Definition of Personification: A Guide for Grade 7 ELA Students

📚 What is Personification?

Personification is a literary device where you give human qualities, feelings, actions, or characteristics to non-human things – ideas, animals, objects, or even natural forces. Think of it as making the non-living come alive through words!

📜 A Brief History of Personification

The use of personification dates back to ancient times. It's found in early myths, fables, and religious texts where gods and goddesses often represented natural phenomena and human emotions. Over time, personification became a staple in poetry and literature, adding depth and vividness to storytelling.

🔑 Key Principles of Personification

• ✍️ Attributing Human Qualities: This is the core of personification. Giving a tree the ability to whisper, or the sun the ability to smile, are both examples of this principle.
• 🎭 Creating Vivid Imagery: Personification is used to paint a clearer picture in the reader's mind. By assigning human traits, the reader can better relate to the non-human subject.
• 🎨 Evoking Emotion: Using personification can also evoke a specific emotion. For example, describing death as a 'grim reaper' creates a sense of fear and dread.

🌍 Real-World Examples of Personification

Here are some examples to help you understand personification better:

• 🍃 Example 1: "The wind whispered secrets through the trees." (The wind can't actually whisper.)
• ☀️ Example 2: "The sun smiled down on the beachgoers." (The sun can't literally smile.)
• ⏰ Example 3: "Time marches on." (Time doesn't have legs and can't march.)
• 💔 Example 4: "Grief knocked on my door." (Grief doesn't have hands and can't knock.)
• 🌊 Example 5: "The waves crashed angrily against the shore." (Waves can't feel anger.)

✍️ Personification in Action: Practice Time!

Identify the personification in the following sentences:

1. The car complained as the key was turned.
2. The stars danced in the night sky.
3. Opportunity knocked on her door.

Answers:

1. Complained
2. Danced
3. Knocked

💡 Conclusion

Personification is a powerful tool for writers to make their work more engaging and imaginative. By understanding its principles and recognizing it in literature, you can enhance your reading comprehension and creative writing skills.