Identify the figure of speech: 'The wind whispered.'

## The reasoning "The wind whispered" gives a **human action** (whispering) to something non-human (wind). This is **personification** — when you give human qualities, emotions, or actions to animals, objects, or natural elements. Wind can't actually whisper; only humans can. But by saying it "whispered," the writer makes the wind seem gentle and alive, creating vivid imagery. That's the key: *if it's not human but you're making it act human, it's personification*. ## Why the wrong options tempt you **Simile** needs "like" or "as" (e.g., "The wind was like a whisper"). **Metaphor** directly compares two things without "like/as" (e.g., "The wind was a whisper" — saying wind *is* the whisper). **Hyperbole** is extreme exaggeration (e.g., "The wind screamed so loud it shook the planet"). The trap? Students often confuse metaphor and personification. Remember: metaphor *equates* two things; personification gives *human traits* to non-humans. ## Quick takeaway **If it's not human but doing human things (talking, dancing, crying), it's personification — you're giving it a "person's" abilities.**