The Brave Little Toaster” (novel by Thomas M. Disch and adapted animated film series)

• “This Tornado Loves You” (song by Neko Case)

• “Happy Feet” (animated musical film)

• “Time Waits for No One” (song by The Rolling Stones)

• “The Little Engine that Could” (children’s book by Watty Piper)

Quotes

•    “The sea was angry that day, my friends – like an old man trying to send back soup in a deli.” (Seinfeld television series)

•    “Life moves pretty fast.” (movie “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off”)

•    “The dish ran away with the spoon.” (“Hey, diddle, diddle” by Mother Goose)

•    “The Heart wants what it wants – or else it does not care” (Emily Dickinson)

•    “Once there was a tree, and she loved a little boy.” (“The Giving Tree” by Shel Silverstein)

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