The Impact of Anthropomorphic Animal Stories on Children's Learning

Seminar paper from the year 2020 in the subject English Language and Literature Studies - Other, grade: 1,3, University of Cologne, language: English, abstract: Children grow up with stories containing animal characters. Those animals are most often represented with human characteristics such as the ability to talk etc. What effect do those stories have on children's perception on real-life animals? Do anthropomorphic stories teach children something about real animals, or are they only a tool to teach children more complex issues that are prevalent in human society?

Initially, anthropomorphic stories had a more significant purpose than entertaining children. They were rather used to teach children moral lessons in a humorous and creative way, appropriate manners and behaviour. Those messages and ideas are often conveyed by analogy. That is, animal characters are given similar traits and feelings as children so that the story becomes more accessible to the young audience. Children engage in these anthropomorphic stories from early childhood and pass those stories on to their children so that anthropomorphism continues to evolve as a significant tool for engaging young readers.