First things first.

If you're simply seeking a volume of Nathaniel Hawthorne's short stories to adorn your bookshelf, this particular one is rather good. However, if you don't have a strong desire to own the physical copy, you can easily search for the best of these short stories online and read them. I make this point because, as a whole, the volume isn't without its flaws, which is a pity. After all, Hawthorne has penned some of the most outstanding short stories in the world, and that's no overstatement. Fortunately, those remarkable short stories are included within these pages.

1. "The Minister's Black Veil." The minister of a small community one day drapes a black veil beneath his Puritan hat and over his face. He refuses to tell people the reason, except that it is related to a grave sin, which freaks them out. Truly, this is one of the finest American short stories that you would do well to read.

2. "The May-Pole of Merry Mount." Have you ever been confused about the difference between Puritans and Pilgrims? To simplify, the Pilgrims came to America in search of a good time, while the Puritans aimed to impose a theocracy. This difference is vividly dramatized in this story, with a heavy leaning towards sympathizing with the Pilgrims. However, with Hawthorne, no one ever escapes unscathed.

3. "Wakefield." Oh my goodness. This story could have been written at any time, in any place, but it's all the more captivating that Hawthorne crafted it as a New England Puritan tale. A man named Wakefield has a sudden whim one day and asks himself what would happen if he walked out on his wife and all his duties. He does just that and attempts to take a God's-eye view of the wife and life he has abandoned. It's an extremely strange story that reinforces the idea that Hawthorne反复 returns to, which is that (like Aristotle also believed) any person who could live apart from society would have to be either a god or a beast.

4. "The Great Carbuncle." You could call this a philosopher's stone story. Several pilgrims in America have gathered at a place where the reputed "great carbuncle" is supposed to be, a magical stone with extraordinary powers. The different pilgrims attribute different properties to the stone. The most touching interpretation of what the stone can provide comes from a couple who believe that the stone will illuminate their house eternally, eliminating the need for candlelight. The most skeptical view of the stone comes from an old man who claims that there is no such stone and that he is there to disprove the claim that it exists. Things become interesting in the story when both the couple and the skeptic arrive at the side of the mountain where the stone is presumed to be.

5. "The Birthmark." A mad scientist has a beautiful wife with one flaw. On her cheek is a red birthmark shaped like a little hand. He desires to use his scientific knowledge to remove the birthmark. How do you think this story will end?

6. "Young Goodman Brown." Is this the best American short story? Goodman Brown, a pious man, ventures into the woods for a secret meeting and has his entire worldview shattered. I think this story alone is worth the price of admission.

Honestly, the other stories in this collection are only mediocre. At least we can be grateful that we have these excellent stories from Hawthorne. And as I mentioned earlier, if you want a volume of Hawthorne's stories, this one is a good choice. Read these stories, and if you don't care about owning the book, at least make sure to read these particular stories. Pretty please.

This book of short stories is truly remarkable.

However, just like any work penned by Hawthorne, the language employed can be a bit more challenging to navigate compared to some of the fictional pieces we typically opt to read.

I firmly believe that it is far better to read a story here and there in between other books rather than devouring all the stories consecutively, given the recurring themes.

If I had read them back to back, I suspect it would have felt rather repetitive in terms of the messages and lessons contained within.

The complexity of Hawthorne's language requires a certain level of concentration and effort on the part of the reader.

But despite this, the stories themselves are rich and thought-provoking, offering unique insights into human nature and society.

By spacing out the reading, one can fully appreciate the nuances and subtleties of each story without becoming overwhelmed by the similarities in themes.

Overall, this book of short stories is a valuable addition to any literature lover's collection, provided one approaches it with the right mindset and reading strategy.

Truth often has a mysterious way of reaching our minds. It often comes to us when we are in the state of sleep, as if it is muffled in the robes of slumber. During this time, it speaks with an uncompromising directness about matters that we unconsciously deceive ourselves about when we are awake. We may go about our daily lives, believing certain things that are not entirely true, but when we are asleep, the truth has a chance to break through and reveal itself.

This quote by Nathaniel Hawthorne reminds us that we should be open to the truth, even when it is uncomfortable or goes against what we have always believed. We should not be afraid to face the reality of our situation and should strive to be honest with ourselves and others. Sometimes, the truth may be hidden beneath layers of false beliefs and self-deception, but if we are willing to listen and pay attention, it will eventually find its way to us.

So, the next time you find yourself in a state of confusion or uncertainty, take a moment to quiet your mind and listen to the whispers of truth. It may just be the key to unlocking a deeper understanding of yourself and the world around you.

Here's a collection of short stories by the greatest American writer of short stories. Nathaniel Hawthorne is truly a remarkable figure in American literature.

I'm not entirely certain what I like most about him. Is it his constant wrestling with his and our Puritan forefathers? This aspect of his work adds a layer of depth and complexity as he explores the moral and ethical dilemmas faced by those in a Puritan society.

Or perhaps it's the importance and use of color in his writing. Color becomes a powerful symbol, enhancing the mood and atmosphere of his stories. It allows the reader to engage with the text on a deeper level, as the vivid descriptions of colors bring the scenes to life.

Whichever it may be, there's no denying the genius of Nathaniel Hawthorne and the lasting impact his short stories have had on the literary world.

Hawthorne's short stories are truly awesome!

His works are filled with deep themes, complex characters, and rich symbolism. Each story takes the reader on a journey into a world of mystery, morality, and human nature.

Hawthorne's writing style is unique and captivating. He has a way of creating vivid images and setting a mood that draws the reader in and keeps them engaged until the very end.

