Read the poem given below and answer the questions that follow by selecting the correct/most appropriate options :
I think that I shall never see
A poem lovely as a tree. A tree whose hungry mouth is prest
Against the earth’s sweet flowing breast; A tree that looks at God all day,
And lifts her leafy arms to pray; A tree that may in Summer wear
A nest of robins in her hair; Upon whose bosom snow has lain;
Who intimately lives with rain. Poems are made by fools like me,
But only God can make a tree.
Name the figure of speech used in lines 3 and 4.
Correct Answer :
Personification
Solution :
The correct option is Personification.
Explanation:
Personification is a poetic device or figure of speech in which human qualities, attributes, or actions are given to non-human entities, objects, or animals.
Lines 3 and 4 of the poem state:
"A tree whose hungry mouth is prest
Against the earth’s sweet flowing breast;"
In these lines, the tree is described as having a "hungry mouth" that presses against the earth, giving the tree human characteristics and actions (having a mouth and feeling hunger). Therefore, the figure of speech used here is Personification.
Access expert-curated educational resources and study materials—completely free.
Create, conduct, and manage professional online assessments with Mindyard. Perfect for teachers and institutes.
Copyright © 2026 Mindyard. All Rights Reserved.
