What is the Effect of Anthropomorphism in Writing? A Powerful Tool for Connection

Well, let me tell you something about anthropomorphism in writing—it’s a game-changer. You've probably seen it before. A dog acting like a human, a tree with emotions, or even an object taking on human characteristics. But have you ever really thought about the effect it has on a reader? It’s much more than just a quirky literary device—it creates deep emotional connections and offers profound insights into human nature. Let’s dive in.

What Exactly Is Anthropomorphism in Writing?

Okay, first things first. Anthropomorphism is the act of attributing human characteristics, behaviors, or emotions to animals, objects, or other non-human things. I remember, not too long ago, having a conversation with a colleague about this. She mentioned how her kid’s favorite cartoon was one where the main character was a cat who could talk and express emotions like a human. It’s the same principle—giving life-like qualities to something that’s not alive in the human sense.

It’s everywhere in literature and media, from Aesop’s Fables to modern-day movies like Zootopia. And why does it work so well? Because it taps into something deeply human—we relate to it. We see ourselves in the creatures or objects we read about, which makes the story more immersive.

Why Do Writers Use Anthropomorphism?

1. Building Emotional Connections

Honestly, if you want readers to feel something, anthropomorphism is one of the most effective ways. Think about it. When you give human traits to an animal or inanimate object, it’s no longer "just" a character. It becomes someone—or something—you can root for. I remember reading Charlotte's Web for the first time, and I literally cried when Charlotte the spider died. A spider! How did that even happen? But, because E.B. White gave her human emotions and motivations, she became as real to me as any human character.

It’s like when you watch those heart-wrenching dog movies, where the dog “talks” through its actions and expressions. It’s powerful because you understand the emotions of the character, even though it’s an animal.

2. Simplifying Complex Themes

Okay, here’s the thing. Sometimes, writers use anthropomorphism to simplify complex themes or make tough concepts more accessible. Take Animal Farm by George Orwell. The animals are given human traits, and through their actions and emotions, Orwell can critique political systems. It's easier to grasp some of these heavy ideas when you can see them played out through the behaviors of characters you’re emotionally invested in.

I remember reading The Wind in the Willows and thinking, “Why are these animals acting like humans?” But as the plot unfolded, I realized that these human-like qualities were there to showcase values like friendship, loyalty, and adventure. Without those anthropomorphic traits, the story wouldn’t have had the same emotional impact.

The Emotional Effect on the Reader

Honestly, one of the coolest things about anthropomorphism is the way it taps into our empathy. When you make an animal, plant, or even a household object exhibit human-like qualities, you're inviting readers to project their feelings onto that character. It’s a way of making the audience care—often in ways that surprise them.

1. The Warm Fuzzies

Have you ever watched a Pixar movie and felt your heart swell because of an inanimate object like a lamp (I’m looking at you, Luxo Jr.)? That’s anthropomorphism working its magic. When a character is humanized, it creates a bridge between the reader and the story. The emotional attachment comes naturally because you start to see the world from the perspective of something you wouldn’t normally identify with.

2. Making the Unfamiliar Relatable

Actually, I used to think that anthropomorphizing was just for kids' stories, but I’ve come to realize it’s much more. When you anthropomorphize something, you make the unfamiliar familiar. I remember a long time ago, I read a short story where a forest was given human-like qualities—it "felt" the loss of a fallen leaf and "wept" for it. The emotion it conveyed made me think deeply about nature in ways I never had before.

Criticisms of Anthropomorphism: Too Much or Just Right?

Honestly, as much as I love the effect it has on writing, there’s a downside to overdoing it. Some argue that over-anthropomorphizing can feel forced or distract from the story’s message. For instance, when an animal starts acting too human-like, it can break the suspension of disbelief, making the narrative feel less authentic.

I once read a book where animals were given way too many human emotions, and after a while, I found myself rolling my eyes. It just wasn’t believable. The balance between giving an animal enough human traits for it to be relatable and not so much that it loses its animal essence is delicate. I guess the key is moderation.

Can You Overdo Anthropomorphism?

It’s a tricky one, really. You want to give enough human traits to connect with the reader, but if you go too far, it might feel more like a caricature than a character. I remember talking to a friend about this, and we both agreed that it’s about finding the sweet spot. Give your animal or object just enough humanity to make us care, but not so much that it loses its unique identity.

The Right Balance

Look, I’ve seen some authors handle anthropomorphism in a beautifully subtle way—where the animal or object still feels like itself, but you can see its struggles, fears, and joys. That's where the magic happens. It’s like in The Velveteen Rabbit—the rabbit doesn't act like a human, but you can feel its emotional journey. That’s the key: don’t make them too human, but just human enough.

Conclusion: The Power of Anthropomorphism in Writing

So, to wrap it up, anthropomorphism is more than just a literary trick—it’s a powerful tool that can make a story resonate on a deeper, more emotional level. It helps readers connect, simplifies complex themes, and makes the unfamiliar familiar. Of course, like anything, it’s all about balance. Too much, and it might ruin the story’s magic. But when done right? It can elevate the emotional stakes and create unforgettable characters. And let’s be real, who doesn’t want their readers to feel that kind of connection?

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How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).

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Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years

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Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.