1. The Scarlet Letter
Nathaniel Hawthorne, born in Salem, Massachusetts, July 4, 1804 and died May 11, 1864, was the first American writer to apply artistic judgment to Puritan society. ... One of Hawthorne's forefathers was Judge Hathorne, who presided over the Salem witch trials in 1692. Hawthorne carried so much guilt for his ancestor's participation in the infamous trials that he felt compelled to change his last name, adding a "w" to change it from Hathorne to Hawthorne (Cerrito 165). ... Trial was always by a jury of twelve peers. ...
- Word Count: 1751
- Approx Pages: 7
- Grade Level: High School