What is anthropomorphism?

What is the definition of anthropomorphism?

Anthropomorphism is a literary and artistic device where non-human entities, typically animals or inanimate objects, are attributed to human characteristics, behaviors, or emotions. These animals or entities possess human-like qualities such as speech, rational thought, or emotions. They can also resemble humans, making four-legged animals bi-pedal, wear clothes, or have other physical features. This technique has been in use across various cultures and historical periods. It has been used in Greek and Egyptian mythology and other cultures, serving diverse purposes ranging from moral instruction in ancient fables and myths to entertainment in modern literature and media. By anthropomorphizing animals or objects, storytellers and creators make them more relatable to human audiences, often facilitating the exploration of complex themes and ideas.

Anthropomorphism can also serve as an allegory, allowing for commentary on human behavior and society through fictionalized characters. By depicting characters as animals, it can make a message more digestible and palatable for audiences, through indirectly commenting on human behavior or society.

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What are some anthropomorphism examples?

With anthropomorphism existing across several time periods, cultures, and art forms, there are a myriad of examples. These include:

• Anubis: In ancient Egyptian mythology, Anubis, the god of embalming and the afterlife has the body of a man and the head of a jackal. This anthropomorphic representation symbolizes his role in guiding souls to the underworld.
• Watership Down: Richard Adams’ novel Watership Down features rabbits who exhibit human-like behaviors and emotions. Through their adventures and struggles, the rabbits grapple with themes of courage, leadership, and friendship, making them relatable to human readers despite their animal nature.
• The Lion King: In Disney’s The Lion King, lions and other animals in the African savannah are anthropomorphized, possessing human-like personalities and emotions. Simba, a young lion, mourns the loss of his father; Scar, the younger brother of King Mufasa, crafts a plot to murder his brother and usurp the throne; Timon, a meerkat, and Pumbaa, a warthog, have a musical number where they harmonize, singing about how they have no worries.
• Winnie the Pooh: A.A. Milne’s beloved children’s book series stars anthropomorphic animals like Winnie the Pooh, Piglet, and Eeyore, who embark on adventures in the Hundred Acre Wood. Their close friendships and unique traits serve as a vehicle to teach life lessons to young readers.
• Frog and Toad: Arnold Lobel’s Frog and Toad series features the charming friendship between anthropomorphic amphibians, Frog and Toad. Frog and Toad navigate adult preoccupations in a pastoral world, sharing tea, spending time together in a cottage home, and exploring the joys of companionship.

Anthropomorphism, a literary device that attributes human-like qualities to animals, has contributed to the creation of many beloved novels, fables, and movies. As readers or film-watchers, we find ourselves drawn to and empathizing with animals facing struggles and joys that are universal to our complex, human experiences. To understand the techniques of storytelling, literary devices, and figurative language and breathe life into your writing or novel, learn more writing tips.