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, Romancer
Early Life and Education
- Born Nathaniel Hathorne; later added the 'w' to his name.
- Descended from prominent Puritan settlers.
- Spent time in seclusion after a leg injury.
- Graduated from Bowdoin College in 1825.
Career and Major Achievements
- Published anonymously in the early years of his career.
- Worked at the Boston Custom House and Brook Farm.
- Served as a surveyor of the Salem Custom House.
- Appointed U.S. Consul to Liverpool (1853-1857).
- Faced financial difficulties throughout his life.
Notable Works
- Twice-Told Tales (1837, 1842)
- Mosses from an Old Manse (1846)
- The Scarlet Letter (1850) - considered a major work when discussing a Nathaniel Hawthorne biography scarlet letter book
- The House of the Seven Gables (1851)
- The Blithedale Romance (1852)
- The Marble Faun (1860)
Legacy and Impact
Nathaniel Hawthorne is considered a major figure in American literature, known for his dark romanticism and exploration of themes such as sin, guilt, and the legacy of Puritanism. His works continue to be studied and analyzed for their complex characters and insightful social commentary.