Which literary device involves attributing human characteristics to animals or inanimate objects?

The correct choice involves the term "personification," which refers specifically to the literary device that gives human qualities or characteristics to animals, inanimate objects, or abstract concepts. By using personification, writers create vivid imagery and emotional connections by allowing readers to engage with non-human elements as if they have human thoughts, feelings, or behaviors.

This device enhances the narrative by making it more relatable and engaging, establishing a deeper understanding or connection between the reader and the characters or elements involved. It is commonly employed in poetry and prose to convey complex ideas or emotions that might be challenging to express through straightforward description alone.

While anthropomorphism also refers to attributing human traits to non-human entities, it typically focuses on animals and is often used in storytelling where animals are designed to have human-like behaviors and motivations. Therefore, although related, personification is the broader term and encompasses a wider range of applications beyond just animals.

Symbolism involves using symbols to represent ideas or qualities, while imagery pertains to descriptive language that appeals to the senses, painting a picture for the reader. These terms, while significant in their own right, do not capture the specific act of attributing human characteristics in the manner that personification does.