Difference Between Anthropomorphism and Personification

Definition of Anthropomorphism

Anthropomorphism is the attribution of human characteristics or behaviors to non-human entities, such as animals, plants, and inanimate objects. It is a common form of personification that is often used in literature, art, and everyday language to help people understand and relate to things that are not human.

Definition of Personification

Personification is a literary device in which non-human entities, such as animals, objects, or concepts, are given human characteristics, emotions, or behaviors. This is used to make the non-human entities more relatable or easier to understand for the audience. Personification can be used to add depth, meaning, and interest to literature, poetry, and other forms of written and spoken language. It is also a form of metaphor and a literary term.

Anthropomorphism vs Personification – Differences

Anthropomorphism and personification are similar in that they both involve giving non-human entities human characteristics or behaviors. However, there are some key differences between the two terms.

Anthropomorphism specifically refers to the attribution of human characteristics to animals and other non-human entities, while personification can refer to any non-human entity.

Another difference is that anthropomorphism is often used in a more literal sense, such as in children’s stories where animals speak and act like humans. Personification, on the other hand, is often used in a more figurative sense, such as in poetry where the sun is described as “smiling” or a “great eye.”

Additionally, Anthropomorphism is often seen as a method of storytelling which is used in literature, folktales, and other forms of storytelling, whereas Personification is primarily used as a literary device.

In summary, Anthropomorphism is a specific type of Personification where human characteristics are attributed to animals and other non-human entities, whereas Personification can refer to the attribution of human characteristics to any non-human entity.

Comparison Chart

Here is a comparison chart that highlights the key differences between anthropomorphism and personification:

Anthropomorphism	Personification
Attribution of human characteristics to animals and other non-human entities	Attribution of human characteristics to any non-human entity
Often used in a more literal sense	Often used in a more figurative sense
Primarily used in storytelling and literature	Primarily used as a literary device
Specific type of personification	General term for giving human characteristics to non-human entities

It’s important to note that both Anthropomorphism and Personification are literary devices that authors use to create a more relatable and interesting story, poem or any form of written or spoken language.

Similarities Between Anthropomorphism vs Personification

Anthropomorphism and personification are similar in that they both involve giving non-human entities human characteristics or behaviors. Here are some similarities between the two terms:

1. Both are literary devices: Both anthropomorphism and personification are literary devices that authors use to create a more relatable and interesting story, poem, or any form of written or spoken language.
2. Both make non-human entities more relatable: Both anthropomorphism and personification are used to make non-human entities more relatable to the audience by giving them human characteristics or behaviors.
3. Both involve personifying non-human entities: Both anthropomorphism and personification involve personifying non-human entities, which is the act of giving them human characteristics or behaviors.
4. Both can be used in different forms of literature: Both anthropomorphism and personification can be used in different forms of literature, such as stories, poetry, and other forms of written and spoken language.
5. Both are forms of metaphor: Both anthropomorphism and personification are forms of metaphor which is a figure of speech that describes a non-human entity as if it were human.

In summary, Anthropomorphism and Personification are literary devices that are used to make non-human entities more relatable, both involve personifying non-human entities, and both are forms of metaphor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about anthropomorphism and personification:

1. What is the difference between anthropomorphism and personification? Anthropomorphism specifically refers to the attribution of human characteristics to animals and other non-human entities, while personification can refer to any non-human entity. Additionally, Anthropomorphism is often seen as a method of storytelling which is used in literature, folktales, and other forms of storytelling, whereas Personification is primarily used as a literary device.
2. Can you give an example of anthropomorphism? An example of anthropomorphism would be a children’s story where animals speak and act like humans, such as “Winnie the Pooh” by A.A. Milne, where the animals have human-like characteristics and personalities.
3. Can you give an example of personification? An example of personification would be a line of poetry where the sun is described as “smiling” or a “great eye,” this is a figurative way of giving human characteristics to the sun.
4. Why do authors use anthropomorphism and personification in literature? Authors use anthropomorphism and personification in literature to make non-human entities more relatable and interesting to the audience. Giving human characteristics to non-human entities can make them more engaging and easier to understand.
5. Are anthropomorphism and personification the same thing? Anthropomorphism and personification are similar in that they both involve giving non-human entities human characteristics or behaviors. However, anthropomorphism specifically refers to the attribution of human characteristics to animals and other non-human entities, while personification can refer to any non-human entity.
6. How can you tell the difference between anthropomorphism and personification? A key difference between anthropomorphism and personification is that anthropomorphism specifically refers to the attribution of human characteristics to animals and other non-human entities, while personification can refer to any non-human entity. Additionally, Anthropomorphism is often used in a more literal sense, whereas Personification is often used in a more figurative sense.

Reference Books

Here are some reference books on anthropomorphism and personification that you may find useful:

1. “Anthropomorphism, Anecdotes, and Animals” by R. W. Mitchell, N. S. Thompson, and H. L. Miles
2. “Anthropomorphism and the Philosophy of Mind” edited by Anthony L. Bloor and Ted A. Reed
3. “Personification in the Greek World: From Antiquity to Byzantium” edited by Emma Stafford and Chris L. de Wet
4. “The Oxford Handbook of Personhood” edited by Andreas Roepstorff
5. “Anthropomorphism and Children’s Understanding of Animals” by David J. Sloan Wilson
6. “Anthropomorphism, Anecdotes, and Animals” edited by R. W. Mitchell, N. S. Thompson, and H. L. Miles

These books provide in-depth analysis and discussion of anthropomorphism and personification in different contexts, and cover various aspects such as literature, philosophy, psychology, and history.