Classic Authors: Nathaniel Hawthorne
© Susan Jensen
Captain Hathorne died of yellow fever in 1808 while on a voyage to South America. His death changed Elizabeth Hathorne forever. Draped in black, she secluded herself in her home, rarely leaving her dwelling, and paying little attention to her three children. Nevertheless, Nathaniel displayed a bright and cheery disposition, and was adored by his two sisters and other family members. He enjoyed romping around and playing with his monkey and many cats.
When he was 9 years old, Nathaniel hurt his foot while playing ball. Because he had to stay inside until his foot healed, he entertained himself by reading voraciously. It was during this time that Nathaniel discovered his love for reading. He also discovered a strong desire for solitude.
Soon after, the Hathorne family moved to Raymond, Maine, where Nathaniel roamed free. He pursued boyish pleasures such as hunting, fishing and tracking wild animals. When his Uncle Robert insisted that he return to Salem for schooling, Nathaniel complained about having to give up his freedom to roam. Still, he moved back to Salem, where he lived an unhappy existence. Although he wrote about his unhappiness to his sisters, Nathaniel had a full life in Salem. He worked as a bookkeeper for another uncle, attended concerts and the theater, read, fished, sailed, and even took dancing lessons. He finally found a voice for his complaints in a handwritten newspaper called The Spectator. The weekly publication poked fun at the aunts with whom he lived. It also contained stories, poetry and satire.
When he reached 17 years, Nathaniel enrolled at Bowdoin College. Although he seems to have been a discipline problem at school, Nathaniel made lifelong friends at the college. Among his classmates were Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and future president Franklin Pierce. He graduated in 1825, 18th in a class of 36. At that point, he seems to have been a happy, social young man.
All of that changed, however, when he returned to Salem to live with his mother and sisters. His mother continued to dwell in her locked bedroom, as did his sister Elizabeth. Nathaniel's other sister, Louisa, managed to run the household. Upon arrival in Salem, Nathaniel locked himself in his room, beginning a 12-year period of solitude, which he spent writing and burning manuscripts. He left his room only for solitary walks along the beach and several short trips with college friends.
