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Collected Poetry Of Nathaniel Hawthorne: Selected Poems Of The Renowned American Author Of The Scarlet Letter The House Of The Seven Gables And Twice Told With Biography And Poems By Other Authors

Donovan Carter

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Nathaniel Hawthorne, the enigmatic American author renowned for his haunting prose in "The Scarlet Letter" and "The House of Seven Gables," ventured beyond the realm of fiction with a collection of poetry that unveils the hidden depths of his tormented imagination. In this article, we delve into selected poems from Hawthorne's literary repertoire, illuminating the intricate tapestry of themes, symbolism, and the profound complexities that define his poetic voice.

The Solitude of the Artist in "The Artist of the Beautiful"

In "The Artist of the Beautiful," Hawthorne explores the solitude and torment of the creative process. The speaker, an artist, strives obsessively to capture the elusive ideal of beauty, toiling away within the confines of his isolated workshop.

Through vivid imagery, Hawthorne paints a picture of the artist's struggle, his "mind[s]" fraught with "feverish care" and his days consumed by "languor and despair." The poem captures the isolation inherent to artistic endeavor, the artist wrestling with his own demons and the relentless pursuit of an unattainable ideal.

Collected Poetry of Nathaniel Hawthorne: Selected Poems of the Renowned American Author of "The Scarlet Letter", "The House of the Seven Gables" and "Twice-Told ... with Biography and Poems by Other Authors

by Andressa Montenegro

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1673 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	196 pages

The Haunting of the Past in "My Kinsman, Major Molineux"

Hawthorne's fascination with the past's haunting influence finds expression in "My Kinsman, Major Molineux." The poem follows a young man's search for his titular kinsman amidst the turmoil of a revolutionary Boston.

As the protagonist navigates the city, he encounters a series of shadowy figures who embody the past's lingering grip. The poem weaves a haunting tapestry of history, memory, and the ways in which the past continues to shape the present.

The Ambiguity of Evil in "Ethan Brand"

The enigmatic figure of Ethan Brand, a figure embodying the essence of evil, takes center stage in Hawthorne's poem "Ethan Brand." The poem follows Brand as he travels through a desolate landscape, encountering others who have been touched by his insidious influence.

Through masterful use of symbolism and allegory, Hawthorne explores the ambiguity of evil. Brand's true nature remains elusive, his actions both destructive and potentially redemptive. The poem invites us to question the nature of evil and its pervasive influence on the human soul.

The Fragility of Human Relationships in "The Ocean"

In "The Ocean," Hawthorne turns his poetic lens towards the tempestuous nature of human relationships. The poem depicts the encounter between two lovers, their bond tested by the relentless waves of the sea.

Through evocative language and vivid imagery, Hawthorne delves into the complexities of love, desire, and the fragility of human connection. The poem captures the ebb and flow of emotions, the fragility of love's bonds, and the transformative power of the sea's relentless embrace.

The Search for Meaning in the Mundane in "Snow-Flakes"

In the deceptively simple yet profound "Snow-Flakes," Hawthorne examines the search for meaning in the mundane aspects of life. The poem contemplates the intricate beauty of snowflakes, each flake unique yet ephemeral.

Through the lens of a snowflake's journey, Hawthorne invites us to reflect on the hidden wonders of the everyday, the beauty in simplicity, and the interconnectedness of all living things. The poem evokes a sense of wonder and inspires us to find meaning in the seemingly insignificant moments of life.

Nathaniel Hawthorne's selected poems delve into the depths of the human psyche, exploring themes of solitude, the haunting past, the ambiguity of evil, the fragility of human relationships, and the search for meaning in the mundane. Through masterful use of symbolism, allegory, and evocative language, Hawthorne's poetry transports readers to a realm of imagination and mystery. These poems invite us to confront the complexities of life, to question our own nature, and to find solace in the hidden depths of the human soul.

by Andressa Montenegro

4 out of 5