AI 3: Anthropomorphism

The term for attributing human characteristics to an inanimate or nonliving things is anthropomorphism. It is a literary device that involves giving human qualities to nonhuman entities. This can be done through the use of figurative language, such as personification, or through the use of specific words or phrases that suggest that the nonhuman entity is capable of human thought or feeling.

Anthropomorphism is a common literary device that can be found in a wide variety of texts, including fairy tales, fables, and cartoons. It can also be found in everyday speech, as when we say things like “The sun is smiling” or “The wind is angry.”

There are a number of reasons why we might anthropomorphize inanimate or nonliving things. One reason is that it can help us to better understand the world around us. By giving human qualities to nonhuman entities, we can make them more relatable and easier to understand.

Another reason why we might anthropomorphize inanimate or nonliving things is that it can make our lives more interesting. When we see the world through the eyes of a nonhuman entity, we can gain new insights and perspectives.

However, it is important to remember that anthropomorphism is a literary device. It is not meant to be taken literally. When we anthropomorphize inanimate or nonliving things, we are not suggesting that they are actually capable of human thought or feeling. We are simply using a literary device to make the world around us more interesting and understandable.

Here are some examples of anthropomorphism:

• “The tree swayed in the wind, as if it were dancing.”
• “The car purred as it started up.”
• “The boat seemed to be smiling as it sailed away.”

As you can see, these examples all involve giving human qualities to inanimate or nonliving things. The tree is swaying in the wind as if it were dancing, the car is purring as if it were happy, and the boat is smiling as it sails away.

Anthropomorphism is a powerful literary device that can be used to make the world around us more interesting and understandable. It is a common device that can be found in a wide variety of texts, including fairy tales, fables, and cartoons.