Final answer:
The comparison of trees to persons is meant to create a metaphor for human qualities, emphasizing the connection between humans and the natural world, and often reflecting on themes of environmentalism and human responsibility towards nature.
Step-by-step explanation:
When trees are compared to persons in literary texts, the purpose is often to create a metaphor for human qualities. This use of personification, a form of metaphor, imbues the trees with characteristics and qualities that are typically associated with people. Such a comparison serves to bring the natural world closer to the human experience, making it more relatable and easier to empathize with. Moreover, it often highlights the psychological and moral value of trees and nature, suggesting that humans and nature are closely connected and that the natural world has an intrinsic value worthy of respect and preservation.
In the context provided, the comparison of trees to persons is described in a passage that demonstrates the effectiveness of detailed sensory description in literature. Detailed sensory description, which makes use of various human senses, provides a vivid image for the reader and makes the scene come alive in the reader's mind.
Additionally, when examining texts like William Wordsworth's "I wandered lonely as a cloud," we can see how this metaphorical comparison serves to illustrate the fundamental relationship between humans and their environments, potentially leading to reflections on modern environmentalism and environmental justice. These themes are increasingly relevant in discussions about biodiversity, human responsibility towards the environment, and the effects of environmental degradation on human well-being.