One of the well - known Hawthorne horror stories is 'Young Goodman Brown'. It's chilling as it delves into the dark side of human nature and the discovery of the hidden evils in a seemingly pious community. The protagonist's journey into the forest at night and his encounter with what seems like the devilish side of his neighbors is truly spooky.
One common theme is the exploration of guilt. In many of his stories, characters are haunted by their past misdeeds. For example, in 'The Minister's Black Veil', the minister's wearing of the black veil is a symbol of the hidden guilt within him. Another theme is the Puritan heritage, which often brings a sense of strict moral judgment and a gloomy atmosphere. Also, the concept of the uncanny or the supernatural is present, like in 'Young Goodman Brown' where the protagonist has a strange encounter in the forest that blurs the line between reality and the otherworldly.
In 'The Scarlet Letter', Hester Prynne is a main character. She is a woman who has to bear the public shame of her adultery with a scarlet letter 'A' on her chest. Another important character is Arthur Dimmesdale, the minister who is also involved in the affair but is too cowardly to admit it at first. In 'Young Goodman Brown', Goodman Brown himself is the main character who goes on a journey into the forest and has a life - changing encounter with the devilish elements.
Hawthorne's horror stories often reflect the Puritan society of his time. For example, in 'Young Goodman Brown', the strict religious beliefs and the hypocrisy within the Puritan community are shown. The people who seem so pious during the day are involved in what seems like devil - worship at night. It shows how the society's outward appearance of goodness may hide a lot of moral decay.
Some of the best Hawthorne stories include 'The Birth - Mark'. In this story, Hawthorne explores the idea of human perfection and the lengths one might go to achieve it. It shows how our obsessions can lead to destruction. His stories are often set in Puritan New England, which gives them a unique historical and cultural backdrop, and they are known for their deep exploration of human nature and morality.
One well - known Hawthorne ghost story is 'The Minister's Black Veil'. It tells of a minister who suddenly starts wearing a black veil that seems to have an eerie and mysterious quality, as if it is a symbol of some hidden sin or connection to the supernatural. The veil causes unease among the parishioners and adds a spooky atmosphere to the story.
One of the best is 'Young Goodman Brown'. It delves into themes of faith and the discovery of the hidden evil in human nature. Another great one is 'The Minister's Black Veil', which uses the symbol of the black veil to explore sin and secrecy in a Puritan community.
Well, Reverend Hooper from 'The Minister's Black Veil' is a very notable character. His wearing of the black veil is a mysterious act that has a profound impact on the community around him. Then there's Rappaccini's Daughter. She is a tragic figure, trapped by her father's experiments. Her beauty and her poisonous nature are intertwined, making her a memorable character. Also, Robin in some of Hawthorne's tales is an interesting character who is often trying to find his way in the Puritan society.
One of the main themes is sin and guilt. Hawthorne often explores how characters deal with their own moral failings. For example, in 'The Scarlet Letter', the characters are burdened by the sin of adultery and the guilt that follows. Another theme is the Puritan heritage. His stories are set in Puritan communities, and he shows the strict moral codes and the impact they have on people's lives. Also, isolation is a theme. Characters are often isolated due to their secrets or differences, like in some of his short stories where a character is shunned by the community because of something they've done or are believed to have done.
Nathaniel Hawthorne's longer short stories are known for their complex themes. One common theme is the exploration of human nature and the inherent sinfulness within people. For example, in 'The Scarlet Letter', the characters are constantly grappling with the consequences of their actions and the social judgment that follows. His use of symbolism is also quite remarkable. The scarlet letter itself is a powerful symbol that represents not only Hester's sin but also the society's attitude towards it. Another aspect is his detailed descriptions of the Puritan setting, which helps to create an atmosphere of austerity and judgment.