Which figure of speech allows for the expression of an idea by relating it to human attributes?

Prepare for the NES English Language Arts Exam. Use flashcards and multiple-choice questions with hints and explanations. Ace your test!

The correct answer is personification, as it is a figure of speech that attributes human qualities, emotions, or actions to non-human entities, objects, or concepts. This literary device effectively brings inanimate things or abstract ideas to life, making them more relatable and engaging for the reader.

For example, when one says, "The wind whispered through the trees," the wind is given the human ability to whisper, which helps convey a sense of gentleness and intimacy in the scene. This not only enhances the imagery but also allows readers to connect with the subject on a more emotional level.

Apostrophe, on the other hand, is a figure of speech where an absent or imaginary person, or a personified abstraction, is addressed directly. While it involves addressing entities that are not physically present, it does not primarily focus on giving human characteristics to non-human elements.

Metaphor involves a direct comparison between two unlike things without using "like" or "as," which serves to create deeper meanings and associations, but does not necessarily attribute human traits or qualities to non-human aspects.

Hyperbole is an exaggerated statement that is not meant to be taken literally, often used for emphasis or effect, and does not involve attributing human characteristics to non-human

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