Poetical Works (ePub)

Nathaniel Hawthorne's 'Poetical Works' is a lesser-known yet significant corpus of the acclaimed American novelist's oeuvre. While Hawthorne is chiefly celebrated for his novels and short stories that delve into the Puritanical ethos of his New England milieu, his poems carry the same darkly romantic pen-strokes rich in allegory and psychological depth. These poems, many shaded with Hawthornian themes of inherent evil, sin, and moral consternation, challenge the reader to decipher their labyrinthine morality. Literary style seamlessly meshes with the romantic movement's characteristics, while the somber elegance of his verse finds its place among the broader context of Dark romanticism. The compilation not only showcases Hawthorne's poetic endeavors but also includes works dedicated to him by contemporary poetic luminaries that offer an intimate look at his influence and legacy.
Hawthorne's personal history and his professional milieu deeply influenced his poetic creation. His Puritan ancestry, his life in Salem, and the profound contemplation of the human condition define his eclectic body of work. This collection uncovers an intricate intersection between the poet's life experiences and his creative expressions within the bounds of verse. The biographical introduction serves to contextualize the poetry, providing readers with a comprehensive understanding of the man behind the words, painting a picture of an artist grappling with the moral dilemmas of his time.
For connoisseurs of American literature and enthusiasts of the Romantic era, 'Poetical Works' by Nathaniel Hawthorne is an indispensable addition to their collections. This anthology not only broadens the understanding of Hawthorne's literary scope beyond the expected prose narratives but also provides a fresh perspective on the dark romantic elements prevailing in 19th-century American literature. It is an invitation to explore the multifaceted dimensions of a canonical author whose work continually resonates with timeless human conflicts, now eloquently distilled in poetic form.