What literary device is characterized by using nature or objects to evoke feelings in the reader?

The use of nature or objects to evoke feelings in the reader is best identified as symbolism. This literary device enables writers to imbue objects, characters, or elements of nature with deeper meanings that resonate emotionally with the reader. For example, a stormy sky might symbolize turmoil or conflict, while a blooming flower could represent hope or new beginnings. By assigning these broader meanings to specific items, writers create emotional connections that enhance the reader’s understanding and experience of the text.

Imagery, while also related to sensory experiences, focuses on descriptive language that paints vivid pictures in the reader’s mind but does not inherently carry the deeper emotional implications of symbols. Personification gives human traits to non-human entities, creating empathy or connection but is more focused on the entity's characterization than broader symbolism. Theme, on the other hand, encapsulates the central ideas or messages in a text, which may include the use of symbols but does not specifically describe the device of utilizing nature or objects to evoke feelings. Therefore, symbolism is the most fitting choice for this question.