Nathaniel Hawthorne - Bio, Age, Chinese Zodiac Sign & Timeline
| Born | July 04, 1804 |
|---|---|
| Died | May 19, 1864 (age 59) |
| Birthplace | Salem, Massachusetts, United States |
| Zodiac Sign | Cancer |
| Chinese Zodiac | Rat |
| Known For | 'The Scarlet Letter', 'The House of the Seven Gables', and pioneering works in American romantic literature. |
Intro
Nathaniel Hawthorne was an American novelist and short-story writer renowned for his mastery of allegory and symbolism. He is best known for his classic works 'The Scarlet Letter' (1850) and 'The House of the Seven Gables' (1851), which explore themes of sin, guilt, and moral complexity in early American society.
Early Life & Background
Nathaniel Hawthorne was born to a prominent New England family in Salem, Massachusetts, in 1804. After his father died of yellow fever when Hawthorne was four, his family faced financial struggles, which influenced many of his later themes involving Puritanism and inherited guilt. He graduated from Bowdoin College in 1825, where he befriended future president Franklin Pierce and poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.
Career Highlights
- Published 'Twice-Told Tales' in 1837, earning initial literary acclaim.
- Appointed surveyor at the Salem Custom House in 1846.
- Achieved major success with 'The Scarlet Letter' (1850), considered a masterpiece of American literature.
- 'The House of the Seven Gables' (1851) further established his reputation as a major novelist.
- Served as US consul to Liverpool, England (1853–1857) under President Franklin Pierce.
Trivia
- Hawthorne changed the spelling of his last name from 'Hathorne' to 'Hawthorne', possibly to distance himself from his ancestor, Judge John Hathorne, who presided at the Salem witch trials.
- Friend and classmate of Franklin Pierce, 14th President of the United States.
- He struggled with health issues throughout his life and died during a trip in New Hampshire.
FAQs
People also ask
When was Nathaniel Hawthorne born?
Nathaniel Hawthorne was born the 4 July 1804.
Where is Nathaniel Hawthorne from?
Salem, Massachusetts, United States.
On His Birth-Day
About July 4th, 1804, in brief:
- Day of the week: July 4th, 1804 was a Wednesday
- Zodiac Sign: Cancer (in western zodiac), Rat (in Chinese zodiac)
- Moon Phase: Waning crescent