Nathaniel Hawthorne: Collected Novels

So far, I have only read "The Scarlet Letter" and "The House of the Seven Gables."

These two works are both regarded as classics in American literature. "The Scarlet Letter" tells the story of Hester Prynne, who is forced to wear a scarlet "A" on her chest as a symbol of her adultery. Through her experience, the author explores themes such as sin, guilt, and redemption.

"The House of the Seven Gables," on the other hand, is a gothic novel that revolves around the Pyncheon family and the curse that haunts their ancestral home. The story delves into themes of family secrets, revenge, and the power of the past.

Both novels offer deep insights into the human condition and the social and moral issues of their time. I look forward to reading more works by Nathaniel Hawthorne and other great American authors.

One of the reasons I truly love Hawthorne is that you can glimpse the writer in progress.

In reading his short stories, you can watch as he crafts and develops characters that star in his novels. It is almost as if he sat at his desk and asked, "What if they all moved to the same little town in New England? What would happen?"

That said, my favorite of all his books is Fanshawe. It is identifiably Hawthorne's first book - he self-published it and spent the rest of his life destroying every copy he could find. His sister's diary reports an evening where he removed her hidden copy from her shelf and threw it into the fire. As such, it was pretty hard to find and is rarely found outside of a Hawthorne collection. If you read it, you can completely understand his feelings. The villain is bad because his hat is black and angled low, there are pirates and random dashes across fields with guns for no reason, the female character seems like a silent film heroine prototype, and the prose is unwieldy.

That said, you can see the potential author lurking in his descriptions of minor characters and the surrounding landscape. If you ever have a free afternoon, take a chance - there is so much more than The Scarlet Letter, and as one of America's greatest authors he deserves more than a second glance. You might discover the seeds of his genius that would later blossom into masterpieces. His early works, though imperfect, offer a unique window into his creative process and the evolution of his literary style. It's like seeing a budding artist's first attempts, which are full of raw energy and potential. So, don't be afraid to explore beyond the well-known works and uncover the hidden gems in Hawthorne's literary oeuvre.

Love Hawthorne.

I have read "The Scarlet Letter" and it was truly a remarkable piece of literature. The story, with its complex characters and themes, left a deep impression on me.

However, there are other works in this volume that I haven't yet had the chance to explore. I am excited to delve into them and discover the unique perspectives and literary styles that Hawthorne presents.

I believe that each of his works will offer something new and thought-provoking.

Whether it's the exploration of human nature, the examination of social norms, or the use of vivid imagery and symbolism, Hawthorne's writing has the power to engage and captivate readers.

I look forward to spending more time with his works and uncovering the hidden gems within this volume.

Hawthorne's voice is truly one-of-a-kind and refreshingly honest. You can detect it even in his very first novella, which he penned during his college days. This distinct voice breathes life into his mature novels, all four of which are encompassed within this volume.

I have come across the assertion that many great writers were not particularly pleasant individuals in their daily lives. However, as I delved into these four remarkable and deeply human novels, I couldn't help but be convinced that Hawthorne was surely an exception.

His works are filled with such profound insights into the human condition, such细腻的描写 of emotions and relationships, that it seems impossible for the man behind them to have been anything but kind and empathetic.

Each novel is a masterpiece in its own right, exploring themes such as guilt, redemption, and the search for meaning with a depth and complexity that is truly astonishing.

Reading Hawthorne's works is like embarking on a journey of self-discovery, where you are forced to confront your own beliefs and values and question the very nature of existence.

It is no wonder that his novels have endured the test of time and continue to be read and studied by generations of readers.

The House of the Seven Gables ***

This kind of fantasy/horror/gothic/romance doesn't precisely suit my taste. I purchased the book on tape for a very small amount of money. I did enjoy it to some extent, but it was a bit sluggish. After a while, one realizes that whenever something dramatic is on the verge of happening, Hawthorne will engage in some discursive discussion before revealing anything.

What's more bothersome, however, are the characters. They hardly come alive and seem more like types rather than distinct personalities. The women are the worst in this regard.

Hawthorne appears to have contracted the same "dream woman" fever as Dickens. If you were to remove all the praise, applause, commendation, glorification, laudation, adoration, and exaltation about Phoebe, the book would be one-third shorter. I'm only slightly exaggerating.

