Anthropomorphism
Literary term · say it an-thruh-puh-MOR-fiz-um
Anthropomorphism means giving human qualities to animals, objects, or other nonhuman beings, often treating them as people within a story. They may speak, wear clothes, make plans, or follow human customs.
Where anthropomorphism appears
Animals acting like people
Animals speak, dress, work, or organize their lives in recognizably human ways. They may keep their animal bodies and habits too.
In Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, the White Rabbit checks a pocket watch and worries about being late. His clothes and concern about time make him resemble a hurried person.
In Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll
Objects acting like people
An object has human thoughts, feelings, or abilities and takes part in events as a character.
In The Adventures of Pinocchio, the wooden puppet tells lies to the Fairy, and his nose grows longer. He speaks and feels shame even though his body is made of wood.
In The Adventures of Pinocchio by Carlo Collodi
How to spot anthropomorphism
- Look for animals or objects that behave like people.
- Notice human speech, clothing, plans, or customs.
- Check whether the nonhuman being acts as a character.
What is the difference between anthropomorphism and personification?
Anthropomorphism usually treats a nonhuman being as a humanlike character, while personification can give something a human quality in a single phrase. A talking rabbit with a job is anthropomorphic; a description of a sulking sky is personification. The terms can overlap.
Is every story about animals an example of anthropomorphism?
No, an animal story uses anthropomorphism only when it gives animals recognizably human qualities. An animal hunting, sleeping, or caring for its young may simply be behaving naturally. Speaking in sentences, attending school, or holding a trial provides much clearer evidence.
Related terms
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