Some of his most famous short stories include "The Scarlet Letter," "Young Goodman Brown," and "The Minister's Black Veil." These stories explore themes such as sin, guilt, and redemption, and have become classics of American literature.

In conclusion, Hawthorne's short stories are a must-read for anyone who loves great literature. They offer a glimpse into the human psyche and a reflection on the moral and ethical issues that still困扰 us today.

Absolutely fantastic!

This statement truly captures the essence of something remarkable. It implies that whatever is being described is of the highest quality, extremely impressive, and leaves a lasting impression. When we encounter something that is absolutely fantastic, it has the power to inspire us, bring joy, and make us feel a sense of wonder. It could be a beautiful work of art, an outstanding performance, a breathtaking natural景观, or an extraordinary achievement. The phrase "absolutely fantastic" is a powerful expression that conveys our admiration and appreciation for the remarkable things in life. It reminds us to look for the extraordinary and to celebrate the beauty and excellence that surrounds us.

Despite the meager 3 stars that I gave this book, I truly did enjoy Mr. Hawthorne's stories.

The reason for the low rating is that my enjoyment leaned more towards intellectual appreciation rather than visceral pleasure.

I believe that in numerous cases, the message that Mr. Hawthorne was striving to impart hindered the story that was meant to convey it. At times, the story even deteriorated into a kind of list.

That being said, I share a great deal of Mr. Hawthorne's outrage and frustration regarding the state of the world.

Not much has altered since Mr. Hawthorne's lifetime, despite our inclination to think otherwise.

His works still hold a mirror up to society, revealing the same flaws and injustices that perhaps we have been too blind to see or too reluctant to address.

Although the writing style may have its drawbacks, the underlying themes and emotions are timeless and continue to resonate with readers today.

It is a testament to Mr. Hawthorne's talent that his stories can still evoke such strong reactions and make us question the world around us.

Hawthorne's short stories are highly imaginative.

This book has truly inspired me to commence writing the short stories that have been lingering in my mind for years.

Out of the 24 stories, I skipped only about 3. The reason for skipping was that I simply couldn't continue reading due to extreme boredom.

Nevertheless, the majority of them are extremely captivating in their allegorical manner.

My favorite stories include "The Minister's Black Veil", "The Birthmark", "Egotism; or, the Bosom Serpent", "The Artist of the Beautiful", "The Great Stone Face", and "The Wives of the Dead", which is allusive and mysterious.

His writing has a scholarly charm, yet it is simple to understand, with a touch of symbolic Puritan values.

I will definitely read this book again.

I was deeply impressed by Hawthorne's unique writing style and the profound themes he explored.

Each story seems to have a hidden meaning that requires careful thought and analysis.

The use of allegory makes the stories not only entertaining but also thought-provoking.

I believe that reading Hawthorne's short stories is not only a pleasure but also a great learning experience.

It has broadened my horizons and deepened my understanding of human nature and society.

I look forward to reading more of his works in the future.

I possess a newer version that consists of 30 stories and 422 pages.

The stories that may not initially seem absorbing are, in fact, quite good. However, the ones that truly are captivating are absolutely masterful and stunning. He has the remarkable ability to paint vivid pictures with his words. He delves deep into the nature of people, and his preoccupation with concepts such as good and evil, symbol, and what it means to be human makes every single tale both beautiful and eerie.

The stories that stood out to me in a profound way were: The Great Carbuncle, The Prophetic Pictures, Rappaccini's Daughter, The Birthmark, The Celestial Railroad, Feather Top, and the Artist of the Beautiful. (This doesn't imply that the others were in any way less than outstanding.)

I initially found the first short story a bit difficult to get into. It is an earlier work, but one should not let it set the overall tone. His stories are truly amazing and worth exploring in depth.

Hit or miss.

This simple phrase holds a world of meaning. It can describe the outcome of a game, a decision, or even a relationship. Sometimes we hit the mark and achieve our goals, while other times we miss and have to start over.

But regardless of the result, every hit or miss is an opportunity to learn and grow. We can analyze our successes and figure out what we did right, and we can also examine our failures and determine what we need to change.

In the end, it's not about always hitting the target. It's about having the courage to take the shot and the resilience to keep going when we miss. Because with each attempt, we get closer to becoming the best version of ourselves.

I've been reading this on and off for 25 years, and finally, I've completed it. As I grow older, I find myself enjoying his stories more and more.

"The Great Stone Face" has been a beloved story of mine ever since it was read to me decades ago. This tale has a certain charm that keeps pulling me back.

The vivid descriptions in the story paint a clear picture in my mind, allowing me to imagine the majestic Great Stone Face and the events that unfold around it.

It's not just the story itself that吸引 me, but also the lessons and themes it contains. It makes me think about the power of nature, the importance of kindness and integrity, and the impact of our actions on others.

I'm glad that I've stuck with this book over the years and that I've been able to experience the magic of "The Great Stone Face" again and again.

I have a deep affection for Hawthorne's short stories, especially when viewing them from the perspective of a sci-fi geek.

Hawthorne's works often venture into the domain of proto-sci-fi, presenting a world filled with astonishing elements.

In his stories, we encounter strange creatures that dwell within people, blurring the boundaries between the known and the unknown.

There are also mad scientists, their experiments and obsessions driving the narrative forward in unexpected ways.

The combination of these elements creates a unique and captivating reading experience.

It allows us to explore the fringes of science and imagination, and to question the nature of reality itself.

Hawthorne's proto-sci-fi short stories are a testament to his creativity and his ability to envision a world beyond our own.

They continue to inspire and fascinate readers today, inviting us to step into a realm where the impossible becomes possible.

Whether you're a die-hard sci-fi fan or simply someone who enjoys a good story, Hawthorne's short stories are well worth exploring.