Nathaniel Hawthorne
- Born:
- July 4, 1804, Salem, Massachusetts, USA
- Died:
- May 19, 1864, Plymouth, New Hampshire, USA
- Nationality:
- American
- Profession(s):
- Novelist, Short Story Writer
Early Life and Education
- Hawthorne's father, a sea captain, died when Nathaniel was young.
- He graduated from Bowdoin College in 1825.
- He spent approximately twelve years in relative seclusion, mastering his craft.
Career and Major Achievements
- Published Twice-Told Tales in 1837, a collection of his short stories.
- Worked at the Boston Custom House and Brook Farm, a transcendentalist community.
- Served as surveyor of the Salem Custom House from 1846 to 1849.
- Appointed as the United States Consul to Liverpool, England (1853-1857).
Notable Works
- Twice-Told Tales (1837, 1842)
- The Scarlet Letter (1850)
- The House of the Seven Gables (1851)
- The Blithedale Romance (1852)
- The Marble Faun (1860)
Legacy and Impact
Nathaniel Hawthorne's contributions to American literature are significant. His exploration of themes such as sin, guilt, and the human condition in a Puritan setting cemented his place as a major figure in the American literary canon. His use of symbolism and allegory continues to influence writers today. The study of the life of nathaniel hawthorne provides insight into the development of American Romanticism and its darker aspects.