Ethan Brand. Symbols and Themes in Nathaniel Hawthorne's Short Story

Seminar Paper , 2010 , 15 Pages , Grade: 2

American Studies - Literature

This paper should show an analysis of Nathaniel Hawthorne’s short story Ethan Brand, published in 1850. First of all it should give an overview of the plot and the characters of the short story as well as symbols and themes in Ethan Brand. Some of the most important
symbols should be analyzed from different point-of-views, as well as the themes which are, the essence in the short story. What is the Unpardonable Sin and what does Hawthorne want do show the reader by depicting it? Why are Puritan and Romantic elements so
important in this short story?
The paper should show its reader some aspects and various answers to these questions, always in context to Nathaniel Hawthorne’s life and the values he wanted to submit.

Table of contents

1. Introduction

2. Nathaniel Hawthorne

3. Ethan Brand
3.1. Plot
3.2. Characters

4. Symbolism and Themes in Ethan Brand
4.1. Symbolism in “Ethan Brand”
4.1.1. The plot as a symbol
4.1.2. The name as a symbol
4.1.3. Fire, light and darkness as symbols
4.1.4. The dog and the German Jew
4.2. Themes in “Ethan Brand”
4.2.1. The Unpardonable Sin
4.2.2. Puritan Ideology in Ethan Brand

5. Conclusion

6. Bibliography

• College: University of Innsbruck (American Studies)
• Course: 19th Century American Short Stories
• Grade: 2
• Author: Anna Rauch (Author)
• Publication Year: 2010
• Pages: 15
• Catalog Number: V272957
• ISBN (eBook): 9783656652946
• ISBN (Book): 9783656652908
• Language: English
• Tags: ethan, brand, symbols, themes, nathaniel, hawthorne, short, story