Nathaniel Hawthornes Tales free essay sample

This paper shows how Hawthornes writings serve as a social commentary on the inherent dangers in blind acceptance of religious teachings. An examination of three of Hawthornes works: Young Goodman Brown, The Birthmark and Ethan Brand . This paper shows that in all three, the author wishes to comment on the consequences of allowing religion to mar true recognition of goodness and beauty. All three stories highlight the fact that human kindness and faith are more important than obsession with religious teachings. Although Hawthornes writings have often been interpreted as being influenced by the authors Puritan heritage, the writer shows that there is equally a wide acknowledgment that Hawthorne left the interpretation of any moral lesson in his tales to the reader. The influence of Puritan religion is a common theme in Nathaniel Hawthornes works. Perhaps, it is the overwhelming presence of this theme that has led to Hawthornes writings being interpreted as morbid and full of Puritanical gloom. We will write a custom essay sample on Nathaniel Hawthornes Tales or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page This interpretation is also encouraged by well-documented facts about Hawthornes strong awareness of his Puritan ancestry and his sense of guilt over their participation in the famous Salem witch trials. However, there is a much stronger case in favor of the fact that Hawthornes purpose was to actually use his writings as an indictment of Puritan society and indeed the folly of blind acceptance of religious teachings.