Have you ever read a story where an animal felt like a person, or where a character was described as an animal? That’s likely the work of a fascinating literary device called zoomorphism. It’s more common than you might think, appearing in everything from ancient myths to modern novels, poetry, and even everyday language. Let’s explore what zoomorphism is, how it works, and why writers use it.
What is Zoomorphism?
Zoomorphism, at its simplest, is the attribution of animal qualities or characteristics to humans, objects, or abstract concepts. The word itself comes from the Greek words ‘zoo’ meaning animal and ‘morphē’ meaning form. It’s not just about likeness to an animal, but about taking on the traits, behaviors, or even the physical form associated with them. It’s a powerful tool that can add layers of meaning and symbolism to writing.
Simple Zoomorphism Examples
- Describing someone as “sly like a fox”
- Saying a politician is a “lion” in the debate
- Referring to a friend as a “busy bee”
These are quick, everyday examples. However, zoomorphism can be much more complex and deeply woven into a narrative.
How Does Zoomorphism Work?
Zoomorphism functions by drawing on our cultural and instinctive understanding of animals. Each animal carries a set of established associations. For instance, owls are often linked to wisdom, snakes to deceit or temptation, and lambs to innocence. By associating these qualities with a human character or concept, a writer can instantly convey a wealth of information and evoke specific emotions. It’s a shortcut to character development and thematic resonance.
Types of Zoomorphism
- Direct Zoomorphism: This is when a human is directly described using animal terms or given animal characteristics. For example, “His eyes were those of a hawk, sharp and predatory.”
- Indirect Zoomorphism: This occurs when a human displays behaviors or traits commonly associated with an animal. For instance, a character might stalk their prey like a panther, or retreat into their shell like a tortoise.
- Anthropomorphism vs. Zoomorphism: It’s easy to confuse these. Anthropomorphism is giving human traits to animals (like a talking dog). Zoomorphism is the opposite—giving animal traits to humans or other non-animal entities.
Zoomorphism in Literature: Detailed Examples
Let’s delve into some examples of how zoomorphism is used in various literary works to illustrate its versatility and impact.
Example 1: Shakespeare’s Macbeth
In Shakespeare’s Macbeth, after Duncan’s murder, Ross describes the king’s horses as having “counterfeit action.” He continues, describing how they broke their restraints and “stood stall’d, feeding, and care-shunned.” This isn’t just a detail about horses. The horses’ unnatural, chaotic behavior mirrors the disruption of the natural order caused by Macbeth’s regicide. They act as an omen, their animalistic reactions amplifying the play’s themes of chaos and guilt.
Example 2: Homer’s The Odyssey
Throughout The Odyssey, Odysseus is repeatedly compared to various animals, often a horse or a lion. These comparisons emphasize his strength, cunning, and predatory nature. When he finally returns to Ithaca and begins plotting against the suitors, he moves “like a lion” ready to pounce. This zoomorphic imagery reinforces his role as a powerful and dangerous hero, highlighting his readiness for violence and reclaiming his kingdom.
Example 3: Nathaniel Hawthorne’s The Scarlet Letter
In The Scarlet Letter, Dimmesdale, burdened by his secret sin, is frequently associated with weakness and frailty—often described using imagery of sick animals. He is likened to a “trembling deer” or a “sickly lamb.” This zoomorphism underscores his moral and physical decline, contrasting sharply with the strength and resilience of Hester Prynne. The animal imagery highlights his inability to bear his guilt openly, reinforcing the novel’s themes of sin, shame, and redemption.
Example 4: Emily Dickinson’s Poetry
Dickinson frequently employs zoomorphism in her poetry to explore themes of death, nature, and the soul. In one poem, she compares the soul to a “loaded gun,” emphasizing its potential for both creation and destruction. This unexpected comparison creates a powerful and unsettling image, highlighting the complex and often contradictory nature of the human spirit. Another example is the “Snake” poem, where the snake’s actions are metaphorically linked to a fall from grace and the disruption of innocence.
Example 5: George Orwell’s Animal Farm
While Animal Farm is a fable featuring animals, it also brilliantly uses anthropomorphism on a symbolic level. The animals themselves are given human-like qualities, and their behaviors mirror human political archetypes. Napoleon the pig embodies a tyrannical dictator, Snowball represents a revolutionary leader, and the sheep symbolize a blindly obedient populace. The animals’ behaviors and characteristics mirror those of humans, providing a scathing critique of power, corruption, and totalitarianism.
Why Do Writers Use Zoomorphism?
Zoomorphism isn’t just about colorful imagery. It serves several key purposes:
- Character Development: Quickly establishes personality traits and motivations.
- Symbolism: Adds layers of meaning and thematic resonance.
- Emotional Impact: Evokes specific emotions and creates a stronger connection with the reader.
- Foreshadowing: Hints at future events or reveals hidden truths.
- Thematic Exploration: Helps explore complex ideas about human nature, society, and the world around us.
Zoomorphism in Everyday Language
Zoomorphic expressions are deeply ingrained in our daily speech. We talk about someone being a “shark” in business, a “wolf” in a deal, or a “chicken” when they’re afraid. These phrases tap into our instinctive understanding of animal traits to convey meaning quickly and effectively. The prevalence of these expressions highlights the powerful connection between humans and the animal world, and the enduring influence of zoomorphism in our culture.
Zoomorphism is a versatile and powerful literary device that can enrich storytelling, deepen meaning, and create a lasting impact on the reader. By understanding how it works and exploring its many applications, you can appreciate the artistry and complexity of language, and unlock new levels of interpretation in your own reading and writing.