What literary device represents a thing or idea as a person or by the human form?

The correct choice is personification, which is a literary device that attributes human characteristics, traits, or actions to non-human things, concepts, or ideas. This technique allows writers to create vivid imagery and emotional connections by making abstract concepts more relatable to readers. For example, saying "the wind whispered through the trees" gives the wind human-like qualities, helping readers visualize and feel the scene more deeply.

By using personification, authors can enhance their storytelling and convey complex emotions in a more engaging way. This device can also allow readers to connect personally with the elements of a story or poem, transforming inanimate objects or abstract ideas into characters with motives and feelings.

The other choices, while important literary devices, do not fit the description in the question. Metaphor involves making implicit comparisons between two different things to highlight similarities but does not personify them. Imagery focuses on creating sensory experiences for the reader, and symbolism represents ideas or concepts through symbols rather than through humanization.