What type of literary device is being used in the phrase "the wind howled"?

The phrase "the wind howled" utilizes personification, which is a literary device where human qualities or actions are attributed to non-human entities or inanimate objects. In this case, the wind is described as "howling," a verb typically associated with human vocal expression. By assigning this human-like quality to the wind, the imagery becomes more vivid and engages the reader's senses, allowing them to better understand the intensity or emotional state associated with the wind's movement.

This use of personification enhances the description of the scene, making it more relatable and evocative. It creates an atmosphere or mood that reflects the nature of the environment being described. Other options such as onomatopoeia, hyperbole, and metaphor do not accurately capture the essence of this phrase, as they involve different techniques that don't apply in this context. Onomatopoeia would focus on sound imitation, hyperbole would involve exaggerated statements, and a metaphor would compare two unrelated things without using like or as. Here, it’s the attribution of a human action to the wind that solidifies the use of personification.