personification: a figure of speech in which the author presents or describes concepts, animals, or inanimate objects by endowing them with human attributes. Personification is used to make these abstractions, animals, or objects appear more vivid to the reader
"However the flowers might have come there. it was both sad and sweet to observe how Nature adopted to herself this desolate, decaying, gusty, rusty old house of the Pyncheon Family; and how the ever-returning summer did her best to gladden it with tender beauty, and grew melancholy in the effort."
-The House of the Seven Gables
by Nathaniel Hawthorne
One of the key elements to a romance is the inclusion of nature in the story. Hawthorne's The House of the Seven Gables is a classic example of romance and as such exalts nature. Here Hawthorne personifies nature and summer, giving them motherly and loving characteristics. Hawthorne is developing nature as a force for good, which was a new concept for many people during this time period. Hawthorne is making nature "approachable" and friendly. He wants the reader to feel this way, and to not be scared of nature, as it is a beautiful aspect of his book, and symbolizes peace and happiness.
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