Symbolism in the House of the Seven Gables Literature reflects the life and struggles that each of us faces. Great authors incorporate life problems into their literature directly and indirectly. The author bluntly tells us a story, however, he or she may also use symbols to convey a message to us in a more subtle way. In Nathaniel Hawthorne's book The House of Seven Gables symbolism is used to enhance the story being told, giving us deeper insight into the author's intentions in writing the story. The book begins by describing the most obvious symbol of the house itself. The house itself takes on human-like characteristics as described by Hawthorne in the opening chapters. The house is described as “breathing through the spiracles of a great chimney” (Hawthorne 7). Hawthorne uses descriptive lines like these to turn the house into a symbol of the lives that have passed in its halls. The house takes on the character of a living creature that exists and influences the lives of everyone who walks through its doors. (Colacurcio 113) “So much of humanity's varied experience passed there – so much it suffered, and something even enjoyed – that the very beams were slimy, like the dampness of a heart.” (Hawthorne27). Hawthorne turns the house into a symbol of the gathering of all the hearts that have been darkened by the house. “It was itself like a great human heart, with a life of its own and full of rich and dark reminiscences” (Hawthorne 27). Evert Augustus Duyckinck agrees that "The chief perhaps, of the dramatis personae, is the house itself. From its turrets to its kitchen, in every nook and cranny outside and inside, it is alive and vital." (Hawthorne 352) Duyckinck believes that the house should be used as a symbol of a real character, “Truly it is an actor in the scene” (Hawthorne 352). This turns the house into an interesting, yet depressing place, which darkens the book in many ways. Hawthorne intends the dark atmosphere of the house to symbolize many things in his book. The house is also used to symbolize a prison that has forever darkened the lives of its inmates. The house is a prison because it prevents its inhabitants from truly enjoying any freedom. The inhabitants try