What literary element is used when a poet uses a figure of speech to give non-human subjects human traits?

The correct choice is personification, which is a literary element that involves giving human traits, emotions, or intentions to non-human entities or objects. When a poet employs personification, they create vivid imagery and allow readers to connect emotionally with the subject by attributing familiar human qualities to things like animals, inanimate objects, or abstract ideas. This technique enhances the reader's understanding and appreciation of the subject matter, as it can evoke empathy or a deeper sense of relationship with the material.

For instance, when a poet describes the wind as "whispering through the trees," it illustrates personification by ascribing the human action of whispering to the wind, creating a more engaging and relatable image in the reader's mind. This literary device is powerful in creating mood and enhancing emotional depth in poetry.