It is truly ridiculous to review this collection. For goodness sake, it's Hawthorne! There is simply no doubt at all regarding whether one should read Hawthorne. Instead, the question should be how many times one ought to read Hawthorne. He is one of the shining stars in American literature and one of our very finest short story writers. His fiction has a way of haunting us due to its connection to the past and its exploration of the secret (and not so secret) sins that all people bear within them. This is an absolute must-read.

Arvin, on the other hand, is a remarkable editor. His contribution to American literary studies is seriously underappreciated. Arvin has presented us with a wonderful collection here. Seek it out, read it, and let it haunt you forever.

Hawthorne's works are like a treasure trove, waiting to be discovered and rediscovered. Each reading reveals new layers and insights, making it an endlessly rewarding experience. And with Arvin's excellent editorial work, this collection becomes even more accessible and engaging. So don't hesitate, pick up this collection and embark on a journey into the world of Hawthorne's captivating stories.

I was confined to the back of the house, keeping my loyal dog company, as a repairman was busily engaged in his work elsewhere. It was during this time that I picked up this book.

Previously, I had perused a few of the stories within its pages. However, on this occasion, I discovered several new ones that truly captured my interest.

The words seemed to dance off the page, drawing me into their unique worlds. Each story had its own charm and allure, transporting me to different times and places.

As I turned the pages, I became completely engrossed in the narratives, forgetting about the repair work going on around me. The book provided a welcome escape from the mundane and allowed my imagination to run wild.

It was a wonderful way to pass the time and I found myself thoroughly enjoying the experience. I can't wait to explore more of the stories in this book and see where they will take me.

It was truly a real trudge to get through this particular task or experience. There were certain aspects of it that I really enjoyed. However, as I neared the end, I found myself eagerly anticipating for it to be over. The process had been long and arduous, and although there were moments of satisfaction and enjoyment, the overall length and difficulty had taken its toll. I had pushed through, determined to complete it, but by the final stages, my patience was wearing thin. I was looking forward to moving on to something new and different, leaving this trudge behind and perhaps finding more fulfilling experiences in the future.

Some of the themes in the book tend to be repetitive if one reads the entire volume at a single sitting.

Moreover, I found myself growing weary of the rather feeble female protagonists.

However, it must be said that Hawthorne truly has a remarkable way with words.

His use of language is so rich and evocative that it has the power to draw the reader in and create a vivid and immersive world.

Despite the flaws in the themes and characterizations, his writing style alone makes the book worth reading.

Each sentence seems to be carefully crafted, and the descriptions are so detailed that one can almost picture the scenes and characters in one's mind's eye.

It is this mastery of language that sets Hawthorne apart as a great writer.

Once again, I delved into this classic piece of literature. It is such a remarkable work that I have decided to assign it to my English 11 Honors class.

This summer, I had the opportunity to visit some of the places that Nathaniel Hawthorne used to frequent. This experience truly enhanced my understanding and appreciation of his works.

As I re-read this particular classic, I was once again captivated by the engaging story, the rich characters, and the profound themes. It is a story that has stood the test of time and continues to resonate with readers of all ages.

I believe that my students will also be enthralled by this classic and will gain valuable insights into the works of Hawthorne and the literary traditions of the time.

Hawthorne, with his captivating writing that delves into the supernatural and gothic world, is indeed one of the prominent exponents of this style in the early half of the 18th century. His works have had a profound influence on numerous writers who followed in his footsteps.

Take "Young Master Brown" as an example. It's remarkable to think about how many movie scenes might have been inspired by this tale written in 1835. In it, the protagonist observes the most ordinary members of society, from pastors and priests to politicians and merchants, and from acquaintances to unknown pedestrians in a city. As he watches them closely, he realizes that they are either devils or followers of a satanic cult. This brings to mind movies like "The Devil's Advocate" or a TV adaptation of an episode of "Grimm".

In this tale, the characters' names carry symbolic significance, serving as a direct metaphor for the story itself, much like in Neil Gaiman's "American Gods". Here, we encounter a woman named Faith and the protagonist, Goodman.

From the dark and mysterious adventure of a satanic cult, where the line between dream and reality is blurred, and the participation of a secret society with the most unlikely members, the author prompts two profound reflections. Is the greater evil that which resides within people? And can guilt and obsession intoxicate an individual's mind to such a radical extent that it leads to death? These thought-provoking questions add depth and complexity to Hawthorne's work.

