Metaphor vs Personification
Understanding the distinction between metaphor and personification is crucial when it comes to figures of speech, as they can be easily confused due to certain similarities. Both metaphor and personification are used by speakers and writers to enhance their text or speech by drawing comparisons with different objects or things, which may not be generally relatable.
What is Metaphor?
A metaphor is an implied simile that assumes one thing is like another and proceeds as if the two things were one. It is a powerful figure of speech that draws a direct comparison between two completely different things. For example, saying “my friend has a heart of gold” doesn’t mean their heart is made of gold; it means they are a very kind-hearted person.
What is Personification?
Personification is a figure of speech where human qualities are attributed to non-living things or abstract notions to create an interesting reading or listening experience. For instance, saying “Money and fame are fickle companions” likens money and fame to human beings with fickle qualities.
Key Takeaways
- Metaphor and personification are figures of speech that enhance text or speech by drawing comparisons with unrelated objects or things.
- Metaphor is an implied simile that assumes one thing is like another and draws a direct comparison between two different things.
- Personification attributes human qualities to non-living things or abstract notions, creating an interesting reading or listening experience.
