Question

Death lays his icy hands on the king. The figure of speech used in the sentence is

• A. Metaphor
• B. Simile
• C. Synecdoche
• D. Personification

Hint:

Look for human actions assigned to non-human things to spot personification.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

The sentence gives human attributes to “Death” — saying it lays hands, which only humans do.
This is a classic use of personification — giving human qualities to non-human or abstract things.
Option Analysis:

(A) Metaphor – compares unlike things directly (e.g., life is a journey). Not used here.
(B) Simile – uses “like” or “as” to compare. Not present.
(C) Synecdoche – part-whole relationship (e.g., “hands” for workers). Doesn't apply.
(D) Personification – fits correctly.