Anthropomorphism: Exploring the Humanization of Non-Human Characters

Anthropomorphism—the attribution of human characteristics or behaviors to animals, inanimate objects, or abstract concepts—has long been a staple of storytelling in literature. This literary device allows writers to breathe life into the non-human world, making it relatable, emotional, and often more engaging for readers. In American literature, anthropomorphism plays a particularly interesting role, weaving together elements of social commentary, emotion, and allegory.

From classic novels to contemporary works, American authors have consistently used anthropomorphism to address issues like identity, morality, and society. Whether it’s a talking animal in a children’s book or a metaphysical reflection on human nature, anthropomorphism can be both a playful and profound tool. But why does this device resonate so deeply with readers, particularly in the context of American novels? And what can we learn from the way these authors give non-human characters human traits?

The Role of Anthropomorphism in American Literature

Anthropomorphism is not limited to any one genre in American literature. It appears across a wide range of books, from children’s literature and fables to adult novels, where animal characters, objects, and natural elements are endowed with human qualities. One of the central reasons this literary device has endured in American storytelling is its versatility. It allows authors to explore complex human emotions and ideas from an accessible, often humorous, perspective.

But why have American authors chosen to anthropomorphize so many characters? One reason is that anthropomorphism provides a way to simplify complex ideas, making them more relatable to a wide audience. For example, through a character like the anthropomorphized dog in Jack London’s Call of the Wild, readers gain a deeper understanding of loyalty, survival, and the return to primal instincts without needing to delve deeply into human psychology.

Moreover, anthropomorphism also gives authors the ability to critique society by creating characters that challenge human norms. In the case of Animal Farm by George Orwell, although not an American author, the use of anthropomorphic animals to represent political figures offers a sharp, satirical commentary on the failures of human systems of power and governance.

The American tradition of anthropomorphism can also be tied to the country’s cultural history. With a legacy that includes an agrarian past, the connection to animals and nature is strong in American fiction. Think of how Mark Twain humanizes animals in The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, or how John Steinbeck gives a symbolic voice to mice, rabbits, and even a dog in Of Mice and Men. In these works, anthropomorphic characters do more than engage readers—they provide commentary on the fragility of the human condition, the injustices of society, and the complexities of friendship.

What is Anthropomorphism?

Anthropomorphism is a literary device that involves attributing human characteristics, emotions, and behaviors to non-human entities, such as animals, objects, or ideas. This technique is used to create relatable and engaging characters, making it easier for readers or audiences to connect with them. By attributing human characteristics to non-human entities, authors can explore complex themes and ideas in a creative and imaginative way. For instance, in children’s books, anthropomorphic animals often exhibit human traits like kindness, bravery, or curiosity, making the stories more accessible and engaging for young readers.

In literature, anthropomorphism allows authors to delve into human emotions and behaviors from a fresh perspective. By giving a voice to animals or inanimate objects, writers can comment on human society, critique social norms, and explore the depths of human experience. This technique is not only prevalent in children’s literature but also in adult fiction, where it serves as a powerful tool for storytelling and thematic exploration.

Types of Anthropomorphism

There are several types of anthropomorphism, each serving a unique purpose in literature:

• Literal Anthropomorphism: This involves giving human-like qualities or characteristics to non-human entities, such as animals or objects. For example, in Charlotte’s Web, the spider Charlotte exhibits human traits like empathy and intelligence, making her a relatable and endearing character.
• Metaphorical Anthropomorphism (Personification): This involves describing an inanimate object or abstract concept as if it were a person, using human language and characteristics. A classic example is the phrase “the wind whispered through the trees,” where the wind is given the human ability to whisper.
• Symbolic Anthropomorphism: This involves using a human or human-like character to represent an idea or concept, such as a symbol or metaphor. In George Orwell’s Animal Farm, the pigs symbolize political figures, using their human-like behaviors to critique the corrupting nature of power.
• Anthropomorphic Analogy: This involves comparing something to a human being using comparative language to illustrate qualities or behavior more clearly. For instance, describing a computer as “thinking” or “remembering” helps readers understand its functions in human terms.

By understanding these different types of anthropomorphism, readers can appreciate the various ways authors use this device to enrich their stories and convey deeper meanings. Whether through literal, metaphorical, symbolic, or analogical anthropomorphism, the end goal is to make the non-human world more relatable and to offer new insights into the human condition.

 

Famous Examples of Anthropomorphic Animals in American Novels

Let’s take a look at a few specific examples from American novels where anthropomorphism plays a key role in the narrative.

1. Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White

One of the most famous examples of anthropomorphism in American literature is E.B. White’s Charlotte’s Web. The story centers around Wilbur, a pig, and his unlikely friendship with Charlotte, a wise and kind-hearted spider, who exhibit traits typically associated with human characters. Throughout the novel, Charlotte demonstrates qualities of empathy, intelligence, and self-sacrifice—traits typically associated with humans. Her ability to write messages in her web—“Some Pig,” “Terrific,” and “Radiant”—to save Wilbur from being slaughtered exemplifies the power of language, sacrifice, and love. The emotional depth White assigns to Charlotte’s character helps young readers reflect on friendship, loss, and the complexities of life.

