Anthropomorphism

Anthropomorphism is when anything non-human, such as an animal or object, is given human qualities including emotions and actions. This literary technique assigns human characteristics to non-human entities, making them relatable and engaging.

It's commonly used in children's literature and mythology because it allows animals and inanimate objects to serve as main characters with voices and perspectives of their own.

Anthropomorphism differs from personification in an important way. With personification, non-human things merely appear human (example: "The wind ran through the forest"). With anthropomorphism, they actively perform human-like behaviors and actions (example: "Wind got out of bed, threw on running shorts, and went jogging before meeting Snow for coffee").

Writers use this technique to provide first-person narratives from unconventional perspectives, giving depth and personality to elements that normally lack human agency. This tool enhances poetry by making abstract concepts and ordinary objects into compelling characters readers can emotionally connect with.