The phrase the wind whispered through the trees illustrates which device?

The phrase the wind whispered through the trees illustrates which device?

• A. Metaphor
• B. Allusion
• C. Personification
• D. Simile

Answer: (C)

Giving human qualities to something nonhuman is personification. Saying the wind whispered through the trees treats wind as if it could speak softly, which is a human action. This use makes nature feel alive and sets a calm, secretive mood in the scene. It isn’t a simile, since there’s no like or as, and it isn’t an allusion, which would reference another work or idea. It’s a clear example of personification because the wind is described with a human capability to whisper.

Giving human qualities to something nonhuman is personification. Saying the wind whispered through the trees treats wind as if it could speak softly, which is a human action. This use makes nature feel alive and sets a calm, secretive mood in the scene. It isn’t a simile, since there’s no like or as, and it isn’t an allusion, which would reference another work or idea. It’s a clear example of personification because the wind is described with a human capability to whisper.