Nathaniel Hawthorne (1804-1864) was an American novelist and short story writer, renowned for his works exploring themes of sin, guilt, and morality, most notably “The Scarlet Letter” and “The House of the Seven Gables.”

Biography

Category	Details
Full Name	Nathaniel Hathorne (later changed to Nathaniel Hawthorne)
Birth Date	July 4, 1804
Death Date	May 19, 1864
Occupation	Novelist, Short Story Writer
Birth Place	Salem, Massachusetts, USA
Education	Bowdoin College (Graduated in 1825)
Spouse	Sophia Peabody (Married in 1842)
Notable Works	The Scarlet Letter, Twice-Told Tales, Fanshawe
Literary Movement	Romanticism, Dark Romanticism
Themes	History, Morality, Religion, Inherent Evil and Sin of Humanity
Other Notable Facts	Wrote a biography of Franklin Pierce, who became the 14th President of the United States
Residences	The Old Manse in Concord, Massachusetts; Salem, the Berkshires, The Wayside in Concord

Early Life

Nathaniel Hawthorne was born on July 4, 1804, in Salem, Massachusetts, a city with a rich historical background that would later significantly influence his literary works. He was born to Nathaniel Hathorne and Elizabeth Clarke Manning Hathorne. Tragically, his father, a sea captain, died of yellow fever when Nathaniel was only four years old. Following this, his mother raised him in a somewhat reclusive environment. During his childhood, the family moved to Maine, where they lived in the wilderness near Sebago Lake. This period of isolation in rural Maine contributed to shaping Hawthorne’s introspective nature and his deep affinity for reading and storytelling. Eventually, they returned to Salem, where Hawthorne would later begin his literary career, profoundly affected by the Puritanical history of his hometown.

Family

Relation	Name	Details
Father	Nathaniel Hathorne Sr.	He was a sea captain and passed away when Nathaniel was just four years old.
Mother	Elizabeth Clarke Manning Hathorne	She raised Nathaniel and his siblings after her husband’s death, often living a reclusive life.
Sister	Elizabeth Manning Hawthorne	She was known for her strong character and took on significant family responsibilities.
Sister	Maria Louisa Hawthorne	She was Nathaniel’s younger sister, often referred to as Louisa.

Height, Weight, And Other Body Measurements

Attribute	Measurement
Height	Unknown
Weight	Unknown
Chest	Unknown
Waist	Unknown
Hips	Unknown

Currently, there is no detailed information available regarding Nathaniel Hawthorne’s body measurements. Historical records primarily focus on his literary contributions rather than his physical attributes.

Wife/husband / Girlfriend/boyfriend

Nathaniel Hawthorne was married to Sophia Peabody. The couple got married on July 9, 1842. Sophia Peabody was an accomplished painter and illustrator, known for her intellectual pursuits and artistic talents. Their marriage was marked by deep affection and mutual respect.

There are no widely known or documented previous relationships of Nathaniel Hawthorne before his marriage to Sophia Peabody.

Career, Achievements And Controversies

How He Became Famous

Nathaniel Hawthorne became famous primarily through his unique and profound contributions to American literature. His works often explored themes of sin, guilt, and morality, set against the backdrop of Puritan New England. His novel The Scarlet Letter, published in 1850, is particularly notable for establishing his reputation as a leading writer of his time.

How The Career Started, The Popular Works He Has Done

Hawthorne’s literary career began with the publication of his first novel, Fanshawe, in 1828, although it did not achieve much success. He continued writing short stories, many of which were published in various periodicals and later collected in Twice-Told Tales (1837). His major works include:

• The Scarlet Letter (1850)
• The House of the Seven Gables (1851)
• The Blithedale Romance (1852)
• The Marble Faun (1860)

Awards He Has Gotten

During Nathaniel Hawthorne’s lifetime, formal literary awards were not as prevalent as they are today. However, his works have been continuously celebrated and studied, securing his place as a foundational figure in American literature. Posthumously, his contributions have been honored in various ways, including his induction into the American Academy of Arts and Letters.

All The Controversies Around Him

Hawthorne’s works often sparked controversy due to their dark themes and critical portrayal of Puritan society. His exploration of sin and human nature, particularly in The Scarlet Letter, challenged the moral and religious norms of his time. Additionally, his involvement with the Democratic Party and his friendship with President Franklin Pierce drew criticism from political opponents.

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