Hawthorne, Nathaniel: - Nathaniel Hawthorne was born in 1804 in Salem, Massachusetts, and became one of America's greatest novelists. His writing often explored themes of sin, guilt, and the effects of the past, influenced by his Puritan ancestry. Some of his most famous works include The Scarlet Letter and The House of the Seven Gables.Hawthorne's life in New England shaped his writing. He briefly lived at the transcendentalist commune, Brook Farm, and later settled in the countryside. His works often featured gothic elements and explored the darker sides of human nature.In his later years, Hawthorne worked as the U.S. consul in Liverpool, England. Though he faced financial hardships, his work earned widespread acclaim. He passed away in 1864, leaving a lasting impact on American literature.