Anthromorphism

__//Anthropomorphism//__


 * D** **efinition::** Anthropomorphism, any attribution of human characteristics (or characteristics assumed to belong only to humans) to animals, non-living things, material states, or objects and abstract concepts such as spirits or deities.

The term was coined in the mid 1700s and is commonly used among fables, storytelling, and some religious doctrines.
 * Origin::** Derives from the Greek word for "human" and "form" or "shape".

Definition taken from (wikipedia.org).


 * Examples** from text:

1) "The fury of Chu-bu knew no time-limit: he was furious all that night, and next day he was furious still. The situation called for immediate miracles. To devastate the city with a pestilence and kill all his priests was scarcely within his power, therefore he wisely concentrated such divine powers as he had in commanding a little earthquake. “Thus,” thought Chu-bu, “will I reassert myself as the only god, and men shall spit upon Sheemish.” ("Chu-bu and Sheemish" by Lord Dunsany).


 * The excerpt above is a prime example of anthropomorphism because the character of Chu-bu is given human qualities and characteristics as a type of deity that is actually inhuman. The fury, jealousy, and the ability to think and reason for himself are strictly human qualities that he is able to possess as an object and as a god for the people in his village.

2) "The house was content. Even though the man yelled and screamed, beat her, kicked her and was tearing apart her insides — she had a human again. He made her feel alive." ("Last Hope" by Christy Cook).
 * This short story gives human like qualities to a house. The house, which is an inanimate object, has feelings, hopes, thoughts, and has the ability to remain alive by doing things such as shutting doors and opening and closing windows. These characteristics that are portrayed throughout the entire story are examples of anthropomorphisms because the house is a non-living thing but has the ability to do things that only a human would be able to do.

(MN)