What is Personification? Definition and Examples in Poetry for AP Lit

📚 What is Personification?

Personification is a literary device where human qualities, actions, or feelings are attributed to inanimate objects, animals, or abstract ideas. It helps to create vivid imagery and deeper meaning in writing, especially in poetry.

Quick Study Guide

• ✍️ Definition: Giving human traits to non-human things.
• 🖼️ Purpose: To create imagery, evoke emotions, and enhance understanding.
• 📝 Examples: The wind whispered secrets; The sun smiled down on us.
• 💡 Identification: Look for verbs or adjectives that describe non-human subjects in a human way.
• 🔑 Common Usage: Frequently used in poetry and literature to add depth and symbolism.

Practice Quiz

1. Which of the following is the best example of personification?

   1. The car is red.
   2. The wind howled in the night.
   3. The tree is tall.
   4. The sky is blue.

2. In the sentence, "The stars danced in the sky," what is being personified?

   1. The sky
   2. The stars
   3. The dance
   4. The night

3. What effect does personification typically have on a poem?

   1. It makes the poem more literal.
   2. It adds depth and imagery.
   3. It simplifies the poem's meaning.
   4. It makes the poem less engaging.

4. Which sentence does NOT contain personification?

   1. The flowers nodded in the breeze.
   2. Time marches on.
   3. The book is on the table.
   4. Opportunity knocked on the door.

5. Identify the personification in this line: "The shadow of the mountain frowned upon the village."

   1. Shadow
   2. Mountain
   3. Frowned
   4. Village

6. What is the primary purpose of using personification in writing?

   1. To confuse the reader.
   2. To create a clear and direct statement.
   3. To evoke emotions and create vivid images.
   4. To make the writing more scientific.

7. Which of these quotes contains personification?

   1. "The rain in Spain falls mainly on the plain."
   2. "The pen is mightier than the sword."
   3. "All that glitters is not gold."
   4. "A penny saved is a penny earned."