Nathaniel Hawthorne
Nathaniel Hawthorne (born 1804 in Salem, Massachusetts, died 1864) was one of the most prominent American novelists of the 19th century. He also wrote many short stories, and most of his work dealt with depressing topics such as guilt and shame. His best-known novel, The Scarlet Letter, dealt with both of these themes, as did his well-known short story The Minister's Black Veil. His own religious faith was shallow or non-existent.
Hawthorne style is that of dark romanticism, dwelling on the evil side of life. He is revered in Salem to this day, where there is a "Hawthorne Hotel" named in honor of him, which is located on Hawthorne Boulevard.[1]
Hawthorne's The Scarlet Letter is favored by liberals for its tendency to weaken codes of morality against sex outside of marriage.
Hawthorne and author Herman Melville struck up a friendship as neighbors, in which the two forged a deep connection, but this did not last over time. Nonetheless, Hawthorne was deeply influential to Melville's literary career.[1]
Hawthorne was one of the founders of Brook Farm[2] and one of its first directors, but left after six months.[2]