Personification, Metonymy and Synecdoche

Personification is a figure of speech in which human characteristics are

given to an animal, object or concept.

an example of personification (personification occurs throughout this poem)

The wind stood up and gave a shout.
He whistled on his fingers and

Kicked the withered leaves about

And thumped the branches with his hand

And said he'd kill and kill and kill,

And so he will and so he will.
--“The Wind” by James Stephens

Metonymy is a figure of speech in which something is substituted for a

thing closely associated with it.

examples of metonymy
1. The word from the White House today
Is that defense spending must be cut.

2. A little rule, a little sway,

A sun beam on a winter’s day,
Is all the proud and mighty have
Between the cradle and the grave.
--from “Grongar Hill” by John Dyer

3. After the boy was shot in the chest,

His life leaked out.

Synecdoche is a figure of speech in which a part of a thing is substituted for

the whole thing or the whole thing is substituted for a part.

examples of synecdoche
1. When I pulled up in my black BMW,
Sarah said, “Nice wheels.”

2. When I needed help moving the loveseat

And couch, Lewis lent a hand.

3. The hired hands trimmed the hedges

And painted the garage.