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Hawthorne's Short Stories

nathaniel hawthorne

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Twenty-four of Hawthorne's best-known short stories plus many that are virtually unknown to the average reader. Introduction by Professor Newton Arvin of Smith College.


The gray champion --
The minister's black veil --
The may-pole of Merry Mount --
Wakefield --
The great carbuncle --
The prophetic pictures --
Lady Eleanore's mantle --
Old Esther Dudley --
The ambitious guest --
The white old maid --
Peter Goldthwaite's treasure --
Endicott and the red cross --
The birthmark --
Young Goodman Brown --
Rappaccini's daughter --
The celestial railroad --
Feathertop : a moralized legend --
Egotism, or, The bosom serpent --
The artist of the beautiful --
The great stone face --
Ethan Brand --
The wives of the dead --
The antique ring --
Alice Doane's appeal.

384 pages, Paperback

First published January 1,1946

This edition

Format
384 pages, Paperback
Published
January 1, 1946 by Vintage
ISBN
9780394700151
ASIN
0394700155
Language
English

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About the author

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nathaniel hawthorne

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Nathaniel Hawthorne was a 19th century American novelist and short story writer. He is seen as a key figure in the development of American literature for his tales of the nation's colonial history.

Shortly after graduating from Bowdoin College, Hathorne changed his name to Hawthorne. Hawthorne anonymously published his first work, a novel titled Fanshawe, in 1828. In 1837, he published Twice-Told Tales and became engaged to painter and illustrator Sophia Peabody the next year. He worked at a Custom House and joined a Transcendentalist Utopian community, before marrying Peabody in 1842. The couple moved to The Old Manse in Concord, Massachusetts, later moving to Salem, the Berkshires, then to The Wayside in Concord. The Scarlet Letter was published in 1850, followed by a succession of other novels. A political appointment took Hawthorne and family to Europe before returning to The Wayside in 1860. Hawthorne died on May 19, 1864, leaving behind his wife and their three children.

Much of Hawthorne's writing centers around New England and many feature moral allegories with a Puritan inspiration. His work is considered part of the Romantic movement and includes novels, short stories, and a biography of his friend, the United States President Franklin Pierce.

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Community Reviews

Rating(4.1 / 5.0, 61 votes)
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61 reviews All reviews
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CrookedClockwork
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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Classic writer - truly insightful - really delves deep into the essence of his characters.

I have perused this book on a previous occasion, yet I find myself drawn back to it time and again. The reason lies in the fact that the stories within are multi-layered and richly detailed.

Each character is crafted with such precision and care that they seem to leap off the page and come alive in one's imagination. The writer's ability to explore the inner workings of their minds and hearts is truly remarkable.

It is as if he has a unique gift for uncovering the hidden emotions, desires, and fears that drive them.

As I reread the book, I discover new nuances and interpretations that I may have missed the first time around.

The multi-layered nature of the stories allows for a deeper and more profound understanding of the characters and their relationships.

It is a literary masterpiece that continues to captivate and engage readers with its lush prose and compelling narratives.

I am grateful to have discovered this book and look forward to many more readings in the future.

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parneybarns
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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I have not read all of these books.

However, among the ones I have come across, my favorite is "Wakefield".

This story has truly captured my imagination. The characters are well-developed and their relationships add depth to the plot.

The setting is vividly described, making it easy for me to picture the scenes in my mind.

The author's writing style is engaging and keeps me hooked from the beginning to the end.

Each chapter brings new surprises and twists that keep me on the edge of my seat.

"Wakefield" is not just a story, but an experience that I would highly recommend to others.

I look forward to reading more works by this talented author in the future.
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landre
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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It's Hawthorne - enough said. Nathaniel Hawthorne is a renowned American author whose works have left an indelible mark on the literary world. His writing is characterized by its deep exploration of human nature, moral ambiguity, and the consequences of sin. Hawthorne's stories are often set in Puritan New England, a time and place that he vividly描绘s in his works. His most famous novel, "The Scarlet Letter," tells the story of Hester Prynne, a woman who is forced to wear a scarlet "A" on her chest as a symbol of her adultery. The novel explores themes such as guilt, shame, and redemption, and is considered a classic of American literature. Hawthorne's other works, such as "The House of the Seven Gables" and "Young Goodman Brown," also deal with similar themes and are equally as powerful and thought-provoking.

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aladahime
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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**Title: Reading in College**

In college, reading takes on a whole new significance.

It is not just about getting through assigned textbooks but also about exploring a wide range of materials to expand one's knowledge and perspectives.

Students are exposed to various academic disciplines, and reading becomes a crucial tool for understanding complex theories and concepts.

Moreover, college reading requires a higher level of critical thinking and analysis.

Students need to evaluate the credibility of sources, identify the main arguments, and draw their own conclusions.

This helps them develop their intellectual abilities and prepares them for future academic and professional pursuits.

