Nathaniel Hawthorne is one of America’s most noted and highly praised writers, and a key figure of US literature. His works have contributed to the national identity and can be found in almost any curriculum of North American Literature Studies worldwide.
Being a direct descendant of Massachusetts Bay colonists, the Puritan era of 17th and 18th century New England served as a lifelong preoccupation for Hawthorne and inspired many of his best-known stories. Hence, in order to understand the author and his works, it is crucial to apprehend the historical background from which they arose. Awareness of both the Puritan legacy in Hawthorne’s time and their Calvinist beliefs, which contributed to the establishment of American identity, serves as a basis for fathoming the intention behind Hawthorne’s writings. His forefathers’ concept of wilderness was an important part of their religious life, and in many of Hawthorne’s tales, nature can be perceived as an active agent for both plot and moral message. Therefore, it is indispensable to consider the development behind the Puritan perception as well as the prevailing opinion on nature during the writer’s lifetime.
Seclusion, nature, and Puritanism are constantly recurring topics in both the author’s life and works, wherefore particular attention is paid to these. To be familiar with Hawthorne’s relation to nature, his ancestors, and religion in general is essential in order to understand the vast amount of symbols that can be found in his stories.
The second part of this paper analyzes two of the author’s most eminent and esteemed works according to the use of nature symbolism and the underlying moral intention. By depicting various images within “Young Goodman Brown” and The Scarlet Letter, the author examines to which extent they correspond to historical facts and Hawthorne’s emphasized characteristic features. The comparison of the two works focuses on the didactic lesson Hawthorne tried to include in all of his works and will thus provide an in-depth understanding of the author’s intentions and his utilization of both Puritanism and nature perception.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Historical Background
- The Puritans
- The Rise of Puritanism in England
- Puritanism in North America
- Puritan Beliefs
- The Concept of Nature in Western History
- The Puritans
- Nathaniel Hawthorne - Man and Writer
- Biography
- The “absurd misconception” of Nathaniel Hawthorne
- Nathaniel Hawthorne, “lover of nature”
- Hawthorne, Hathorne, and God
- The Burden of Puritan Legacy
- Mr God, This Is Nathaniel
- Religion and Puritanism in Hawthorne's Works
- Symbolism and Moral in Hawthorne's Tales
- Consulting Major Works
- The Reason of Choice
- The Dilemma of Young Goodman Brown
- The Validity of Names
- The Devil along the Path
- Devout Sinners
- Light and Darkness
- The Sun upon Salem
- The Darkness of the Forest
- The Mocking Forest
- Puritanism Upside Down
- Reading The Scarlet Letter
- What's in a Name?
- The Color Palette of The Scarlet Letter
- Light and Darkness
- The Scarlet Letter on Fire
- Mirror, Mirror
- Waters of the Past and Future
- The Blue Babbling of a Brook
- The Freedom of the Ocean
- Godly Waters
- Symbols in the Air
- A Breath of Fresh Air
- Free as a Bird
- Between Heathen Forest and Cultivated Land
- The Governor's Pride
- The Capabilities of Forest Wilderness
- The In-Between
- Say It with Flowers
- Cemetery, Prison, and a Shrub
- A Bouquet of Flowers and Pearls
- Tainted Flowers
- Moss-Covered Memories
- The Letter Unfolded
- The Letter Concluded
- The Scarlet Letter of Young Goodman Brown
Objectives and Key Themes
This paper aims to explore the concept of nature in two of Nathaniel Hawthorne's most famous works, "Young Goodman Brown" and "The Scarlet Letter," within the context of his Puritan heritage and the broader historical understanding of nature. The analysis will delve into Hawthorne's life and experiences to understand the influences shaping his literary output.
- The influence of Puritanism on Hawthorne's worldview and writing.
- The symbolic representation of nature in Hawthorne's novels and short stories.
- The interplay between light and darkness as a reflection of moral ambiguity.
- The use of symbolism and allegory to convey moral and philosophical messages.
- Hawthorne's exploration of the complexities of human nature and societal pressures.
Chapter Summaries
Introduction: This introductory chapter establishes Nathaniel Hawthorne's significance in American literature, highlighting his enduring impact and the ongoing scholarly interest in his works. It emphasizes the importance of understanding the historical and cultural context of Puritanism in New England to fully appreciate Hawthorne's writing, particularly the role of nature as a symbolic element in his narratives. The chapter sets the stage for the subsequent analysis of Hawthorne's life, his works, and the pervasive influence of Puritan beliefs and the concept of nature within them.
