Personification is a literary device in which human characteristics or qualities are attributed to non-human things, such as animals or objects. In the context of naturalism, personification can be used to create a sense of the natural world as a living, breathing entity that operates according to its own laws and rhythms, rather than simply serving as a backdrop for human drama.
Naturalism is a literary movement that emerged in the late 19th century and is characterized by a focus on scientific realism and the deterministic view that humans are shaped by their environment and biology. In naturalist literature, the natural world is often portrayed as a powerful and indifferent force that can shape and even destroy human lives. Personification can be used to enhance this sense of the natural world as a powerful, independent force that operates beyond human control.
For example, in Jack London's novel "The Call of the Wild," the natural world is personified through the character of Buck, a dog who must learn to survive in the harsh environment of the Yukon. Buck's experiences in the wilderness are depicted as a struggle against the natural world itself, which is personified as a brutal and indifferent force that is constantly testing Buck's strength and resilience.
In this way, personification can help to reinforce the themes of naturalism by creating a sense of the natural world as a powerful and autonomous force that shapes the lives of the characters in the story.