Here's why:
* Romanticism: He shares core characteristics with other Romantic writers, including:
* Focus on emotion and individual experience: Hawthorne delves into the psychological complexities of his characters, their inner turmoil, and the impact of past sins.
* Emphasis on nature and the supernatural: The natural world often serves as a backdrop for his stories and plays a symbolic role, while the supernatural is frequently woven into the narrative.
* Exploration of the dark side of human nature: Hawthorne wasn't afraid to explore the darker aspects of human behavior, focusing on themes of guilt, sin, and the corrupting nature of power.
* Dark Romanticism: Hawthorne's works are particularly aligned with this subgenre, characterized by:
* Emphasis on the grotesque and macabre: His stories often contain unsettling elements and deal with themes of death, decay, and the psychological consequences of sin.
* Exploration of moral ambiguity: Hawthorne rarely presents simple good vs. evil scenarios. His characters are often complex and flawed, forcing readers to grapple with ethical dilemmas.
* Skepticism of human progress: He challenged the optimistic view of human potential often associated with Romanticism, suggesting that human nature is inherently flawed.
Beyond these classifications, Hawthorne is also recognized for his:
* Lyrical prose and symbolic language: His writing is often poetic and evocative, with rich imagery and symbolism that add depth and meaning to his narratives.
* Historical settings: He frequently used historical events and figures as inspiration for his fiction, often exploring the impact of the past on the present.
* Moral complexity: His stories challenge readers to think critically about morality and the nature of good and evil, often leaving them with lingering questions and unresolved issues.
Overall, Nathaniel Hawthorne is considered a master of Dark Romantic literature, offering a rich and unsettling exploration of human nature, morality, and the complexities of the past.