I had to read these works for a class at the Institute.

To be honest, I liked them okay.

However, through this reading experience, I discovered that I am not such a big fan of Hawthorne's short stories (SS).

Maybe it's because his writing style is a bit too complex and convoluted for my taste.

The characters and their motives often seem to be hidden beneath a layer of symbolism and allegory.

While I appreciate the depth and thoughtfulness that Hawthorne puts into his works, I sometimes find myself getting lost in the details.

Nonetheless, I can still recognize the literary value and significance of his short stories.

They offer unique insights into human nature, society, and the human condition.

Perhaps with more exposure and a deeper understanding, I will come to appreciate Hawthorne's SS more in the future.

But for now, I have to admit that they don't quite resonate with me on a personal level.

Dur mais à la fin ça va quand même mdr. This simple French phrase holds a certain charm and a sense of perseverance. It implies that something might be difficult or challenging at first, but in the end, it will all be okay, and perhaps even bring a sense of amusement or relief. Life is full of such experiences. We often encounter obstacles and hardships along the way, but if we keep going and don't give up, we will eventually overcome them. And when we look back, we might even find ourselves laughing at the difficulties we once faced. It's a reminder to stay positive and keep a sense of humor in the face of adversity. So, the next time you encounter a tough situation, remember this phrase and know that it will all work out in the end.

This is a great collection of short stories.

I have to say that I really like "The Minister's Black Veil." This story has a unique charm that吸引es me deeply.

The black veil worn by the minister adds an air of mystery and solemnity to the whole story. It makes me wonder what secrets and emotions lie behind it.

The author's description is very vivid, allowing me to clearly imagine the scene and the characters' expressions.

Moreover, the theme of the story is profound, exploring human nature, sin, and the relationship between individuals and society.

It makes me think about many things and gain a better understanding of the world.

Overall, "The Minister's Black Veil" is a wonderful short story that I highly recommend.

One of the very best to do it. In fact, after Chekhov, I'm not entirely certain that I would choose anyone else in the realm of the short story. I am simply and utterly captivated by Hawthorne's remarkable mastery of the ironic narrative tone. His tight grip on the reins of suspense is truly astonishing. It gives the sensation that you are sitting around a warm fire, listening intently to a wizened great-uncle as he regales you with spine-chilling ghost stories, hoping to scare you into becoming a devout Christian.

"Young Goodman Brown," "The Birthmark," and "The Minister's Black Veil" rightfully deserve all the accolades and praise they receive. However, here are some slightly less well-known but equally precious gems of classical romance and allegorical horror that all lovers of literature should be familiar with.

There is "My Kinsman, Major Molineux," which takes readers on a mysterious and engaging journey. "Ethan Brand" explores profound themes in a captivating manner. "Rappaccini's Daughter" weaves a tale of love and danger. "The May-Pole of Merry Mount" offers a unique and enchanting perspective. "Wakefield" presents a thought-provoking scenario. And "The Wives of the Dead" adds an element of mystery and the supernatural. These stories are sure to delight and intrigue readers with their rich imagery, complex characters, and profound themes.

I know he's a literary classic for a reason. However, I found very few stories in this large compilation that I remotely enjoyed.

I guess if you want to feel better about your life, read these stories.

I enjoyed some of the longer works as they felt finished. In contrast, the shorter ones were rushed and had the cliched wrap it up ending, though tragic instead of happy.

Rappachini's Daughter and The Birthmark were my favorites. These two stories stood out for their unique plots and well-developed characters.

Rappachini's Daughter explored themes of love, betrayal, and the consequences of scientific experimentation. The Birthmark, on the other hand, delved into the concept of perfection and the lengths people will go to achieve it.

Despite my overall disappointment with the compilation, these two stories were enough to make me appreciate the author's talent and understand why he is considered a literary classic.

The "Maypole of Merry Mount" and "Roger Malvin's Burial" were my favorites.

These two literary works hold a special charm for me. The "Maypole of Merry Mount" presents a vivid and enchanting scene of a joyous celebration. The description of the colorful maypole and the lively activities around it makes me feel as if I am right there, sharing in the merriment.

On the other hand, "Roger Malvin's Burial" tells a story that is both tragic and thought-provoking. The account of the burial and the events that follow evoke a range of emotions in me, from sadness to a sense of mystery.

Overall, these two works have left a lasting impression on me, and I continue to be drawn to their unique qualities and the worlds they create.

Now was not the time for this.

