They are trying to persuade people into not talking about the war plans. Sowing a man listening in on a conversation and making it seem to be a really bad idea, but not telling people they have to or making any argument.<span />
Writers and poets use personification to bring inanimate things to life, so that their nature and actions are understood in a better way. Because it is easier for us to relate to something that is human or that possesses human traits.
Hope this helps :)
