Personification is when writers give human characteristics to objects, ideas or animals. It is used so frequently, especially in poetry, that it can be hard to spot at times. The wind, for example, is often described as having a human voice - it howls, or whispers, or even shouts. Personification is one of many methods writers have for writing vividly and for engaging their readers' senses.
See how well you can spot the technique by trying this English quiz.