The Monkey Who Asked for Misery

Personification means giving human qualities to something that is not human, such as an animal, object, or idea. In “The Monkey Who Asked for Misery,” Monkey is personified through his ability to speak. Throughout world literature, you will find many tales in which animals are personified. These animals might talk, wear clothing, live in houses, or have human concerns.

For this activity, write a short story in which your main character is an animal. Give the animal in your story human qualities. As you write, think about what characteristics you can give your animal to make him or her more human. Like Monkey, your character should learn a lesson about life.