This need to present the feminine "ideal/fantasy" in the flesh seems overwhelming for a mid-nineteenth-century novelist. Phoebe is, of course, beautiful, graceful, and has a soothing voice. She cheerfully does chores and gladly does whatever anyone asks. She rarely has a negative thought about someone (unless it is truly deserved). She brings a light to every room she enters. Of course, she's not book smart, but has unerring instincts and manners, revealing a knowledge of the inner truth of each person. And most importantly, she completely lacks a will of her own except to brighten the lives of everyone else. No selfishness, no pettiness, no weariness, no vanity crosses her perfectly placid mind.

Ugh.

You won't be surprised to discover that she even brings people religion. As it is described, "Forth, likewise, from the portal of the old house, stepped Phoebe, putting up her small green sunshade, and throwing upward a glance and smile of parting kindness to the faces at the arched window. In her aspect there was a familiar gladness, and a holiness that you could play with, and yet reverence it as much as ever. She was like a prayer, offered up in the homeliest beauty of one’s mother-tongue. Fresh was Phoebe, moreover, and airy and sweet in her apparel; as if nothing that she wore - neither her gown, nor her small straw bonnet, nor her little kerchief, any more than her snowy stockings - had ever been put on before; or, if worn, were all the fresher for it, and with a fragrance as if they had lain among the rosebuds." And "The girl waved her hand to Hepzibah and Clifford, and went up the street; a religion in herself, warm, simple, true, with a substance that could walk on earth, and a spirit that was capable of heaven." (p. 496)

Oh dear lord.

And the theme of women lacking any will seems to persist. Alice Pynchon has her free will stolen by the younger Maule. She is so weak that he takes it by simply looking in her eyes and waving his hand. After that, she runs to him at a moment's notice as his slave. (Everyone else in town apparently just shrugs and says, "That's normal.")

By the way: How does one feel sorry for the Maule family after they kill Alice? The Pynchons stole land, and the Maules steal people's souls and kill them. Which do you think is worse? Hmm.

The Governor Pynchon chapter is a strange digression but one of my favorite parts of the book. It is a little story within the story that you could probably remove and not miss it. But it is strangely appealing.

Overall, this is a slow tale told slowly. If you like slow-paced but beautifully told ghost stories, you will enjoy this. It wasn't to my taste.

Fanshawe College is a renowned educational institution that offers a wide range of programs and courses. At the moment, students are engaged in various activities related to their studies.

Some are attending lectures, taking in the knowledge and insights shared by their professors. Others are working on group projects, collaborating with their peers to achieve common goals.

The library is also a popular place, with students buried in their books and research materials. The campus is bustling with activity, as students move from one class to another, or take a break to socialize with their friends.

Fanshawe provides a vibrant and stimulating learning environment, where students can grow and develop both academically and personally. Whether they are pursuing a career in business, technology, or the arts, Fanshawe has the resources and support to help them succeed.

At this moment, Fanshawe College is a hive of activity, with students working hard to achieve their dreams and aspirations.

I have recently embarked on reading The Scarlet Letter for my Book Club. We have decided to immerse ourselves in the world of the classics. At the moment, I am gradually getting accustomed to the unique style of writing employed by the author. The story holds a certain familiarity as I recall the basic plot from my high school English class, which seems like a distant memory from many moons ago.

The Scarlet Letter is a renowned work that delves deep into themes of sin, guilt, and redemption. It presents a vivid portrayal of a society bound by strict moral codes and the consequences that individuals face when they deviate from them. As I progress through the book, I am eager to explore the complex characters and their inner struggles.

Joining the Book Club has given me the opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions with others who share a passion for literature. We can exchange our thoughts and interpretations, gain new perspectives, and enhance our understanding of the text. I look forward to the upcoming meetings and the insights that will be shared.

Only God can be the true judge of people's hearts;

anybody lesser serves no useful purpose. This profound statement makes us realize the limitations of human judgment. We often tend to judge others based on appearances or limited information, but only God has the complete understanding of a person's inner thoughts and motives.

Thank goodness for salvation! It gives us hope and the opportunity to be redeemed. Salvation is a precious gift that allows us to find forgiveness and a new beginning.

Another novel on my classical curriculum novel reading queue. Reading classical novels is a wonderful way to explore different cultures, historical periods, and human nature. It enriches our minds and broadens our perspectives. I look forward to delving into this new novel and uncovering its hidden treasures.