Personification

What is personification? According to DeGuzman (2021) "Personification is a literary device that gives human characteristics to nonhuman things or inanimate objects. The nonhuman things can be animals, objects, or even a concept. The human characteristics given to these things can be emotions, behaviors, or actions that bring nonhuman things to life." In other words, using personification, the writer allows nonhumans things to act in a way that is more human and therefore creates stronger emotion in the reader. As Meleen (2021) put it "It helps the reader relate to and create a picture in their mind when stars dance or opportunities knock."

Personification can be, among other things, used to give nonhumans things a voice, as Willard does in her poem here:

"'Ah, William, we're weary of weather,’ 

said the sunflowers, shining with dew. 

‘Our traveling habits have tired us. 

Can you give us a room with a view?’"

Flowers are not only talking to William, but they also have human attributes, such as getting tired.

Personification can also be used to set an atmosphere for things to come, as Shakespeare does in Romeo and Juliet:

"The grey-ey'd morn smiles on the frowning night, 

Chequering the eastern clouds with streaks of light."

Here, personification is used to prepare a romantic stage for Romeo and Juliet, with morning smiling on the frowning night. 

All in all, personification is used to allow nonhuman things to communicate, as well as setting the stage with more creativity than simply stating "it was morning".

References:

DeGuzman, K. (2021, 11 Jul). What is personification. StudioBinder. https://www.yourdictionary.com/articles/examples-personification

Meleen, M. (2021, 29 Jul). Examples of Personification: What It Is and How to Use It. YourDictionary. https://www.yourdictionary.com/articles/examples-personification