What literary device gives human attributes to non-human entities?

The correct answer is personification, which is a literary device that attributes human qualities and characteristics to non-human entities, such as animals, inanimate objects, or abstract concepts. This technique allows writers to create vivid imagery and emotional connections for readers, as it helps to bring these non-human elements to life in a relatable way. For instance, saying "the wind whispered through the trees" gives the wind a human action, enhancing the reader's experience by evoking senses and emotions associated with human behavior.

Other literary devices, such as metaphor and simile, involve comparisons but do not specifically focus on giving human traits to non-human entities. Alliteration, on the other hand, relates to the repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words and is unrelated to human attributes. Understanding the distinction between these devices deepens one’s appreciation of literary techniques and their effects on language and storytelling.