2. The Call of the Wild by Jack London

In The Call of the Wild, London tells the story of Buck, a domesticated dog who is forcibly taken from his comfortable home and thrust into the wilds of the Alaskan Klondike during the Gold Rush. As Buck learns to adapt to his new life, he begins to shed the trappings of domestication, slowly reconnecting with his primal instincts. Through Buck’s journey, London explores themes of survival, leadership, and the brutality of nature. By anthropomorphizing Buck—allowing him to experience complex emotions such as loyalty, fear, and determination—London provides readers with a lens through which to reflect on the basic instincts of human beings.

3. Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck

John Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men is a masterpiece of American literature where anthropomorphism plays a central role. The novel features two main characters, George and Lennie, who are itinerant workers during the Great Depression. Lennie, who has a mental disability, forms a deep connection with a small puppy. While Lennie’s relationship with the puppy is tragic, it underscores the vulnerability of those who are marginalized and the complexities of human relationships. Steinbeck’s use of animals, such as the puppy, symbolizes the fragility of life and dreams in a harsh, unforgiving world.

4. The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame

While not an American author, Kenneth Grahame’s The Wind in the Willows has found a strong following in American literature and culture. The book’s characters—Rat, Mole, Toad, and Badger—are animals endowed with human-like personalities, habits, and social dynamics, interacting with each other and other animals in ways that reflect human society. Through these characters, Grahame is able to explore themes of friendship, adventure, and the balance between nature and civilization. Although the novel is deeply rooted in English society, its depiction of anthropomorphized animals has universal appeal, particularly in American literature where themes of nature, individuality, and freedom are celebrated.

5. The Jungle Book by Rudyard Kipling

Another classic, The Jungle Book by Rudyard Kipling, although British in origin, has had a profound impact on American literature and popular culture. The character of Mowgli, a human child raised by wolves, exemplifies the use of anthropomorphism to explore the nature of human society and the law of the jungle. The animals in the story—like Baloo the bear, Bagheera the panther, and Shere Khan the tiger—are all anthropomorphized to convey lessons about leadership, morality, and belonging. Mowgli’s interactions with these characters highlight the connection between humans and the animal world, a recurring theme in American literature that often asks the question: what does it mean to be human?

Thematic Depth of Human Traits in Anthropomorphism

The beauty of anthropomorphism is its ability to lend itself to various interpretations and themes. By endowing non-human entities with human characteristics, authors can explore universal themes such as:

1. Social Commentary and Criticism: Through anthropomorphic characters, authors can critique societal structures, human behaviors, and injustices in ways that feel more relatable and accessible. For instance, in Animal Farm, George Orwell uses anthropomorphized animals to satirize the corrupting nature of power and the betrayal of revolutionary ideals.
2. Human Nature and Identity: The anthropomorphization of animals allows authors to explore fundamental questions about what it means to be human, often through the lens of human characters. In The Call of the Wild, Buck’s journey back to his wild instincts raises questions about the nature of civilization and the conflict between man’s domesticated self and his primal instincts.
3. Morality and Ethics: By giving animals human characteristics, authors can tackle moral dilemmas in ways that force readers to examine their own beliefs. Charlotte’s Web explores themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and the power of words, while Of Mice and Men raises questions about friendship, loneliness, and the treatment of people with disabilities.
4. Friendship and Compassion: The relationships between anthropomorphized animals often mirror human friendships. In books like Charlotte’s Web, The Wind in the Willows, and Of Mice and Men, the characters’ ability to empathize with one another transcends species, emphasizing the emotional connections that bind all living beings.

Writing Prompts Inspired by Attributing Human Characteristics

If you’re looking to experiment with anthropomorphism in your own writing, here are five prompts to get you started:

1. The Animal’s Perspective: Write a scene where an animal (domestic or wild) experiences human emotions like love, jealousy, or fear. How does the animal interpret these feelings? What does it notice about human behavior from its unique perspective?
2. The Inanimate Object’s Journey: Imagine an everyday object—like a coffee cup or a worn-out book—that has been anthropomorphized. How does it see the world? What are its thoughts on its human owner, and how does it feel about being used day after day?
3. A World Without Humans: Create a story where animals take over the world, and humans are relegated to the background or become extinct. How do animals organize their society? How do they govern themselves? What traits of human society do they adopt or reject?
4. The Talking Tree: Write a dialogue between a tree and a human. The tree has lived for centuries and witnessed the changes in the world. What wisdom does the tree impart, and what does the human hope to learn from it?
5. The Child and the Mythical Creature: Write a story where a young child befriends a mythical creature—like a griffin or a dragon—that has human-like emotions. What challenges does the creature face in understanding its own identity and place in the world?

Anthropomorphism is more than just a fun literary device; it is a powerful tool that allows American writers to delve into complex human emotions, social commentary, and themes of identity. By turning animals, objects, and even abstract concepts into fully realized characters, authors can offer readers a new lens through which to understand the human experience. From the enduring lessons of Charlotte’s Web to the primal journey of The Call of the Wild, anthropomorphism has shaped some of the most profound and beloved works in American literature.

Whether you are a reader or a writer, exploring the theme of anthropomorphism can deepen your appreciation of storytelling and open up new avenues for creativity. So, next time you encounter an animal with a voice or a tree that seems to think, take a moment to reflect on the deeper themes at play. The non-human world may have more to teach us than we realize.

Do you want to write your own anthropomorphic narrative? Our new courses are available for enrolment now.