Full nameNathaniel Hawthorne Born1804 Influential AreasNovelist, Short Story Writer Known ForWriting novels such as The Scarlet Letter and The House of the Seven Gables

Vision

Biography

Awards and Recognition

References

Nathaniel Hawthorne was an American novelist and short story writer, known for his works The Scarlet Letter and The House of the Seven Gables. His writings explore themes of sin, guilt, and morality.

Vision

Nathaniel Hawthorne, one of the most influential American authors of the 19th century, had a unique vision of the world that permeated his works of fiction. He was born in Salem, Massachusetts, in 1804, and this New England town, with its historical associations with Puritanism and the Salem witch trials, would have a profound effect on Hawthornes vision and literary output.

Hawthornes vision was dominated by a fascination with the moral and psychological effects of sin, guilt, and social ostracism. His works often feature characters who are isolated from society due to their transgressions or moral failings, and who are forced to confront the consequences of their actions in deeply personal and introspective ways. This vision was shaped by his Puritan heritage, and the historical and cultural milieu in which he lived.

Hawthornes most famous novel, The Scarlet Letter (1850), is a perfect embodiment of his vision. The book tells the story of Hester Prynne, a woman who is ostracized by her Puritan community for committing adultery and forced to wear a scarlet A on her clothing as a mark of her sin. The novel explores themes of guilt, sin, repentance, and redemption, and depicts the toll that societal ostracism and self-imposed isolation can take on the human spirit.

Another novel that embodies Hawthornes vision is The House of the Seven Gables (1851), which tells the story of the Pyncheon family, who are cursed due to the sins of their ancestor. The novel explores the themes of inherited guilt and the psychological effects of living under the shadow of a family curse. The characters in the novel are trapped by their past and the weight of their inherited guilt, reflecting Hawthornes vision of the profound and lasting effects of sin.

In addition to his novels, Hawthornes vision is also reflected in his short stories. For example, Young Goodman Brown (1835) tells the story of a man who loses his faith and becomes disillusioned with mankind after witnessing a witches sabbath in the forest. The story explores themes of innocence, faith, and the inherent sinfulness of mankind, and reflects Hawthornes belief in the omnipresence of evil and the inherent fallibility of human beings.

Despite the darkness and moral complexity of his vision, Hawthorne was not a pessimist. His works often end with a note of hope and redemption, suggesting the possibility of personal transformation and spiritual rebirth. For example, in The Scarlet Letter, Hester Prynne is ultimately able to find a measure of redemption and peace, and the novel ends on a hopeful note.

Another important aspect of Hawthornes vision is his exploration of the relationship between the individual and society. He was deeply interested in the tension between the individual conscience and societal norms and expectations, and his works often feature characters who are at odds with their communities. This aspect of his vision reflects his belief in the importance of individuality and personal freedom, and his skepticism towards rigid societal norms and institutions.

Hawthornes vision was also influenced by his understanding of history and his belief in the importance of understanding the past. He was interested in the ways in which the past shapes the present, and his works often explore the lasting effects of historical events and cultural traditions. This is evident in his frequent use of historical settings and themes, and his interest in the legacy of Puritanism in American society.

Overall, Hawthornes vision was marked by a deep understanding of human nature and a keen interest in the moral and psychological dimensions of human experience. His works offer a penetrating exploration of the human condition, and their enduring relevance attests to the depth and universality of his vision.

In conclusion, Nathaniel Hawthornes vision, as reflected in his works, is a complex amalgamation of his personal beliefs, his cultural and historical context, and his profound understanding of human nature. It is characterized by a deep concern with moral and psychological issues, a fascination with the past, and a nuanced exploration of the tension between the individual and society. His vision continues to resonate with readers today, and his works remain a vital part of the American literary canon.

Biography

Nathaniel Hawthorne was born on July 4, 1804, in Salem, Massachusetts, a descendant of a long line of Puritan ancestors including John Hathorne, a presiding magistrate in the Salem witch trials. In order to distance himself from his familys shameful involvement in witchcraft, Hawthorne added the w to his surname while in his early 20s.

After his father's death from yellow fever in Suriname in 1808, Hawthorne was raised by his mother in relative seclusion. His childhood left him somewhat socially awkward and he remained introverted throughout his life, preferring to spend his time reading and thinking, pursuits which prepared him well for his future literary career. He attended Bowdoin College in Maine from 1821-1825 where he befriended poets Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and future president Franklin Pierce.

After graduation, Hawthorne spent several years writing stories and trying to get them published. His first novel, Fanshawe, which he self-published in 1828, was a failure. He worked at a Custom House and joined a Transcendentalist Utopian community, before marrying Sophia Peabody in 1842. He published his most well-known work, The Scarlet Letter, in 1850. A political appointment took Hawthorne and family to Europe before returning to The Wayside in 1860. Hawthorne died on May 19, 1864, leaving behind a literary legacy that continues to captivate readers over 150 years later.

The Scarlet Letter was Hawthornes first full-length story and it established his reputation as a writer. The book was one of the first mass-produced publications in America and sold well, despite some initial critical reception. It remains one of his most enduring works, featuring the themes of sin, guilt, and repentance that would recur in his later writings.

In 1851, Hawthorne published The House of the Seven Gables, a story about an ancestral curse on a New England family. The book was based on a gabled house in Salem that had belonged to Hawthornes relatives. Other novels followed, including The Blithedale Romance and The Marble Faun, as well as a collection of short stories, Twice Told Tales.

