The Value of Anthropomorphic Literature

Anthropomorphic literature, which attributes human characteristics to animals, is a valuable literary genre. Historically, this genre was written for adults, but today it is often associated with children’s literature and considered less important than more serious or mature literature. My research of this genre shows that it is valuable because it can effectively teach people about the creatures around them, as well as themselves. This genre provides us with distance from an issue so that we can gain a new perspective. In addition, it stimulates the imagination to grow by creating whole worlds. At the same time it remains true to the animal species, teaching us about the animals that share the planet with us. It can effectively convey emotions of animals, allowing us a greater capacity to understand them. Anthropomorphism is evident throughout the real world, so it is natural for it to find its way into our literature. I will show that anthropomorphic literature is valuable because it provides a new way of relating to animals and the world around us.