Nathaniel Hawthorne was an American novelist born in 1804 to a Puritan family in Salem, Massachusetts. He was influenced by the strict religious beliefs and practices of Puritanism. His most famous works, such as The Scarlet Letter and The House of Seven Gables, reflected themes of guilt, sin, and the consequences of breaking moral codes while criticizing the Puritan communities' harsh treatment of sinners. Hawthorne used symbols like the scarlet letter A and cursed houses to represent the hereditary nature of sin and the lasting effects of actions on descendants. Though inspired by his Puritan ancestors, he ultimately rejected their religious ideology through his literary works.

2. The reflection of the Puritan heritage and the
symbolism in Nathaniel Hawthorne
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The reflection of the Puritan heritage and
the symbolism in Nathaniel Hawthorne

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The reflection of the Puritan heritage and
the symbolism in Nathaniel Hawthorne
1804-1864
Born in Salem
American novelist and short-story writer
Master of the allegorical and symbolic tale
One of the greatest fiction writers
Comes from Puritan orthodoxy family
Traveled frequently but always returned to Salem

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The reflection of the Puritan heritage and
the symbolism in Nathaniel Hawthorne

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The reflection of the Puritan heritage and
the symbolism in Nathaniel Hawthorne
Regular attendance at church services, daily devotions, and Bible study
The only accepted source of religious truth is the Bible.
Predestination, God had already chosen who would be saved and who would
be damned
Strict adherence to religious practices
Strong emphasis on marriage, child-rearing, and education
Established schools and colleges to teach their children
Legacy of religious freedom
English Protestant Christian group aiming to internally purify the
Church of England

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The reflection of the Puritan heritage and
the symbolism in Nathaniel Hawthorne

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The reflection of the Puritan heritage and
the symbolism in Nathaniel Hawthorne

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The reflection of the Puritan heritage and
the symbolism in Nathaniel Hawthorne
Masterpiece, known as one of the greatest American novels
Set in Puritan Massachusetts Bay Colony during the mid-1600s
The narrative centres on Hester Prynne, a woman who
committed adultery and must live the rest of her life wearing a
scarlet "A.„
Her daughter wasn‘t considered human because of her
mother‘s sins

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The reflection of the Puritan heritage and
the symbolism in Nathaniel Hawthorne
Depicts themes of guilt, shame and redemption.
The most significant symbol in the story is the scarlet letter, which is
Hester forced to wear for committing adultery.
The letter A is a symbol of the consequences of breaking the Puritan
moral code.
Puritans are known for their strict beliefs. They promoted marriages,
having an illegitimate child was a sin which has to be punished.
Another symbol is Hester´s daughter Pearl, who is an embodiment of
Hester´s sin. As well as the scarlet letter, she reminds Hester her sin for
the rest of her life.
Themes of guilt, shame, and redemption
Criticizes the behaviour and beliefs of the Puritan community and
its lack of understanding.

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The reflection of the Puritan heritage and
the symbolism in Nathaniel Hawthorne

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The reflection of the Puritan heritage and
the symbolism in Nathaniel Hawthorne
Set in the fictional town of New England, where Puritanism is the dominant
religion.
Story of sin, redemption, and revenge, with a heavy emphasis on morality
and justice.
The protagonists are compelled to deal with the repercussions of having
to carry the guilt of a crime committed by their ancestors centuries ago.
Hepzibah Pyncheon and her family are cursed with a hereditary sin, living
in a said-to-be cursed house.
The novel follows the lives of the family members as they attempt to
break the curse.

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The reflection of the Puritan heritage and
the symbolism in Nathaniel Hawthorne
The main themes are guilt, atonement, and vengeance which places a
strong focus on morality and fairness.
Reflection of the belief that sins can be inherited, and that judgment can
be harsh, unfair, and merciless.
Major symbol in the story is the house itself
The consequences of sin and the chance of salvation are also topics
covered in the novel.
The idea is that mercy and forgiveness can be found even in the darkest of
places.
Nathaniel Hawthorne was inspired by his forefathers’ past action
Explores themes of family, love, and loyalty, the power of secrets and the
effects they can have on a family.

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The reflection of the Puritan heritage and
the symbolism in Nathaniel Hawthorne
Criticism and mockery about the behaviour and beliefs of the Puritan
community
Completely disagreed with the way the Puritan religion dealt with
sinners
All his books have the same message: the rejection of the Puritan
religion
He feels shame for his ancestors, and he can‘t leave his past behind,
but he finds relief in asking for a pardon
The younger generations are collateral damages of the acts of the
previous generations
Hawthorne‘s final point is that certain people are created to be
alienated from or wronged by the world, and it is tragic that their
issues cannot be resolved and that they must endure their misery.

15. Sources
History.com Editors. (2022, January 25). The Puritans.
HISTORY. https://www.history.com/topics/colonial-america/puritanism
The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. (2023, March 2). Nathaniel Hawthorne | Biography,
Books, Short Stories, Writing Style, & Facts. Encyclopedia
Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Nathaniel-Hawthorne
Hawthorne and Puritanism on JSTOR. (n.d.). https://www.jstor.org/stable/361158
Hawthorne, N. (2015). The Scarlet Letter. Createspace Independent Publishing Platform.
Hawthorne, N. (1999). The House of the Seven Gables. Courier Corporation.