What literary device involves giving human traits to non-human entities?

Personification is the literary device that attributes human characteristics, qualities, or emotions to non-human entities, such as animals, inanimate objects, or abstract concepts. This device is often used to create vivid imagery or convey emotions in literature, making it easier for readers to connect with the material on a personal level. For example, saying "the wind whispered through the trees" gives the wind a human trait, enhancing the imagery of the scene and allowing readers to feel a sense of intimacy with nature. This technique can evoke empathy and bring stories to life in a relatable way, engaging readers' imaginations and emotions.

The other options—metonymy, hyperbole, and simile—represent different literary devices. Metonymy involves substituting the name of one thing with the name of something closely associated with it, hyperbole refers to exaggerated statements not meant to be taken literally, and a simile compares two different things using "like" or "as." These devices do not involve the personification of non-human entities and serve different purposes in writing.