Which literary device brings abstract concepts to life by describing them with human traits?

Prepare for the UIL Literary Criticism exam with flashcards and a dynamic set of multiple choice questions. Each question is accompanied by hints and detailed explanations. Ace your literary criticism exam!

The correct choice is personification, which is a literary device that attributes human characteristics or qualities to abstract concepts or inanimate objects. This technique allows writers to create relatable imagery and emotional connections with concepts that may otherwise feel distant or difficult to understand. For example, saying "the wind whispered through the trees" gives the wind a human quality, making the description more vivid and engaging.

In contrast, alliteration refers to the repetition of initial consonant sounds in closely placed words, enhancing the musical quality of a phrase but not infusing human traits into abstract ideas. Metaphor involves comparing two things directly to illustrate a point, but it does not specifically attribute human qualities as personification does. Imagery focuses on creating vivid sensory experiences for the reader through descriptive language, but again, does not involve the humanization of abstract concepts. Thus, personification stands out as the device that brings abstract ideas to life by imbuing them with humanity.

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