Nathaniel Hawthorne

In the early 1800s America was still a budding nation and its developing culture and arts had yet to be established on the global stage. During this time One of Americas most talented fictional writers came about, Nathaniel Hawthorne. Because of him American literature would finally be recognized because of his many great works such as the Scarlett Letter and The House of The Seven Gables. His contributions to literature cannot be understated and the praise he receives to this day is rightly given. His works were largely influenced by his unrelenting believe in New England puritanism and therefore he can be considered a profound Christian writer. Nathaniel Hawthorne's family had lived in Salem for many generations even
taking part in the Salem witch trials where his grandfather John Hawthorne was one of the three presiding judges. His father was lost at sea when he was only four living only his mother to care for him and his two sisters. Luckily she moved in with her wealthy and powerful brothers and here is where Nathaniel would spend his youth. His uncles would pay for his education later on until Nathaniel decided to no longer rely on them and move out on his own. Later he would meet his wife Sophia and live the life of transcendence until he could afford to marry her and then return to Salem where he would create his first masterpiece the Scarlett Letter. The Scarlet Letter was his breakout piece and encompassed every writing element Nathaniel would come to be praised for.
His puritan influence was obvious as detailed by the forbidden romance in a puritan society and explores the realm of sin and guilt. The theme of Dark Romance that is seen in many of his great works. I would also argue that his themes crossed a little into the realm of romantic tragedy where early writers such as Shakespeare dabbled in for example in the Scarlet Letter the two lovers are united only in death for their love was a forbidden one almost like Romeo and Juliet. Another of his masterpieces The house of the Seven Gables is also a very good argument point to suggest his faith played a large role in his writing for this book deals with witchcraft and the supernatural as well as exploring the same themes as The Scarlett Letter such as Guilt and atonement. Also the fact that the book is influenced by a real live house in Salem he knew and the witch trials that took place there. It would be a misstatement to say that Nathaniel Hawthorne was not influenced by his puritan background when writing his masterpiece just as much as it would be to say his contributions to the advancement of American literature were miniscule. To this day his works are still used to teach students about American literature and even inspire new writers. Nathaniel Hawthorne was a blessing to world of
literature.