Which device gives human traits to nonhuman things?

• A. Personification
• B. Simile
• C. Metaphor
• D. Hyperbole

Answer: (A)

Personification is the device that attributes human qualities to animals, objects, or ideas. It makes nonhuman things act or feel as a person would, which helps create vivid imagery and emotional connection. For example, “the wind whispered through the trees” treats the wind as if it can whisper, and “the sun smiled down on us” gives the sun a human expression. This is different from a simile, which uses like or as to compare, a metaphor, which states that something is something else, or hyperbole, which uses exaggeration for effect. So when the question asks which device gives human traits to nonhuman things, personification is the best answer.