And a little bit on Hawthorne
Scarlet Letter 1850 Evil was very real; doctrine of original sin never far from his view of life “I felt it almost a destiny to make Salem my home” “I take shame upon myself for their sakes and pray that any curse incurred by them…may be now and henceforth removed” Evil as a force that leaves it make on generation after generation, traces the effects of its corrupting presence Sin, guilt, probes dark side of human nature Hawthorne ( )
Central importance upon the emotions and upon the individual Reason, though important, not the only or even surest guide to truth Emphasized intuition, the inner perception of truth, which is indep. of reason All art is the imaginative expression of the inner essence of the individual Stress the human potential for social progress and spiritual growth Romanticism (beg. of 19 th. c)
Nature Emphasized beauty, strangeness, mysticism and mystery of nature Organic process, constant development, change Organic connection b/t human imagination and natural world Truth Subjects
The Past Direct interest in national past Interest in emerging national character Subjects
The Inner World of Human Nature Emphasis on emotions, intuition, individual Encourages expression of writer’s private inner being Psychological Poe and Hawthorne Subjects