Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

prosopopoeia

Noun

/ˌprɒsəˈpɒpɪə/

Definition

A figure of speech in which an abstract thing or an absent person is given human traits, often used in literature and rhetoric.

Examples

In the poem, the author used prosopopoeia to give a voice to the wind, making it seem like it was telling a story.
Shakespeare often employed prosopopoeia, allowing characters like Death to speak and convey messages to the living.

Meaning

Prosopopoeia allows writers to create vivid imagery and personality by attributing human characteristics to non-human subjects, making ideas more relatable and engaging.