Nathaniel Hawthornes Puritan influences - 2212 Words

Nathaniel Hawthorne was born into a family that possessed prominent Puritan ancestors, and the shame he experienced as a result of their actions, as well as his odd fascination with them, had a significant impact on his life and his writings. Though it would be an overstatement to say that Hawthornes knowledge of the Puritan way of life was his only source of inspiration, this knowledge was certainly influential as it is often reflected in the majority of his work. Born in Salem, Massachusetts in 1804, Hawthorne was born in a town whose Puritan past is well-known as a result of the infamous Salem witch trials. Though he was born well after the time of the Puritans, growing up in a town so steeped in Puritan history is likely why†¦show more content†¦One important, though briefly mentioned, symbol of Hester and Dimmesdales growth occurs when Pearl receives a golden chain from a shipmaster. This chain is described as â€Å"becoming a part of her.† The chain itself can b e seen as a symbol of the golden link between heaven and Earth. When Pearl takes and wears the golden chain, it is shown that she, and her parents, have been â€Å"redeemed† because they have learned so much as a result of their sin (Manheim 3). The Scarlet Letter was surely inspired in part by Hawthornes Puritan ancestors as he was criticizing their cruelty by displaying Hester and Dimmesdale as kind people who made a mistake and became better people as a result. The novel also has a more modern lesson because being overly critical of others is a problem that has always plagued humanity. This is part of the reason why The Scarlet Letter is such an important work of American literature as its comments on a harsh society are still fairly relevant. In addition to his many novels, Hawthorne wrote many short stories like â€Å"The Ministers Black Veil.† Published in 1836, â€Å"The Ministers Black Veil† is about a minister named Reverend Hooper who begins to wear a black veil over his face. Throughout the story the townspeople are frightened by his actions and the reason why he is wearing the blackShow MoreRelatedNathaniel Hawthornes Literature During Early America1560 Words   |  7 PagesNathaniel Hawthornes literature exhibits the influence of many factors. Much of his literature addresses Puritan culture in early America, commonly focusing on the shortcomings and hypocrisies that became apparent during the numerous witch hunts. Many of his works are allegorical, using the Puritan setting to portray his own ideas about ancestry, history, and religion. While The Scarlet Letter and House of the Seven Gables are among Hawthornes most known works, he produced a large sum of workRead MoreBiography of Nathaniel Hawthorne 1123 Words   |  5 PagesThe tall and mysterious Nathaniel Hawthorne is a man of little understanding. We know him for being very secluded and alone much of the time. We also know he had many secrets that may have accounte d for the gloomy tone in his novels. He was a writer who did not believe in the game of small talk and enjoyed losing himself to a world of this own creation. Many people might have thought that Hawthorne came off as rude and uninteresting, but they had no idea of the masterpieces that laid inside his headRead MoreNathaniel Hawthorne s The Scarlet Letter1187 Words   |  5 PagesPuritanism in Red Nathaniel Hawthorne’s The Scarlet Letter shows the early view of Puritanism by concentrating on sin, guilt, and its effects on society. Nathaniel Hawthorne conveyed a dark and romantic style of writing in â€Å"The Scarlet Letter†, impacting the society by focusing on the concepts of romanticism. The Scarlet Letter is considered a classic book and is still read today. Nathaniel Hathorne was born in Salem, Massachusetts on July 4, 1804. He was the son of Nathaniel and Elizabeth ClarkRead MoreEssay on Nathaniel Hawthornes Life in His Works1556 Words   |  7 PagesErin Smith Mrs. Hemmings American Literature January 11, 2011 Hawthorne’s Background Thrust into His Work With most writers, readers can identify what topics they tend to write about, how long their pieces often are, and what personal style these authors develop. While this is true of author Nathaniel Hawthorne, there are different elements that influence his writings. His life included many times of trials, many joys, and many ancestors that caused some turmoil within his mind. TwoRead MoreThe Scarlet Letter By Nathaniel Hawthorne1397 Words   |  6 Pageswas written by Nathaniel Hawthorne in 1850 which is based on the time frame of the Puritans, a religious group who arrived in Massachusetts in the 1630’s. The Puritans were in a religious period that was known for the strict social norms in which lead to the intolerance of different lifestyles. Nathaniel Hawthorne uses the puritan’s strict lifestyles to relate to the universal issues among us. The time frame of the puritans resulted in Hawthorne eventually thinking that the puritans lifestyle as tooRead MoreShort Sto ry Analysis: Young Goodman Brown Essay1115 Words   |  5 Pagesbut none more intriguing than Nathaniel Hawthorne. Hawthorne’s ability to weave stories through the use of complex language and early puritan society narratives has long been a topic of study amongst scholars and young adults, alike. â€Å"Young Goodman Brown† explores the idea of good vs. evil and draws many parallels to the life of Nathaniel Hawthorne. It is often debated whether man is born innately good or evil. In â€Å"Young Goodman Brown† it is possible to see Hawthorne’s stance on this. However, beforeRead MoreNathaniel Hawthorne s Young Goodman Brown1492 Words   |  6 PagesIn Nathaniel Hawthorne’s short story of Young Goodman Brown, the author uses symbolism and allegories in order to showcase the Puritan faith as well as man’s conflict between good and evil. This analysis will breakdown the techniques that the author uses to critique the puritan society, and to show the difference between how people appear to be in society and the true colors that they are hidden inside of them. There has been a lot of great authors in our time, but none more interesting than NathanielRead MoreThe Writings Of Nathaniel Hawthorne And Flannery O Connor1022 Words   |  5 Pageswriters also have a â€Å"muse† something that influences their writing. Whether it is a personal experience, religious belief, or common morals writers derive the context within their writing from many different aspects of life. One thing most authors derive their ideas from is their religion or just any religion that interest them. Authors like Nathaniel Hawthorne and Flannery O’Connor, writings often include many allegories and symbols to religious faiths. Nathaniel Hawthorne comes from a bloodline thatRead MoreScarlet Letter Character Analysis1081 Words   |  5 PagesWhat influences an author to write a novel? Many authors have used their personal experiences and ancestral backgrounds to influence the plot and events in their novel, to develop themes and relationships. The events in an author’s life affect the style and content of their literary works, which is expressed throughout Nathaniel Hawthorne’s The Scarlet Letter. Pearl being an outcast from the rigid Puritan morals, and Hesters being independent and strong-willed challenges traditional society. TheseRead MoreThe Works of Nathaniel Hawthorne1175 Words   |  5 Pages Nathaniel Hawthorne was an American novelist and short story writer who was born in Salem, Massachusetts July fourth 1804. When Hawthorne was a young man he served as the editor of the American Magazine of Useful and Entertaining Knowledge. That job introduced him into the world of writing a nd at that point he decided what he wanted to do until the day he died. â€Å"I do not want to be a doctor and live by men’s diseases, nor a minister to live by their sins, nor a lawyer and live by their quarrels