1. Emphasis on Romance and Allegory:
* Romance: Hawthorne saw "romance" as a genre more flexible and symbolic than the realistic, straightforward "novel." His works explored themes of sin, guilt, and the human condition through a lens of allegory and symbolism, often using historical settings or fantastical elements.
* Novel: Hawthorne felt that the "novel" focused on contemporary social issues and everyday life, which he considered too mundane for his literary aspirations.
2. Focus on the Psychological and Moral:
* Romance: Hawthorne's romances delved into the inner workings of the human mind, exploring the complexities of morality and the consequences of past transgressions. He aimed to probe the hidden depths of the human soul and the nature of evil.
* Novel: He saw the "novel" as being more concerned with social realism and character development within a realistic setting, something he deemed less profound and meaningful.
3. Use of Symbolism and Ambiguity:
* Romance: Hawthorne embraced symbolism and ambiguity in his writing, leaving room for multiple interpretations and inviting readers to contemplate deeper meanings. This approach resonated with his exploration of moral dilemmas and the hidden truths of the human experience.
* Novel: The "novel," in Hawthorne's view, tended towards directness and clarity, focusing on plot and character development within a clearly defined world. He found this approach too simplistic for his literary ambitions.
4. Influence of European Romanticism:
* Romance: Hawthorne was deeply influenced by European Romantic writers like Sir Walter Scott and Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. These writers emphasized imagination, symbolism, and the exploration of the supernatural, which resonated with Hawthorne's own literary vision.
5. Rejection of Realism:
* Romance: Hawthorne's rejection of realism stemmed from his belief that it couldn't capture the full complexity of the human experience. He sought to delve deeper into the psychological and moral dimensions of human nature, which he believed realism could not adequately portray.
In essence, Hawthorne's preference for "romance" reflects his commitment to exploring the darker, more profound aspects of human nature through a symbolic and allegorical lens. He believed this approach offered a more meaningful and thought-provoking experience for readers than the straightforward realism of the novel.