2. Learning Objectives
To understand personification as a figurative
speech.
To apply personification for a unique writer's
voice of our own.
3. Introduction
As the adage goes, ‘A picture says a thousand
words’. Try to visualise the following
descriptions.
1) A fierce-looking cat wearing a helmet.
2) A playful cat which has formed a ‘M’ with its
paws.
3) A cute cat wearing a cap and cape.
4. Visualising
Now, try visualising with a different set of
descriptions based on the same pictures below:
1) A warrior cat with a protective helmet.
2) A singing cat with hand actions.
3) A cat clowning around with a cute cap and
apron.
Q: Which set was easier for you to imagine?
5. Personification
In all the descriptions above, we have read about
the power of attributing human qualities to
non-human things – a cat.
Imagine that you are the writer now, and you
would need to help your readers along in their
imagination as they read your story.
This writing technique is called Personification.
It is giving a non-human thing, human qualities.
It gives a visual image of the thing being
described and establishes your unique style as a
writer.
6. Compare and Contrast
Comparing the two different sets of descriptions,
1) A fierce-looking cat wearing a helmet.
2) A warrior cat with a protective helmet
3) A playful cat which has formed a ‘M’ with its paws
4) A singing cat with hand actions.
5) A cute cat wearing a cap and cape.
6) A cat clowning around with a cute cap and apron.
It is clear that personification helps in meaning.
8. More Personification Examples
1) A raging lightning storm – the lightning lashed
out with anger
2) A spoilt computer – my computer needs a
complete makeover
3) A starry night – the sky was full of dancing
stars
4) When it is too late – time never waits for
anyone
Q: Can you identify the non-human things being
personified?
9. Personification as a literary device
Personification as a writing technique is one
type of literary device. Together with other
literary devices such as similes and metaphors,
it helps to establish your unique style.
Most poets would use metaphors of some kind.
(for e.g., I never saw a man who looked / With
such a wistful eye / Upon that little tent of blue
Which prisoners call the sky)
While politicians would use a mixture of
literary devices to persude. (For e.g., we are in
this boat together / inflation rear its ugly head)
10. Learning Activity
Personify these everyday objects you use:
1) Computer
2) Curtain
3) Overhead Lamp
4) Shoes
5) Pen
6) Wallet
Hint: Imagine what human actions they can be
doing if they were 'live'.
11. Learning Activity Suggested Answers
Some suggested answers are:
1) Computer – computer screen stared at me.
2) Curtain – parted its veil to reveal the outside
world
3) Overhead Lamp – dancing in the wind
4) Shoes – gaping mouths after prolonged use.
5) Pen – moving non-stop across the pages.
6) Wallet – found its way into my wife's pocket
12. Discussion
What's personification?
How does it work?
What's required to master it?
13. In summary
Personification is a literary device, used to
establish the writer's style.
Personification links a human quality to a non-
human thing and makes it more dramatic and
interesting.
We need strong visualisation and vocabulary skills
with plenty of reading to learn how good writers
use it.