Historical Background: This section lays the groundwork for understanding Hawthorne's literary landscape by examining the historical and religious context of Puritanism in 17th and 18th-century New England. It traces the rise of Puritanism in England, its transplantation to North America, and the key tenets of Puritan belief. This exploration establishes the importance of understanding Puritan attitudes towards nature and wilderness, providing essential context for interpreting the symbolic significance of natural settings in Hawthorne's stories. This chapter will particularly focus on how the Puritan worldview shaped their perception of nature, setting the stage for exploring Hawthorne's treatment of the same.
Nathaniel Hawthorne - Man and Writer: This chapter delves into the life and personality of Nathaniel Hawthorne, exploring his complex character and the biographical details that informed his literary creations. It examines the “absurd misconception” surrounding him, revealing the contrast between his public and private persona, the burden of his Puritan legacy, and his unique relationship with nature and religion. This detailed exploration of Hawthorne’s life offers valuable insights into the motivations and thematic concerns that permeate his writing, providing a richer understanding of the symbolism and moral implications found in his tales.
Consulting Major Works: This chapter undertakes a detailed analysis of Hawthorne's major works, primarily focusing on *Young Goodman Brown* and *The Scarlet Letter*. It examines the choice of these specific works, dissecting their key elements, symbols, and underlying themes. It will discuss in detail the use of light and darkness, the symbolic significance of names, the role of the forest as a setting, and the pervasive presence of Puritan ideals both affirmed and subverted within the narratives. This detailed examination will connect the literary themes to the historical and biographical contexts established in previous chapters, offering a nuanced interpretation of Hawthorne’s work.
Keywords
Nathaniel Hawthorne, Puritanism, Nature, Symbolism, Allegory, Young Goodman Brown, The Scarlet Letter, Light and Darkness, Wilderness, Moral Ambiguity, American Literature.
Nathaniel Hawthorne: Nature, Puritanism, and Moral Ambiguity - FAQ
What is this document about?
This document provides a comprehensive overview of a scholarly analysis of Nathaniel Hawthorne's works, focusing on the themes of nature, Puritanism, and moral ambiguity in his short story "Young Goodman Brown" and novel "The Scarlet Letter." It includes a table of contents, objectives, chapter summaries, and keywords.
What are the main themes explored in the analysis?
The analysis delves into the influence of Puritanism on Hawthorne's worldview, the symbolic representation of nature in his writing, the interplay between light and darkness as a reflection of moral ambiguity, the use of symbolism and allegory, and Hawthorne's exploration of human nature and societal pressures.
Which works of Hawthorne are analyzed in detail?
The primary focus is on "Young Goodman Brown" and "The Scarlet Letter." The analysis examines key elements, symbols, and underlying themes within these works.
What is the significance of Puritanism in the analysis?
The analysis emphasizes the importance of understanding the historical and cultural context of Puritanism in New England to fully appreciate Hawthorne's writing. It explores how Puritan beliefs and attitudes towards nature shaped his literary output.
How is the concept of nature represented in Hawthorne's works?
The analysis examines the symbolic representation of nature in Hawthorne's stories, paying close attention to the use of settings like forests and their symbolic implications. The interplay between light and darkness in natural settings is also analyzed as reflecting moral ambiguity.
What is the role of symbolism and allegory in the analysis?
The analysis examines how Hawthorne uses symbolism and allegory to convey moral and philosophical messages. Specific symbols like names, colors, and natural elements are explored in detail.
What aspects of Hawthorne's life are relevant to the analysis?
The analysis explores Hawthorne's biography, including his Puritan heritage and personal experiences, to understand the influences shaping his literary works and his portrayal of nature, Puritanism, and moral ambiguity.
What are the key chapters of the analysis and what do they cover?
The analysis includes chapters on the historical background of Puritanism, a detailed look at Hawthorne's life and writings, and in-depth analyses of "Young Goodman Brown" and "The Scarlet Letter." Each chapter contributes to a comprehensive understanding of the chosen themes.
What are some keywords associated with this analysis?
Key words include: Nathaniel Hawthorne, Puritanism, Nature, Symbolism, Allegory, Young Goodman Brown, The Scarlet Letter, Light and Darkness, Wilderness, Moral Ambiguity, and American Literature.
What is the overall objective of this scholarly work?
The main goal is to explore the concept of nature in Hawthorne's major works within the context of his Puritan heritage and the broader historical understanding of nature, connecting his biographical details to his literary themes.
- Quote paper
- Marina Boonyaprasop (Author), 2010, "A Forest Walk" - The Concept of Nature in Hawthorne's "Young Goodman Brown" and "The Scarlet Letter", Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/198314
