Which literary technique involves giving human traits to non-human entities?

The correct answer involves the use of human traits or characteristics being attributed to animals, inanimate objects, or abstract concepts. This literary technique helps to create relatable images and emotional connections for readers, as it allows them to see non-human entities in a human light.

Personification specifically emphasizes the qualities of human behavior or emotions in things that aren't human, making it an effective tool in poetry and prose to evoke feelings or convey deeper meanings. For example, when a writer describes the wind as 'whispering' or a tree as 'dancing,' they help readers visualize and feel the environment in a more vivid and engaging way.

While anthropomorphism is closely related and sometimes used interchangeably with personification, it typically refers to giving animals human traits and behaviors to the extent that they can act with their own motivation, such as talking or exhibiting complex emotions. However, personification is a broader term that encompasses all non-human entities, not just animals.

Metaphor and hyperbole serve different purposes in literature. Metaphors compare two unrelated things directly to highlight similarities, while hyperbole involves exaggerated statements for emphasis or dramatic effect.