Anthropomorphism: Definition, Examples & Usage

Learn how anthropomorphism gives human traits to animals, objects, and ideas to make them more relatable for writing, ads, and stories.

Anthropomorphism is a fascinating literary and storytelling tool that assigns human traits to non-human entities. It goes beyond mere description to make animals, objects, and abstract concepts take on human qualities in a literal sense.

You’ll find anthropomorphism in literature, film, mythology, advertising, and everyday language. This article explores its meaning, examples, usage, and how it differs from similar techniques like personification.

What is Anthropomorphism?

Anthropomorphism occurs when non-human entities are given human characteristics, behaviors, and emotions. Unlike personification, which is figurative, anthropomorphism often literally makes the subject act or think like a human. It is commonly used in storytelling to engage readers, build connections, and create memorable characters.

For example, Aesop’s fables often feature animals acting like humans. The fox, crow, and ant all talk, reason, and make decisions. This technique makes the lessons more relatable.

Characteristics of Anthropomorphism

Anthropomorphism has specific traits that distinguish it from other literary devices:

1. Human-Like Behavior: Non-human entities act, think, and communicate like people.
2. Emotion and Intellect: Subjects display human emotions and intelligence.
3. Physical Human Traits: Characters may walk, dress, or interact like humans.
4. Common in Fiction: Popular in children’s books, animated films, and folklore.

Historical Use of Anthropomorphism

Anthropomorphism has existed for centuries and is deeply rooted in cultural traditions. From ancient myths to modern media, this technique continues to evolve.

Mythology and Religion

Anthropomorphism appears prominently in mythology and religion, where gods and spirits often take human forms.

• Greek Mythology: Zeus, the god of thunder, behaves like a human with emotions and relationships.
• Norse Mythology: Loki, the trickster, exhibits human cunning and deceit.
• Hindu Mythology: Hanuman, the monkey god, displays loyalty, bravery, and speech.

These stories use anthropomorphism to make complex ideas easier to understand.

Literature and Fables

Anthropomorphism has long been a staple of storytelling. Writers use it to teach lessons or entertain.

• Aesop’s Fables: Animals, like the tortoise and the hare, act like humans to convey morals.
• George Orwell’s Animal Farm: Animals symbolize human behaviors and societal flaws.
• Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland: Characters like the White Rabbit and Cheshire Cat embody human traits.

Modern Storytelling

In contemporary media, anthropomorphism remains popular. Animated films, fantasy novels, and even video games use it to create engaging characters.

• Disney Films: Characters like Simba (The Lion King) and Baloo (The Jungle Book) are animals with human emotions.
• Video Games: Titles like Animal Crossing feature anthropomorphic animals living in human-like societies.

Advertising

Anthropomorphism is common in advertising, where brands use human-like traits to make products relatable.

Mascots such as the Michelin Man, Tony the Tiger, and the M&M’s characters show products with personalities. This approach helps companies build emotional connections with audiences and make their messages memorable.

Examples of Anthropomorphism

You encounter anthropomorphism in many aspects of daily life. Here are some examples from various contexts.

Everyday Examples

Anthropomorphism often sneaks into everyday language and thinking. Here are common examples:

1. “My car doesn’t want to start today.”
   • The car is described as having desires.
2. “The clouds are angry.”
   • Clouds are given human emotions to describe stormy weather.
3. “The moon watches over us at night.”
   • The moon is personified as protective.

Literary Examples

Famous authors and poets use anthropomorphism to bring stories to life.

1. George Orwell – Animal Farm
   • Animals lead revolutions, make speeches, and govern society.
2. C.S. Lewis – The Chronicles of Narnia
   • Aslan, the lion, speaks, leads, and sacrifices himself like a human.
3. Beatrix Potter – The Tale of Peter Rabbit
   • Peter wears clothes, disobeys rules, and faces consequences like a mischievous child.

Film and Animation

Films frequently use anthropomorphism to appeal to audiences of all ages.

1. Finding Nemo
   • Fish have families, feelings, and adventures that mimic human experiences.
2. Shrek
   • Donkey, a talking animal, displays humor, loyalty, and complex emotions.
3. Zootopia
   • Animals live in a human-like society, tackling real-world issues metaphorically.

Advertising and Marketing

Anthropomorphism is a powerful tool in advertising, helping brands build emotional connections. Marketers often use it to make products more appealing.