In addition, reading in college can also be a source of personal growth and enjoyment.

It allows students to discover new interests, gain insights into different cultures and experiences, and enhance their creativity.

Overall, reading is an essential part of the college experience, and students should make the most of this opportunity to broaden their minds and deepen their understanding of the world around them.
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Jahra
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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Short Stories from the Author of The Scarlet Letter 3/5

American novelist Nathaniel Hawthorne (1804 - 1864) is widely renowned for his classic novel "The Scarlet Letter." However, he is equally famous for his numerous short stories. His works are considered to belong to the genre of dark romanticism, with themes centering around original sin, guilt, and morality. This is hardly surprising given his Puritan heritage.

I have a particular fondness for and highly recommend these short stories:
• "Feathertop": It is a parable about a scarecrow that is brought to life by a witch. However, it soon realizes that its existence is hollow.

• "Rappaccini's Daughter": A young man falls in love with a beautiful woman who has been raised among poisonous plants and has herself become poisonous.

• "The Ambitious Guest": A traveler shares his dreams of greatness with a family that hosts him, but then a terrible landslide occurs.

• "The Minister's Black Veil": A preacher disturbs his community when he dons a mysterious black veil, which serves as a symbol of sin.

• "Young Goodman Brown": A man ventures into the forest and encounters a satanic ritual, and through this experience, he discovers the flaws within everyone.

There are also other famous Hawthorne short stories that I have read, but I am not as enthusiastic about them:
• "Ethan Brand": A lime kiln worker embarks on a search for the "Unpardonable Sin."

• "My Kinsman, Major Molineux": A young man arrives in a colonial town in search of his relative, only to find him being publicly humiliated.

• "The Artist of the Beautiful": A watchmaker creates a delicate robotic butterfly that symbolizes his artistic vision of beauty.

• "The Birthmark": A scientist becomes obsessed with removing his wife's birthmark, which he perceives as a flaw preventing her from attaining perfection.

• "The Haunted Mind": A person who is half-awake at night drifts between dreams and reality.

• "Wakefield": A man mysteriously abandons his wife and home for 20 years, observing them from a distance before ultimately returning.
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Crab_fella
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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Nathaniel Hawthorne presents the gloomy period piece in a timeless manner.

Unlike the magnificent novels such as The Scarlet Letter and The House of Seven Gables, the short story format provides an opportunity to display the breadth of his creativity rather than just the depth.

I deliberately read this in October. However, being mindful of my wise, goth friend Michelle Kinsey Bruns' words, "MAKE HALLOWEEN EVERY DAY YOU COWARDS", it is disgustingly perfect for year-round enjoyment.

Hawthorne's works have a certain charm that can draw readers in at any time of the year. The short story allows him to explore different themes and ideas in a concise yet impactful way.

Whether it's the mystery and darkness that pervades the story or the complex characters he creates, there is always something to discover and appreciate.

So, even though I read it in October, I can see myself coming back to this short story again and again, regardless of the season.

It truly is a timeless piece that showcases Hawthorne's literary genius.
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fuzokyu13
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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A truly fascinating collection of short stories awaits readers, crafted by one of America's great masters of fiction.

These stories are a treasure trove of complexity and depth. They have the power to draw readers in and keep them engaged for hours on end.

One could easily spend years delving into the intricate details and hidden meanings within each story, yet still find that there is more to discover.

The masterful storytelling techniques employed by the author create a world that is both captivating and thought-provoking.

Each story is a unique exploration of the human condition, filled with rich characters, vivid settings, and unexpected twists and turns.

Whether you are a lover of literature or simply looking for an engaging read, this collection of short stories is sure to satisfy.
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octoppaii
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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A good, albeit uneven, collection of Hawthorne's short stories awaits the reader.

My particular favourites were Rappacini's Daughter, The Birthmark, and Lady Eleanor's Mantle. Young Goodman Brown was also a very skillfully executed short story.

Before delving into this collection, I was unaware that Hawthorne was such a moralist in style. I had previously only read The Birthmark for class. After realizing that one of my signature scents from Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab was from a collection inspired by Rappacini's Daughter, I sought it out on my own time.

My favourite tales in this collection are the ones where Hawthorne resisted the temptation to overly summarize the stories he presented to the reader. I understand this is the style of fables, but it could be quite tedious at times. I often felt as if the author was breaking the fourth wall and emerging from the shadows to talk down to the audience, assuming they wouldn't be able to understand the meaning of the tales.

Despite the above, I'm glad I read this collection. Some of Hawthorne's Christian moralizing and his colonial views were frustrating to deal with, although they were of their time. However, I have a soft spot for his more Gothic sensibilities. The Birthmark also helped me excel in a final exam during my stressful first semester of undergrad, so strangely, I feel indebted to him for reigniting my critical thinking skills and excited curiosity once more.
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