What is personification in literature?

Personification is a literary device where non-human entities—such as things, ideas, or animals—are endowed with human characteristics or traits. This technique helps readers connect emotionally with non-human elements by attributing familiar human feelings, thoughts, or actions to them, which can enhance imagery and convey deeper meanings in a work of literature. For instance, describing the wind as "whispering through the trees" evokes a sense of intimacy and life in an otherwise inanimate force.

In contrast, while attributing human traits specifically to animals aligns with personification, it limits the definition since personification can also apply to inanimate objects and abstract concepts, making it broader than just animal representation. Other options pertain to different literary elements—characterization or point of view—rather than focusing on the broader concept of personification itself. Thus, defining personification correctly captures its full scope and application in literature.