There were so many other pressing matters at hand that demanded immediate attention. The situation was urgent, and every second counted.

We couldn't afford to get distracted by this untimely occurrence. It seemed almost as if fate was playing a cruel trick on us.

But we had to stay focused and find a way to deal with it. We couldn't let this setback derail our plans.

We needed to assess the situation quickly and come up with a solution.

There was no time to waste. We had to be decisive and take action.

Now was the time to be strong and determined, and not let this unexpected event get the better of us.

We had to push forward and overcome this obstacle.

Only then could we move on and achieve our goals.

So, we took a deep breath, gathered our courage, and prepared to face whatever lay ahead.

Hawthorne's moralizing often has a rather chilling air about it. It seems to seep into the very fabric of his stories, making one pause and reflect on the deeper meanings hidden within. Among his works, there were a few stories that truly stood out to me and deserved a five-star rating. One such story was "The Minister's Veil," which remains my absolute favorite. The way Hawthorne crafted this tale, with its mysterious and thought-provoking elements, was truly masterful. However, as I delved further into his collection, the last couple of stories started to feel like a bit of a drudgery to get through. It was as if the initial spark and excitement had waned, and I found myself having to push myself to finish them.

I've had a rather arduous time relishing my reading. This is because, in the final analysis, his stories are extremely redundant. They deal with the same theme, yet are disguised within allegorical tales.

Nonetheless, I still managed to take pleasure in approximately 3 short stories. These include "Feathertop," which vividly reminded me of Hayao Miyazaki's "Howl's Moving Castle." There's also "The Birthmark" and "The Ambitious Guest."

The redundancy in his works can be a bit tiresome, but those few select stories stand out and offer unique and engaging experiences. They have their own charm and manage to capture the reader's attention despite the overall pattern of repetition.

Perhaps if he could vary his themes more or present them in a more innovative way, my enjoyment of his reading material would be even greater. But for now, I'll continue to appreciate those particular short stories that have left a lasting impression on me.

I've been grappling with the works of Nathaniel Hawthorne for a rather long period. However, after commencing this collection of short stories for the third time, I must ultimately concede defeat. He simply isn't my most favored classic author.

Nevertheless, I continue to be in a state of wonderment at his remarkable ability to paint vivid pictures with his words and write so beautifully and eloquently. But even getting through this relatively short collection consisting of 24 short stories proved to be a challenging task.

This collection encompasses several of the classics, such as "The Birthmark". Additionally, it presents a few stories that I had never heard of before, which gave me something new to contemplate. "The Antique Ring" left a particularly strong impression on me and remained one of my favorites throughout the entire collection.

In conclusion, for all those who regard themselves as enthusiasts of Hawthorne, this collection is definitely for you! And for those who are undecided, just like I was, this collection provides a brief glimpse into the world of this renowned author without obliging you to immerse yourself too deeply into his complex literary world. Enjoy!

Beautiful, lush, dark, and romantic.

These words seem to paint a vivid picture in our minds, don't they?

They evoke a sense of mystery and allure, making us eager to explore the stories that lie within.

Each of these adjectives holds its own charm.

The beauty is like a blooming flower, captivating our eyes and hearts.

The lushness is like a dense forest, full of life and vitality.

The darkness adds an element of mystery and intrigue, making us wonder what lies hidden within.

And the romance is like a gentle breeze, caressing our souls and filling us with warmth and tenderness.

Together, these stories are nothing short of wonderful.

They take us on a journey through different worlds and emotions, allowing us to experience the beauty and magic of life.

Whether it's a love story, a mystery, or a thriller, each story has its own unique charm that keeps us hooked from beginning to end.

So, let's lose ourselves in these beautiful, lush, dark, and romantic stories and let them transport us to a world of wonder and imagination.

I'm a passionate fan of short stories, and among them, those short stories crafted by Nathaniel Hawthorne truly stand out as some of the absolute best.

Hawthorne has an uncanny ability to create vivid worlds and complex characters within the confines of a short narrative. His stories are rich in themes such as sin, guilt, and the human condition.

Each of his short stories is like a precious gem, shining with unique brilliance. Whether it's the exploration of the dark side of human nature in "The Minister's Black Veil" or the moral lessons hidden within "Young Goodman Brown," Hawthorne's works have the power to captivate and engage readers on a deep level.

His writing style is both beautiful and haunting, leaving a lasting impression long after the final page has been turned. It's no wonder that his short stories continue to be widely read and studied today, as they offer timeless insights into the human experience.