Final answer:
The phrase 'the light stood up to the onslaught' uses personification by attributing human-like qualities to the 'light', suggesting it has the capacity to confront or resist an attack.
Step-by-step explanation:
The phrase 'the light stood up to the onslaught' is an example of personification, which is a figure of speech where human qualities are given to objects, animals, or ideas. In this case, 'light' is personified as if it were a person standing up to an attack or onslaught. This literary device is often used to create vivid imagery and add an emotional or thematic depth to writing.