FIGURES OF SPEECH - 2 | PERSONIFICATION

A figure of speech is an ornamental use of words.

A figure of speech may be defined as a change from the plain and ordinary mode of expression for the sake of emphasis or to beautify the language.

Figure of speech is a technique or a tool of expression, by means of which one deviates from the ordinary expression in order to produce a better or a more emphatic linguistic effect.

Figures of speech are commonly used in poetry to enhance the beauty, imagery, poetic effect and rhyme scheme of the poem.

PERSONIFICATION

In this figure of speech objects without life are spoken of as having the qualities of human beings.

When an inanimate thing is compared to a person in respect of some quality, the figure of speech is Personification. 

Inanimate objects, ideas or qualities are treated as if they were human beings.

Examples :

1. Thunder grumbled and raindrops reported for duty.

The given line is an example of Personification.

Thunder is given the human ability of grumbling and raindrops are treated as people who report for duty.

2. The pine trees frowned at the Sun.

The given line is an example of Personification.

The pine trees are given the human action of 'frowning'.

3. The hills rejoice and clap their hands.

The given line is an example of Personification. Here the hills are personified and given the human quality of rejoicing and clapping.

4. Death is very cruel.

5. The tide waits for no man.

6. The trees scream in the raging wind.

7. The flowers danced gracefully in the breeze.

8. Stars danced in the sky.

9. And the stars began to peep.

10. Flowers have the faces of children.