What effect does personification typically have on a reader?

Personification typically encourages an emotional connection between the reader and the subject being personified. When non-human elements, such as animals, inanimate objects, or abstract concepts, are given human attributes, it allows readers to relate to these elements on a more personal level. This technique fosters empathy by enabling readers to recognize feelings, motivations, and struggles in things that they might not normally consider in a human context. For instance, when a storm is described as “angry” or a tree as “sad,” readers can connect with those emotions, enhancing their investment in the narrative and deepening their overall reading experience.

The other options, while they may seem reasonable at a glance, do not capture the primary effect of personification in the same way. While personification can add complexity to a narrative or create a vivid sense of reality, its most significant impact lies in fostering emotional resonance. It does not simplify the plot, as personification often enriches the story and invites deeper interpretation rather than making it more straightforward.