The term figurative language refers to a wide range of literary devices and techniques used to make the speech more effective, persuasive, and impactful. Some of the most common figurative languages include metaphors, similes, and allusions which go beyond the literal meanings of the words. As well as alliterations, imageries, or onomatopoeias which appeal to the senses of the readers.
In the particular sentence provided <em>"It quivered at each sound, the house did."</em> the type of figurative language used is Personification, that is a figure of speech in which a thing, either an idea or an animal, is given human attributes.
In this sense, a non-human object (it) is giving the ability to quiver or trembling because of a sudden strong emotion, which is a human quality. Thus, it could be said that "it" (which represents a thing) has been personified in such sentence.
