Personification
English Language: Edexcel IGCSE - Specification B, topic 2.1.4
Personification
Personification is when you give human characteristics to something non-human to create imagery.
Moaning wind
- The frosty wind moaned.
- In this phrase, you are creating an image of the wind making a moaning sound. This is personification because moaning is a human action – the noise is produced from a human mouth. The wind cannot physically produce a moan.
Groaning stairs
- The stairs groaned under the weight of the huge monstrosity.
- In this phrase, you are creating an image of the stairs making a groaning sound. This is personification because groaning is a human action – the noise is produced from a human mouth. Therefore, the stairs cannot actually produce a groan.
Clawing tree branches
- The tree branches clawed at her face as she ran past.
- In this phrase, you are creating an image of the trees making a choice to reach out their branches and claw at the woman’s face. This is personification because clawing is a human action and usually requires a conscious decision – trees cannot actually make the decision to claw at people.
Tips for Using Personification
Personification is when you give human characteristics to something non-human to create imagery.
Focus on the image
- Focus on the image you are trying to create.
- What are you describing and what human quality do you think would suit it?
Consider tone/atmosphere
- Consider what kind of tone/atmosphere you are trying to create – for example, if you want to create a positive, happy setting, then you might not want the trees in your sentences to be ‘clawing’ at people. Instead, you could have the leaves ‘tickling’ or ‘caressing’ your skin as you pass them.
Choose vocabulary carefully
- Your choice of vocabulary is vital in creating your language devices effectively.
Test yourself on Personification
What is personification?
Which phrases use personification?
Which phrase uses personification?
Which personified phrase could you use to create a sinister tone?
What should you do when using personification?