1. Nathaniel Hawthorn

2. Background Information
Born in Salem, Massachusetts in 1804.
His ancestors included Judge Hathorne, who became famous during the Salem Witch Trials. Nathaniel changed his name by adding a “w” because he didn’t want to be affiliated with the judge.
Along with Poe, he is considered a dark romantic writer. His work focuses on the sin of humanity and inherent evil.
Wrote novels, short stories, and biographies.
Was influenced by the history of Salem and the Puritan faith. Many of his stories are set during the Puritan era.

3. Famous Works

4. The Scarlet Letter
Considered one of the best examples of a novel written during the romanticism period of American Literature.
Characters: Hester Prynne (protagonist), Pearl, Arthur Dimmesdale, Roger Chillingworth
Plot: The story is about a young woman, named Hester Prynne, who is found guilty of adultery. She had a child with another man while her husband was away. She is forced to wear a scarlet “A” on her clothing to show the other villagers that she is an adulteress. It turns out that the Rev. Dimmesdale is the father of Hester’s daughter, Pearl, and he ends up branding himself with an “A” on his chest. During the whole novel, Hester’s husband returns under a new name and is working to find out who the father of Pearl is within the village.

5. The Scarlet Letter: Video

6. “The Minister’s Black Veil”
Published in 1842.
Short story
The story is set in a Puritan town. A minister, Mr. Hooper, begins to confuse his congregation when he decides to wear a black veil in the village.
The story is about the inherent evil and sin of humans.