The definition of personification that we have established so far is quite simple, but what makes it a literary device? The authors use it to achieve various effects. Some authors use it to add color and images to their text, while others use it to add human attributes to objects. The purpose of personification is to help the reader better visualize certain elements of the story or poem. Personification can be used for countless themes and literary forms, from poetry to screenwriting. But each personification falls under the same definition. More than a clever way to bring inanimate objects to life, this writing technique can enrich the description and permeate emotions in unexpected ways. Let`s take a look at some examples of this literary device in literature to better understand why and how writers use it to improve their writing. Imagery is a word or phrase that should not be taken literally, but is used in writing to make an impact. Kyle DeGuzman graduated from San Diego State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in television, film and new media.
He currently lives in Denver, Colorado, where he spends his time writing, directing films, and traveling. Personification can be an incredibly useful tool when it comes to literature. Take, for example, the writings of legendary author John Steinbeck. In his short story “Flight,” Steinbeck writes: Here are some cases where it is effective to use personification in writing: Before analyzing some examples and benefits of personification, let`s establish a definition of personification. What is the definition of personification? Personification occurs when a writer has non-human human behavior. Therefore, the writer personifies this object. Personification is a literary device that is often found in children`s literature. This is an effective use of pictorial language, because personification relies on imagination to understand.
Of course, readers logically know that non-human things cannot feel, behave, or think like humans. However, personifying non-human things can be an interesting, creative, and effective way for a writer to illustrate a concept or make a point. Although the explanation in the video may be somewhat rudimentary, the video animation itself shows the benefits of personifying an inanimate object. This made the video more lively, relatable, energetic and funny. Let`s go over a few reasons why writers use this writing technique. Personification is a technique commonly used in literature, and it`s a technique that can add a lot of personality to your writing. The basic idea behind personification is that you take an object or animal and give it human qualities such as emotions or thoughts. Personification can be found throughout the history of literature. It calls readers to use their imagination, and its use can add depth and emotion to a story. As a reminder, take a look at this video, which provides a personified literary definition and analyzes its function in literature. In poetry and literature, personification can energize the text by literally bringing rather boring subjects to life. Allowing trees, animals, or even objects to interact with characters can appeal to the reader much more than if they were depicted realistically.
Personification makes literature and writing more attractive and interesting. In many cases, it gives life to abstract objects or ideas. For example, in the example above, time receives human qualities and thus gives life to this abstract concept. Being able to personify these characters has opened and continues to open the doors to memorable characters on the big screen. On the first three pages of the Inside Out script, writers Pete Docter, Meg LeFauve and Josh Cooley use personification to bring their emotional characters to life. We integrated the script into the StudioBinder script application to analyze this use of personalization. You may have heard the phrase “The wind howled in the night.” Howling is a verb used to describe the projection of the voice of an animal or person. However, since the wind is not alive, “screaming” is obviously a way to personify it and add a whole new dimension and meaning to the scenario. Overall, personification is a literary device that allows readers to enhance their imagination by “believing” that something inanimate or non-human can behave, think, or feel like a human. In fact, people tend to personify things in their daily lives by attributing human behavior or feelings to pets and even objects. For example, a child may attribute emotions to a favorite stuffed animal that match their own feelings. In addition, a cat owner can claim that his pet talks to him and responds to him.
This allows writers and readers to see a reflection of humanity through the imagination. Readers can also develop a deeper understanding of human behavior and emotions. Some of the best examples of personification in cinema can be found in Inside Out, one of Pixar`s best films. The whole story of the film revolves around the personification of emotions. Although the sun literally can`t smile, the leaves can`t dance without legs, and the wind can`t whisper because it doesn`t have a mouth, we apply human traits and create these metaphors to describe a scene. When we talk about non-human things as if they were human, we personify them. Personification is a kind of metaphor in which you describe an inanimate object, an abstract thing, or a non-human animal in human terms. It is used to create more interesting and engaging scenes or characters. For example, instead of just describing the wind as blowing, you could describe it as a “breath” on your face. When you do that, you personify the wind. You give the impression that it is a living thing.
In his poem about a former basketball player named Flick, Updike recreates an arena audience watching Flick play pinball by personifying the candy boxes in the luncheonette. Snack containers “applaud” Flick as he spends his free time playing an isolated game that requires no athletic skills. However, the personification in Updike`s poem reflects how Flick`s life has changed since he played for his high school basketball team and set records. What is personification? Personification is an effective literary tool used to improve writing. Personification is used to improve writing and highlight a point. It is much more powerful to say: sometimes the sun smiles, the wind whispers to the trees, and the shadows of the leaves dance in the wind.
