Nathaniel Hawthorne

Early Life Nathaniel Hawthorne was born on July 4, 1804, in Salem, Massachusetts. William Hathorne, the author's great-great-great-grandfather, a Puritan, was the first of the family to emigrate from England John Hathorne, was one of the judges who oversaw the Salem Witch Trials. Having learned about this, the author may have added the "w" to his surname in his early twenties, shortly after graduating from college, in an effort to dissociate himself from his notorious forebears. Nathaniel was very fond of the New England area and set most of his future stories there.

Writing Career Known as ‘The Father of the Short Story’ Won success with the short story, Young Goodman Brown. The Scarlet Letter is considered his greatest achievement

Writing Style Much of Hawthorne's writing centers around New England. Many works featuring moral allegories with a Puritan inspiration. His fiction works are considered part of the Romantic movement and, 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.

The Scarlet Letter Set in 17th-century Puritan Boston, it tells the story of Hester Prynne, who gives birth after committing adultery and struggles to create a new life of repentance and dignity. The Scarlet Letter was published as a novel in 1850 Hawthorne said that "some portions of the book are powerfully written" but doubted it would be popular. In fact, the book was an instant best-seller, over fourteen years, it brought its author only $1,500. The book's immediate and lasting success are due to the way it addresses spiritual and moral issues from a uniquely American standpoint. The Scarlet Letter was also one of the first mass- produced books in America

Themes Throughout the novel, Hawthorne explores the following themes; Legalism Sin Guilt Public shame The nature of evil Society versus identity Civilization versus the wilderness

Symbolism The