This thesis examines the theme of Original Sin in the works of Nathaniel Hawthorne, a 19th century American writer, and Ayako Miura, a 20th century Japanese novelist. It compares and contrasts the authors' different cultural and social backgrounds, and explores how their perspectives and experiences are reflected in their composition and writing styles. In particular, it studies Original Sin alongside the similarities and differences of two works by each author: The Scarlet Letter, and The House of the Seven Gables by Hawthorne; Freezing Point, and The Tenpoku Wilderness, by Miura. |