Here are three examples of anthropomorphism in advertising:

1. M&M’s – “Melts in Your Mouth, Not in Your Hands”
   • The M&M’s brand uses personification by giving their chocolate candies personalities. The Red and Yellow M&M characters talk, joke, express emotions, and interact like humans in commercials.
2. Michelin – The Michelin Man
   • The Michelin tire company created the Michelin Man, a character made of stacked tires who smiles, talks, and promotes the brand. By personifying tires, Michelin makes their product feel more friendly and trustworthy.
3. Compare the Meerkat – Aleksandr Orlov
   • The insurance comparison site Compare the Market created the character Aleksandr Orlov, a talking, aristocratic meerkat with a Russian accent. He runs Compare the Meerkat, a fictional website, and complains about people confusing it with Compare the Market. The campaign gives Aleksandr human traits — speech, emotions, and a sense of humor — to make the brand more engaging and memorable.

This clever use of anthropomorphism made these campaigns highly successful, turning the characters into beloved mascots that help create memorable brand identities and emotional connections with consumers, boosting brand recognition.

Why Use Anthropomorphism?

Anthropomorphism offers several benefits that make it a favorite among writers, marketers, and storytellers. It enhances engagement, simplifies complex ideas, and adds emotional depth.

Benefits of Anthropomorphism

1. Creates Relatability:
   • Assigning human traits to animals or objects helps readers and audiences connect emotionally.
2. Simplifies Abstract Concepts:
   • Complex ideas like death, time, or morality become more understandable when represented by humanized characters.
3. Adds Emotional Appeal:
   • Anthropomorphic characters evoke sympathy, joy, or humor more effectively than inanimate ones.
4. Engages Children:
   • Children’s literature often relies on anthropomorphism to teach lessons in an entertaining way.

Anthropomorphism in Everyday Thought

Anthropomorphism extends beyond storytelling. People often attribute human traits to objects or animals in real life.

• Pets: You might say your dog looks guilty or happy, projecting human emotions onto them.
• Technology: Robots and AI are often anthropomorphized in media and real life, like Siri or Alexa.

How to Use Anthropomorphism in Writing

Anthropomorphism can transform your writing, whether you’re crafting a novel, poem, or advertisement. Follow these steps to use it effectively.

1. Identify Your Purpose

Decide why you want to use anthropomorphism. Do you aim to:

• Create engaging characters?
• Simplify abstract ideas?
• Add humor or emotional depth?

2. Choose Your Subject

Select the non-human entity to anthropomorphize. Common subjects include:

• Animals: Dogs, birds, or fictional creatures.
• Objects: Toys, tools, or vehicles.
• Abstract Ideas: Time, love, or death.

3. Assign Human Traits

Give your subject specific human characteristics. These may include:

• Speech: “The tree whispered secrets to the wind.”
• Emotions: “The lonely clock ticked mournfully in the empty room.”
• Actions: “The waves danced playfully along the shore.”

4. Match Traits to the Context

Ensure the human traits suit the story’s tone and message. A mischievous cat might work in a children’s tale, while a thoughtful clock may suit a poem.

5. Balance Your Usage

Avoid overusing anthropomorphism. Too much can distract readers or make your writing feel forced.

Anthropomorphism vs. Personification

Many confuse anthropomorphism with personification, but the two are distinct.

Key Differences

1. Anthropomorphism:
   • Non-human things act and think like humans.
   • Example: “The fox plotted its revenge.”
2. Personification:
   • Non-human things are given figurative human traits.
   • Example: “The wind whispered.”

How to Differentiate

• Anthropomorphism is literal, often making characters fully human-like.
• Personification is metaphorical, enhancing imagery without literal transformation.

Related Literary Devices

Anthropomorphism works alongside other techniques to enhance storytelling. Understanding these devices helps you use them effectively.

Metaphor

A metaphor equates one thing with another for emphasis.

Example: “The storm was a roaring lion.”

Simile

A simile compares two things using “like” or “as.”

Example: “The cat moved like a shadow.”

Allegory

An allegory uses characters or events to symbolize broader ideas.

Example: George Orwell’s Animal Farm is an allegory of political systems.

Conclusion

Anthropomorphism is a powerful storytelling tool that brings non-human entities to life. You see it in mythology, literature, film, advertising, and everyday language. It makes abstract ideas relatable, engages audiences, and adds emotional depth to characters.

Whether writing a novel, crafting an ad campaign, or telling a bedtime story, anthropomorphism helps you connect with your audience. By understanding its purpose and using it effectively, you can create compelling narratives that resonate with readers.