Episode 408 THE GREAT AMERICAN AUTHORS (Part 6) Nathaniel Hawthorne and Herman Melville

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In this episode we examine the life and work of two authors who actually knew each other and corresponded as they wrote their literary masterpieces. 

Nathaniel Hawthorne

From a modern perspective, Nathaniel Hawthorne’s writing tips emphasize the importance of deep psychological exploration, moral complexity, and meticulous craft. His advice challenges writers to move beyond simple storytelling and engage with the more difficult truths of the human condition. 

Embrace the difficulty of good writing

Hawthorne’s most famous writing maxim is: "Easy reading is damn hard writing". 

• Editing is key
• The illusion of ease

Focus on psychological and moral depth

As a key figure in Dark Romanticism, Hawthorne's work delves into the complexity of the human mind and its dark side. 

• Explore complex inner struggles
• Examine sin and guilt
• Uncover hypocrisy

Use symbolism and allegory

Hawthorne masterfully used symbolic imagery and allegorical narratives to create layered, meaningful stories. 

• Go beneath the surface
• Employ symbols
• Craft evocative narratives

Develop a strong writing ritual

Hawthorne was known for his very structured, solitary, and monotonous daily routine, which created the ideal conditions for deep and sustained thought. 

• Embrace solitude
• Make it a habit

Recognize the power of words

Hawthorne viewed words as an instrument of immense power that a writer must learn to wield skillfully. 

• Combine words carefully

Let the narrative unfold naturally

His storytelling technique was focused on telling a story as a process, allowing it to reveal itself naturally. 

• Character-driven choices

Create richly detailed narratives

Hawthorne’s elaborate, ornate prose style was intentional, designed to force readers to examine every word. 

• Craft intricate sentences: His notoriously long, winding sentences were used to add layers of meaning and complexity to his ideas.
• Encourage reader interpretation

Herman Melville

From his letters, essays, and fictional works, Herman Melville's writing tips emphasize originality, ambition, and the pursuit of truth beneath surface appearances. He encouraged a deep, unyielding commitment to art, even if it meant commercial failure. 

Pursue originality over imitation

Melville deeply valued originality and considered it a measure of a writer's potential for greatness. 

• "It is better to fail in originality than to succeed in imitation".

Choose a "mighty theme"

For Melville, a book's substance was directly related to the ambition of its topic. He advised writers to grapple with "great and enduring" subjects 

• "To produce a mighty book, you must choose a mighty theme".

- Uncover the truth beneath the surface

Truth is often elusive

Challenge assumptions 

Embrace creative struggle and even failure

Use your own experiences

Be prepared for your work to be misunderstood

Writing from the heart, Melville was famously undervalued in his lifetime, and in a letter to Nathaniel Hawthorne, he resigned himself to this fact.  

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