She was born to be one of the Hawthorne's ethereal beauties. Her presence seemed to bring a touch of otherworldly charm to the surroundings. However, she was constantly forced to deal with all of his self-isolating, idealist, and guilt-ridden men. These men, with their complex personalities, struggled to understand the profound and often disturbing complexities of the inherent evil in humans. It was as if they were trapped in a web of their own making, unable to break free and truly come to terms with the darker side of human nature. Yet, she remained resilient, trying to navigate through the turmoil and help them find a way out. Her beauty was not just skin deep; it was a strength that allowed her to face the challenges that came her way with grace and determination.

I started reading a book, but I did not finish it.

I only made it about 1/3 of the way through.

This experience has proved to myself once again that I cannot be bothered with 19th century literature.

I find it difficult to engage with the writing style and the themes that are often explored in these works.

Maybe it's because the language is archaic or the social context is so different from our own.

Whatever the reason, I just can't seem to get into it. ¯\\\\_(ツ)_/¯

Perhaps I should give it another try at some point, but for now, I think I'll stick to more contemporary literature that speaks to me on a more personal level.

Hawthorne is truly one of the masters of the short story, which is precisely why he ranks among my top five favorite short story authors. His works are a testament to his remarkable skill and talent. Among the stories I've read, such as "The Celestial Railroad," "Young Goodman Brown," "Rappaccini's Daughter," "The Minister's Black Veil," "The Ambitious Guest," "Dr. Heidegger's Experiment," "The Birthmark," and "Drowne's Wooden Image," some stand out more than others. For instance, "Young Goodman Brown" and "The Celestial Railroad" are absolute gems that I adore. They are filled with a torrent of sublimity that is truly captivating. However, the others, while still good, did not quite reach the same level of excellence.

As for the volume I have, it unfortunately lacks one of my all-time favorite Hawthorne stories, "My Kinsman, Major Molineux." This is a major oversight in my opinion. I would highly recommend seeking out a different printing that includes this masterpiece. It is a story that is not to be missed and adds another layer of depth and brilliance to Hawthorne's already impressive body of work.

Nathaniel Hawthorne is a renowned American author who has penned several captivating short stories.

Among his notable works are "Young Goodman Brown," which delves into the themes of good and evil, faith and doubt. The story follows the protagonist on a mysterious journey that challenges his beliefs.

"Wakefield" is another intriguing tale that explores the concept of identity and the consequences of a man's sudden decision to withdraw from society.

"The Maypole of Merry Mount" presents a vivid picture of a community's celebration and the clash between different values.

"The Birthmark" examines the idea of perfection and the lengths to which a man will go to achieve it.

"The Artist of the Beautiful" tells the story of a man's pursuit of beauty and his struggle to create something truly remarkable.

Each of these stories showcases Hawthorne's masterful storytelling and his ability to explore profound themes in a concise and engaging manner.

Hawthorne is truly the under-appreciated genius of American storytelling.

He has an uncanny ability to be the master of the understated weird symbol, which can signify a plethora of different things.

Driven by desire, his stories frequently exalt the power of a woman's love.

Moreover, they are so essentially American, capturing the essence and spirit of the nation.

I find myself re-reading them every few years, always uncovering new layers of meaning and being entranced by his unique narrative style.

Hawthorne's works are like hidden treasures, waiting to be discovered and explored by those with a discerning eye and a love for great literature.

It is a pity that he is not more widely recognized and celebrated for his remarkable contributions to the world of American storytelling.

Perhaps with time, his true genius will be fully appreciated and his works will take their rightful place among the classics of American literature.

A classic writer who has left an indelible mark on the literary world is Nathaniel Hawthorne. His works are filled with profound themes and rich imagery that continue to captivate readers to this day. One of my all-time favorite short stories of his is "The Artist of the Beautiful."

In this story, Hawthorne explores the concept of beauty and the lengths to which an artist will go to create it. The protagonist, Owen Warland, is a young watchmaker with a unique vision. He is not content with simply creating functional timepieces; he dreams of crafting a mechanical butterfly that will be a thing of absolute beauty.

As the story unfolds, we witness Owen's single-minded pursuit of his artistic vision. He faces numerous obstacles and setbacks, including the ridicule and disbelief of those around him. But he remains undeterred, convinced that his creation will bring a new kind of beauty into the world.

"The Artist of the Beautiful" is a powerful meditation on the nature of art and the artist. It shows us that true beauty often requires sacrifice and perseverance, and that the artist's vision may be something that others cannot understand or appreciate. Hawthorne's masterful storytelling and vivid descriptions make this story a must-read for anyone interested in the power of art.