What does personification do in literature?

Personification is a literary device that attributes human characteristics or qualities to non-human entities, such as animals, inanimate objects, or abstract ideas. This technique helps to create vivid imagery and allows readers to relate to the subject matter on a more personal level. For instance, when a poet describes a tree as "whispering in the wind," it enhances the imagery and emotional depth of the scene, allowing readers to connect with nature in a more meaningful way. This humanization of non-human elements can evoke empathy, enhance the thematic richness of the text, and promote a deeper understanding of the narrative or poem.

The other options address different literary aspects. For instance, rhythm in poetry generally relates to meter and sound patterns rather than personification. Creating humor pertains to dialogue techniques, often relying on wit, delivery, or absurdity, rather than assigning human traits. Offering factual information is more aligned with expository writing or informative texts, which focus on facts rather than employing literary devices like personification.