What is the term for attributing human qualities to nonhuman objects?

The term for attributing human qualities to nonhuman objects is personification. This literary device allows writers to create vivid imagery and emotional connections by giving human traits, emotions, or intentions to animals, inanimate objects, or abstract ideas. For instance, saying "the wind whispered through the trees" suggests a gentle, communicative quality to the wind, which enhances the imagery and engages the reader’s imagination.

Personification is especially effective in poetry and storytelling as it helps to evoke empathy and relate to the scenes being described, making them feel more alive and relatable. The other terms listed refer to different literary techniques: metaphor involves comparing two unlike things without using "like" or "as," analogy is a broader comparison intended to explain or clarify, and imagery focuses on descriptive language that appeals to the senses. Thus, understanding personification is crucial for recognizing how authors create depth and meaning in their writing.