The ocean by Nathaniel Hawthorne is a captivating and enigmatic subject that has captivated readers for centuries. As a literary setting, the ocean in Hawthorne’s works is not merely a backdrop but an active force that shapes and reflects the human experience.
This essay delves into the profound significance of the ocean in Hawthorne’s writings, examining its symbolic and metaphorical meanings, as well as the literary techniques he employs to depict its power and mystery.
Ocean in Literature
Nathaniel Hawthorne’s works are deeply intertwined with the ocean, which serves as a significant setting and a powerful symbol. The vast and enigmatic nature of the ocean mirrors the complexities of the human psyche, providing a backdrop for exploring themes of isolation, sin, and redemption.
Symbolic and Metaphorical Meanings
- Isolation and Alienation:The ocean’s vastness and unpredictability represent the loneliness and estrangement that many of Hawthorne’s characters experience.
- Sin and Guilt:The ocean’s depths are often associated with hidden secrets and the darkness within the human heart. Characters grappling with guilt and shame seek refuge or punishment in its waters.
- Redemption and Renewal:The ocean can also symbolize the possibility of rebirth and cleansing. Immersion in its waters offers a chance for characters to wash away their sins and start anew.
Literary Techniques
Hawthorne employs various literary techniques to depict the ocean’s power and mystery:
Sensory Imagery
- Sight:Descriptions of the ocean’s colors, waves, and vastness create vivid visual images.
- Sound:The roar of the waves and the creaking of ships convey the ocean’s restless and unpredictable nature.
- Smell:The salty tang of the sea air evokes the ocean’s proximity and its influence on the characters.
Symbolism
- The Ship:A symbol of human endeavor and the fragility of human existence in the face of the ocean’s vastness.
- The Lighthouse:A beacon of hope and guidance, but also a reminder of the dangers lurking in the darkness.
- The Whale:A symbol of both the ocean’s power and the human desire to conquer it.
Foreshadowing
Hawthorne uses the ocean’s unpredictable nature to foreshadow events and create a sense of foreboding. Storms, fog, and strange sea creatures hint at the hidden dangers that lie beneath the surface.
Ocean as a Character
In Hawthorne’s works, the ocean is not merely a setting but a character in its own right, with motivations, desires, and conflicts.
Personification
- Human Qualities:The ocean is often described as having human emotions, such as anger, jealousy, and longing.
- Voice:Hawthorne sometimes gives the ocean a voice, allowing it to express its own thoughts and feelings.
- Agency:The ocean actively interacts with the characters, influencing their actions and shaping their destinies.
Motivations and Desires
- To Protect:The ocean can be a source of nourishment and shelter, but it can also be a force of destruction.
- To Test:The ocean challenges characters, exposing their weaknesses and strengths.
- To Punish:The ocean can punish those who disrespect or abuse it.
Interactions with Characters
The ocean’s interactions with characters shape the narrative and thematic development:
- Isolation:The ocean isolates characters, forcing them to confront their inner demons.
- Redemption:The ocean can offer characters a chance to wash away their sins and start anew.
- Death:The ocean can be a place of danger and death, but it can also symbolize rebirth and transformation.
Historical and Cultural Context: The Ocean By Nathaniel Hawthorne
Hawthorne’s depiction of the ocean was influenced by:
Puritan Beliefs, The ocean by nathaniel hawthorne
- The Ocean as a Symbol of Sin:Puritans viewed the ocean as a dangerous and unpredictable force that reflected the sinful nature of humanity.
- The Importance of Maritime Commerce:The Puritan economy relied heavily on maritime trade, which shaped their perception of the ocean as both a source of wealth and danger.
Maritime Traditions
- Seafaring Superstitions:Hawthorne incorporated maritime superstitions into his works, such as the belief that sailors could encounter mythical sea creatures.
- The Romantic Movement:Romanticism celebrated the power and mystery of nature, and the ocean became a symbol of the sublime and the unknown.
Personal Experiences
- Childhood on the Coast:Hawthorne spent his early years on the coast of Maine, which influenced his lifelong fascination with the ocean.
- Sea Voyages:Hawthorne’s experiences on sea voyages, including a trip to Europe, deepened his understanding of the ocean’s vastness and power.
Quick FAQs
What is the significance of the ocean in Nathaniel Hawthorne’s works?
The ocean in Hawthorne’s works is a powerful symbol of isolation, sin, and redemption. It represents the vast and mysterious forces that shape human destiny.
How does Hawthorne use literary techniques to depict the ocean?
Hawthorne employs sensory imagery, symbolism, and foreshadowing to create a vivid and immersive oceanic atmosphere. His language and descriptions evoke the power and mystery of the ocean.
In what ways does Hawthorne personify the ocean?
Hawthorne imbues the ocean with human-like qualities, attributing to it motivations, desires, and conflicts. This personification allows him to explore the complex relationship between humanity and the natural world.