Despite his success, Hawthorne was perpetually dissatisfied with his work and constantly worried about his financial situation. In 1853, his old college friend, President Franklin Pierce, appointed him United States consul in Liverpool, England, a position he held for four years before spending a year and a half in Italy. He returned to the United States in 1860, just before the outbreak of the Civil War.

After the war, Hawthorne was in poor health and struggled with writing. His unfinished works, such as the novel The Dolliver Romance and the stories Septimius Felton and Doctor Grimshawe Secret, were published posthumously. Hawthorne passed away in his sleep on May 19, 1864, in Plymouth, New Hampshire. Today, Hawthorne is still recognized as one of the most significant early American authors, his works a staple of literature classes and his insights into human nature and morality still relevant.

Throughout his life, Hawthorne felt guilt and anxiety over his familys participation in the Salem witch trials and over his ancestors strict puritanical beliefs. He dealt with these themes in his writing, exploring the psychological effects of guilt and sin and the complexity of moral choices. He also wrote about the individual’s isolation from society, which he himself often felt. Despite his dark themes, Hawthorne was deeply interested in humanity and his characters are deeply psychological and complex.

While Hawthorne is widely recognized as a master of the short story, his novels have also had a lasting impact. The Scarlet Letter, with its themes of sin, guilt, and redemption, continues to be studied in schools across America. His other novels, including The House of the Seven Gables and The Blithedale Romance, also continue to be widely read, and his influence can be seen in the works of other great American authors, such as Henry James and Herman Melville.

In conclusion, Nathaniel Hawthorne was a significant figure in American literature. His works explored dark themes of sin and guilt, yet remained deeply human and sympathetic. He was a master of the short story and his novels have left a lasting legacy. Despite his own doubts and anxieties, his work continues to be celebrated for its depth, complexity, and psychological insight.

Awards and Recognition

Nathaniel Hawthorne, one of the most significant American writers of the 19th century, received numerous acknowledgments and accolades for his work, both during his lifetime and posthumously. However, it is important to note that in Hawthorne's time, formal awards for literature as we understand them today, such as the Nobel Prize or the Pulitzer, did not exist. Nonetheless, the recognition and respect he gained from his peers and later generations of readers and writers are a testament to his enduring influence and importance in the literary world.

Firstly, Hawthorne's contemporaries, including some of the most notable authors and thinkers of his time, held him in high regard. For instance, Herman Melville, a fellow writer and a personal friend of Hawthorne, dedicated his novel 'Moby-Dick' to him. In his dedication, Melville referred to Hawthorne as 'a man of genius,' underscoring the deep respect and admiration he had for Hawthorne's literary talent. Similarly, another prominent contemporary, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, praised Hawthorne's 'The Scarlet Letter' as 'a psychological romance' and 'a study of character,' emphasizing the novel's unique contributions to American literature.

Posthumously, Hawthorne's work continues to receive recognition. His novels and short stories are still widely read and studied in schools and universities around the world. They are also often included in compilations of classic American literature, further cementing his reputation as a significant literary figure. Moreover, Hawthorne's influence on subsequent generations of writers is indisputable. Authors like Henry James, William Faulkner, and even Stephen King have cited Hawthorne as a major influence on their writing.

In terms of tangible recognition, Hawthorne's birthplace, the Nathaniel Hawthorne Birthplace house in Salem, Massachusetts, was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1982, in recognition of his significant contributions to American literature. Additionally, in 2007, the United States Postal Service issued a stamp in Hawthorne's honor, as part of their 'Literary Arts' series, recognizing his impact on American letters.

Furthermore, numerous schools, libraries, and other institutions bear Hawthorne's name, reflecting the enduring respect and recognition he has received. For example, the Hawthorne Hotel in Salem, Massachusetts, his hometown, is named in his honor, as is the Hawthorne School District in Hawthorne, California. Even in literature, Hawthorne's influence is apparent, with the prestigious Hawthornden Prize for Literature in the United Kingdom being named in his honor.

It is also worth noting that the breadth and depth of critical and scholarly attention Hawthorne's work continues to receive are, in themselves, a form of recognition. Countless books, articles, and dissertations have been written about Hawthorne's novels and short stories, analyzing them from various perspectives, and exploring their themes, symbolism, and narrative techniques. This ongoing critical engagement with Hawthorne's work is a testament to its enduring relevance and importance in the field of literature.

In conclusion, while Nathaniel Hawthorne may not have received formal awards for his work in his lifetime, the recognition and respect he has garnered from his peers, subsequent generations of readers and writers, and the larger literary and academic community, are a testament to his significant contributions to American literature. His enduring influence and the continued relevance of his work speak to the depth of his talent and the timeless appeal of his storytelling.

References

Share with friends

Vision

Biography

Awards and Recognition

References

Nathaniel Hawthorne was an American novelist and short story writer, known for his works The Scarlet Letter and The House of the Seven Gables. His writings explore themes of sin, guilt, and morality.

City of Residence

Salem, Massachusetts, U.S.

Known For

Writing novels such as The Scarlet Letter and The House of the Seven Gables

Born

1804

Location

Novelist, Short Story Writer

Education

Bowdoin College

Personal Details

Born as Nathaniel Hathorne, he later added a 'w' to his surname. He worked at the Salem Custom House and joined Brook Farm, a transcendentalist community, before achieving success as a writer.

Recognition

Hawthorne's works belong to romanticism or, more specifically, dark romanticism. His themes often center on the inherent evil and sin of humanity, and his works often have moral messages and deep psychological complexity.