Nathaniel Hawthorne: A Literary Luminary
Table of Contents
Early Life: A Glimpse into the Past Nathaniel Hathorne, later known as Nathaniel Hawthorne, was born on July 4, 1804, in Salem, Massachusetts. Born to Nathaniel Hathorne, a sea captain, and Elizabeth Clarke Manning, he hailed from an aristocratic background. Notably, his great-great-great-great-grandfather, William Hathorne, was not only a puritan but also an author. The Hathorne family's stay in Salem lasted for four years, and after Nathaniel's father passed away in 1808, his widow Elizabeth and young Nathaniel spent the next decade with relatives. Educational Journey: Nurturing the Mind Following his father's demise, Nathaniel was cared for by his uncle, who played a pivotal role in his education. Initially attending a local school in Salem, Nathaniel joined Bowdoin College in Maine in 1821. Here, he honed his writing skills and crossed paths with notable figures like Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, Jonathan Cilley, and Horatio Bridge. These connections left an indelible mark …