Nathaniel Hawthorne: From Dark Romanticism to Literary Fame

TLDRExplore the life and work of Nathaniel Hawthorne, a renowned American writer of the 19th century. Discover his deep interest in New England's history, his dark romantic style, and his contributions to literature.

Key insights

📚Nathaniel Hawthorne's writing career started with anonymous stories published in literary journals.

💑Hawthorne married Sophia Peabody, and together they raised two children while supporting his mother and sisters.

🌹Hawthorne's famous novel, 'The Scarlet Letter,' brought him recognition but limited financial success.

🖋️Hawthorne was labeled a 'dark romantic' due to his keen observation of human nature and acceptance of human flaws.

💡Hawthorne's writings reflected his deep interest in New England's history and the mysteries of the human soul.

Q&A

What were some of Nathaniel Hawthorne's famous works?

Some of Nathaniel Hawthorne's famous works include 'The Scarlet Letter,' 'The House of the Seven Gables,' and 'The Marble Faun.'

Did Nathaniel Hawthorne earn much money from his writing?

No, while Nathaniel Hawthorne gained fame from his writing, he did not earn much money during his lifetime.

What was Nathaniel Hawthorne's writing style?

Nathaniel Hawthorne was known for his dark romantic style, which involved keen observation of human nature and exploration of human flaws.

What were some of Nathaniel Hawthorne's personal interests?

Nathaniel Hawthorne had a deep interest in New England's history and the mysteries of the human soul.

What is Nathaniel Hawthorne's legacy?

Nathaniel Hawthorne's legacy includes being recognized as one of America's greatest writers and his influence on the dark romantic movement.

Timestamped Summary

00:09Nathaniel Hawthorne Jr. was born on July 4th, 1804, in Salem, Massachusetts.

00:17He added a 'W' to his surname to avoid association with the infamy of his ancestor, Judge John Hawthorne from the Salem witch trials.

00:34After college, Hawthorne published anonymous stories and later collected them in 'Twice-Told Tales.'

00:49Hawthorne's writing career took off after the publication of 'Twice-Told Tales.'

01:14Hawthorne wrote 'The Scarlet Letter' during his time working at the Custom House in Salem.

01:39Hawthorne was labeled a 'dark romantic' and was known for his keen observation of human nature.

01:55Hawthorne's most famous works include 'The Scarlet Letter,' 'The House of the Seven Gables,' and 'The Marble Faun.'

02:16Nathaniel Hawthorne's natural critical thinking, interest in history, and government jobs influenced his prolific writing.