Anthropomorphism

Anthropomorphism gives an animal, object, or natural force distinctly human qualities, such as speech, thoughts, emotions, or intentions. In poetry, it can make nonhuman things act like people rather than simply resemble them, which is stronger than ordinary personification.

For example, a fox that complains, a storm that plans revenge, or a clock that feels impatient would all be anthropomorphic treatments.

The attribution of human feelings to animals or inanimate objects e.g. Hawk Roosting by Ted Hughes. See also personification.

Example

The moon pulled up a chair and sighed,
"I'm late again," it said to the tide.

Related Definitions

[n] the representation of objects (especially a god) as having human form or traits

Links

Synonyms

theanthropism

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