A Study Of Nathaniel Hawthorne’s Pacifism From His New England Trilogy

Nathaniel Hawthorne(1804-1864)is one of the most important romantic American writers in the 19 th century whose works are still very popular today.This thesis tries to interpret his New England Trilogy,namely,The Scarlet Letter(1850),The House of the Seven Gables(1851)and The Blithedale Romance(1852)within the theoretical framework of new historicism combining other texts such as letters,diaries,and reports at that time.It emphasizes the comprehensive interpreting of the texts from the political power and ideology,explores the reflection of the reality in his works and how Hawthorne rebels against American grand history,ponders on the intents and purposes of the author?s historical writing and explains his pacifism which he insists.This thesis includes five chapters.Chapter One introduces the author Nathaniel Hawthorne and his New England Trilogy,the literature review,the theoretical framework and the significance of this thesis.Chapter Two conducts a deep analysis on the historical events Salem Witch Trials,the mesmerism and the radical reform which appear several times in the works and combines the reports at that time to express Hawthorne?s caution and objection to bewitching and agitating the multitudes,causing the loss of mind and panic in the society.Through analyzing the violence in The Scarlet Letter and The Blithedale Romance and the land dispute in The House of the Seven Gables combining the social reality of war and violent revolution,Chapter Three shows Hawthorne?s resent and suspicion to the land invading,wars and social activities which cause violence,killings and casualties and the pursuit of peace.Chapter Four explores Hawthorne?s emphasis on reconstructing family order and pursuit of social stability and peace through analyzing the protagonists? pursuit of “fireside” and Hawthorne?s cherishing of family.Chapter Five is the conclusion.From analyses of Hawthorne?s reflection on and construction of pacifism in New England Trilogy is revealed Hawthorne?s sober examination and rational thinking as a spectator.His works show his strong social responsibility and historical mission,which are beyond his age and provide us with theoretical reference in handling current problems and have far-reaching significance nowadays.