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Nathanial Hawthorne. 1804-1864. allegory. A story or poem in which characters, settings, and events stand for abstract ideas or moral qualities Allegorical characters are often one-dimensional, since they are meant to represent only a particular aspect of human nature
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Nathanial Hawthorne 1804-1864
allegory • A story or poem in which characters, settings, and events stand for abstract ideas or moral qualities • Allegorical characters are often one-dimensional, since they are meant to represent only a particular aspect of human nature • Allegories also contain a moral
Nathaniel Hawthorne • Born in Salem, MA on July 4th, 1804 • His family had lost its wealth & fame by the time he was born • One of his ancestors served as a judge in the Salem Witch Trials & played a role in the hangings of 19 people • His father, a sea captain, died when Hawthorne was just 4 • His grieving mother became a recluse • Attended a college in Maine • Classmates included Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and Franklin Pierce • He was more interested in playing cards & drinking than studies
Nathaniel Hawthorne • After graduating, returned to Salem • Locked himself in and tried to master the craft of writing for 12 years • In 1837he published a collection of stories Twice-Told Tales – just enough success to keep writing • In 1842, he married Sophia Peabody and settled in Concord, MA • Knew Emerson & Thoreau but weren’t close friends • In 1850, Hawthorne published The Scarlet Letter • The story of Hester Prynne, a girl who had an illegitimate child • She refused to reveal the baby’s father • Had to wear a scarlet A (adultery) on her chest
Nathaniel Hawthorne • Published House of Seven Gables the following year • Served as the post of US consul in Liverpool for 7 years • Returned to America in 1860 • Became despondent over health and money • Died in 1864 while visiting Pierce • Pallbearers included: Longfellow and Ralph Waldo Emerson
Other -- • Was aware of the guilt that accompanies the Puritan conscience • He became remote and distant • He wore black and a large cloak, often hiding his face • Walked with his head down; would exit from the back of the house when people knocked at the front • Didn’t handle aging and death well • People were cautioned not to mention his birthdays or aging