Anthropomorphism Examples in Literature & Sentences

Definition of Anthropomorphism

It is a literary and artistic device, whereby the non-human entities, like animals, objects and natural elements are portrayed with human characteristics, behaviors, emotions and attributes. This technique humanizes the non-human. This make it more relatable and facilitating in exploration of the complex themes, moral lessons or emotions. Anthropomorphism is commonly used in literature, fables, cartoons and other forms of storytelling. It helps to create a bond between the audience and the characters or entities.

Anthropomorphism Example Sentences

Here are 20 common sentences wherein anthropomorphism, the attribution of human emotions or feelings to non-human entities, has been used:

1. The raging storm seemed to express its anger through thunder and lightning.
2. The cozy cabin in the woods embraced us with its warmth and welcome.
3. The old oak tree appeared to reach out its branches as if longing for companionship.
4. The flickering campfire danced in the night, casting playful shadows on the ground.
5. The sun smiled down on us, bathing everything in its golden light.
6. The waves of the ocean whispered secrets to the attentive shore.
7. The car’s engine roared to life, eager to hit the open road.
8. The flowers in the garden nodded their heads in agreement with the gentle breeze.
9. The ancient castle stood stoically, as if guarding its timeless secrets.
10. The mountain peaks seemed to touch the sky, as if yearning to reach higher.
11. The full moon watched over the sleeping town, casting a protective gaze.
12. The old house groaned and creaked, as if it were telling stories of the past.
13. The stubborn door refused to budge, as if it had a will of its own.
14. The river’s gentle flow soothed our souls as if it understood our troubles.
15. The playful puppy wagged its tail, eager to play and make new friends.
16. The dark clouds gathered ominously, as if plotting a sudden downpour.
17. The cozy blanket embraced me, providing comfort and warmth on a cold night.
18. The cheerful sunflower turned its face towards the sun, as if seeking its affection.
19. The rustling leaves in the forest seemed to whisper secrets to one another.
20. The old grandfather clock chimed solemnly, as if marking the passage of time with wisdom.

Anthropomorphism Characteristics

Following are the key characteristics of anthropomorphism: –

1. Personification: It assigns human qualities, emotions and behavior to animals, objects and natural elements. This can include giving them thoughts, feelings or intentions.
2. Relatability: Anthropomorphism aims to make non-human entities with more relatable and understandable to human audience.
3. Symbolism: This literary technique can be used to symbolize human qualities, beliefs or concepts, which enables a deep exploration of themes and moral lessons.
4. Narrative Device: It is frequently used in storytelling. The purpose is to create engaging and empathetic characters especially in the literature and fables of the children’s.
5. Artistic Expression: Anthropomorphism allows artists to create images that evoke emotions and connections through familiar human characteristics.
6. Cultural Significance: It is usually found in mythology, folklore and religious texts. In these literary work, the deities, spirits and natural elements often exhibit human traits.
7. Simplicity and Clarity: Anthropomorphism simplifies complex concepts by rendering them in human terms. This make them more accessible to a broad audience.
8. Metaphor and Symbolism: It is often used metaphorically to convey deeper meanings. For example, it is used in animals to symbolize human virtues or vices.
9. Literary Tropes: Anthropomorphism is a common literary trope, which is frequently used for humor, allegory and social commentary.
10. Emotional Connection: Anthropomorphism attributes human emotions to non-human entities to evoke emotional response from the audience.

Anthropomorphism in animals

Anthropomorphism in animals is a storytelling technique, through which the animals are portrayed with human characteristics. This device enhances the relatability of animal characters, which make them more engaging to human audiences.

Animals are often given human emotions, motivations and the ability to communicate, which allow them to play central roles in narratives. This practice is prevalent in literature, animation and fables. It serves as an effective tool for imparting life lessons.

Examples of Anthropomorphism in literature

1- “The Wind in the Willows” by Kenneth Grahame

Spring was moving in the air above and in the earth below and around him, penetrating even his dark and lowly little house with its spirit of divine discontent and longing.

Here, the concept of spring is anthropomorphized as having a ‘spirit of divine discontent and longing’. Spring is portrayed as if it were a sentient being and was experiencing emotions and desires. This literary device allows readers to connect more deeply with the season of spring. It gives human qualities of restlessness and yearning. It evokes a sense of the season’s vitality and the inspiration it brings to Mole, which make the natural world more relatable and enchanting. The use of anthropomorphism enhances the narrative’s appeal and draws readers into Mole’s awakening to the wonders of the world beyond his burrow

2- “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland,” by Lewis Carroll

All cats can grin, and most of them do.

Here, the Cheshire Cat is depicted with the human ability to grin knowingly and mysteriously. This anthropomorphism adds to the whimsical and enigmatic atmosphere of the Wonderland, which make the character more intriguing to readers.

3- “The Jungle Book” by Rudyard Kipling

the animals in the jungle, such as Baloo the bear and Bagheera the panther, talk, plan, and have distinct personalities, just like humans.

The use of anthropomorphism allows readers especially children to relate to and understand the animal characters better. It humanizes them, which make their adventures and moral lessons more accessible and engaging.

4- “Stuart Little” by E. B. White Stuart

A small mouse, has the same abilities, emotions, and desires as a human child. He drives cars, falls in love, and goes on adventures.

anthropomorphism helps readers connect with the little mouse, making it relatable and lovable as the main character. It allows readers to understand the mouse’s adventures, dreams, and struggles, even though it’s small in size. So, it turns a tiny mouse into a character we can all relate to and root for.

More to read

• Literary Devices (A – Z List)
• Alliteration
• Allegory
• Acrostic
• Ambiguity
• Anachronism
• Anapest
• Anaphora
• Anaphoric Examples
• Anastrophe
• Anthology
• Adage
• Adynaton
• Accumulation
• Archaism
• Archetype