If your only encounter with Hawthorne was through "The Scarlet Letter" in high school, you might not have a comprehensive understanding of this remarkable author.

Why do schools often ruin the classics by teaching them before students are truly ready? In these works, I discovered a modernist emerging, and at times, even a Rothian post-modernist.

Here, you'll find a rich tapestry of ghost stories, reimagined Greek myths, morality tales, tall tales, and sketches where Hawthorne grapples with his Puritan ancestors and their austere acts and perspectives.

However, the real marvel lies in the accessibility of his witty prose. He has an uncanny ability to engage with the reader on a profound level, always right there by their side.

Hawthorne's works are a treasure trove waiting to be explored, offering insights into the human condition that are as relevant today as they were in his time.

Don't let your limited high school experience define your perception of Hawthorne. Dive deeper into his works and discover the true genius that lies within.

Hawthorne has a unique way of ending his short stories. Take "Thelma & Louise" for example. He concludes it without a sense of certainty.

His editing skills are better than those of Poe, although it's not exactly a Herculean task to achieve that. I have a certain fondness for Hawthorne's short stories. However, short stories in general are truly my passion.

I find the ambiguity in Hawthorne's endings to be both intriguing and thought-provoking. It leaves room for the reader to interpret and draw their own conclusions.

While Poe's works may have their own charm, Hawthorne's ability to craft stories that engage the reader's mind and imagination is truly remarkable.

Each of his short stories is like a little world unto itself, filled with complex characters and themes that linger in the reader's mind long after the final page has been turned.

Overall, I appreciate the artistry and craftsmanship that Hawthorne brings to the genre of short stories.

This man had an extraordinary talent. He could string words together with the best of them. His writing was truly remarkable.

Among all his works, I have a particular soft spot for The Haunted Mind. It is a masterpiece that stands out.

If you are someone who has a penchant for beautiful short stories, then this author's collection is an absolute must-read. His stories are simply amazing, capable of captivating your imagination and taking you on a journey through different emotions and worlds.

Each story is crafted with such precision and care that it leaves a lasting impression on the reader. The author's ability to create vivid characters and engaging plots is truly a gift.

Whether you are a seasoned reader or just starting out, this author's stories are sure to delight and inspire you. So, don't hesitate to pick up a copy of his works and embark on a literary adventure like no other.

My absolute favorites among all the literary works I have read were "The Birth-Mark" and "Young Goodman Brown."

"The Birth-Mark" is a captivating tale that delves deep into the themes of perfection and human flaws. It tells the story of a scientist who becomes obsessed with removing a small birthmark from his wife's face, believing it to be a blemish that mars her otherwise perfect beauty. However, his attempts to achieve this ultimate form of perfection lead to disastrous consequences.

"Young Goodman Brown," on the other hand, is a thought-provoking story that explores the themes of good and evil, faith, and the loss of innocence. It follows the journey of a young man who ventures into the forest one night and witnesses a series of strange and disturbing events that challenge his beliefs and change his life forever.

Both of these stories are masterpieces of American literature, written by the talented Nathaniel Hawthorne. They are filled with rich symbolism, complex characters, and profound themes that continue to resonate with readers today.

Marvelous!

I have a deep affection for Hawthorne's short reads. Whenever I delve into his stories, I am always vividly thrust into the 1800s, with every juicy detail laid out before my eyes.

No one can bring you into that era as dramatically and convincingly as Hawthorne does. His stories are profound, filled with his in-depth thinking and fascinating explorations into the supernatural realm.

Most of the time, his characters seem so real that they almost breathe life into me. It might sound a little crazy, but isn't that the essence of fiction - to transport you to otherworldly dimensions?

These stories are a rich tapestry of romance, intelligence, sin, guilt, ghosts, and witches, all set within a highly atmospheric backdrop. He writes in long, elaborate sentences, which are highly descriptive, and at times, some of the prose may feel archaic.

However, his unique style is well worth getting used to, as it adds a layer of authenticity and charm to his works.

Overall, Hawthorne's short stories are a literary treasure that never fails to captivate and engage the reader.

I have not read every single story within this book. In fact, I have not even read half of the stories it holds.

However, this book is truly my Hawthorne short story treasure house. It contains "The Artist of the Beautiful", which is one of my all-time favorite stories.

I have the rest of my life ahead of me to complete reading this book. But even at this moment, I must acknowledge its significance in my reading life.

This collection of short stories by Hawthorne has the power to transport me to different worlds and make me think deeply about various aspects of life, art, and human nature.

Each story seems to hold a hidden gem waiting to be discovered, and I look forward to uncovering more of these treasures as I continue my journey through this remarkable book.

It is not just a book; it is a source of inspiration and a companion that will stay with me for a long time.

Hawthorne is truly a master when it comes to painting a vivid picture with his words. Just give "View from A Steeple" a try and you'll understand exactly what I mean.

His stories are always rich in local color, filled with language that was once alive and vibrant but is now largely in disuse. They serve as a reminder that human nature has not undergone as much change as we might think, nor is America as different as we often like to imagine.

The LOA edition in leather is not only a literary treasure but also a physical pleasure to hold and read. In a world where books are often made from cheaper materials and of lesser quality, this edition stands out. It offers a tactile experience that adds to the enjoyment of delving into Hawthorne's captivating tales.

Very interesting and unexpected! This was like a Grimm's Fairy Tales set in Colonial New England. There were demons, witches, hypocritical Puritans, and a variety of fantastical plot twists. Many of the stories were rather dark, but not all. Hawthorne also had some interesting observations on life and the human condition. These would cause the reader to stop and say, "Ahh, interesting," in the midst of a story. Some of the stories, while likely original for the time, might feel a bit worn to the modern reader. However, overall, it was an engaging and insightful collection. The vivid descriptions and unique characters brought the tales to life. The exploration of moral and ethical themes added depth to the stories. It was a journey into a world of mystery and magic, filled with both horror and beauty. Whether you were a fan of classic literature or simply looking for an entertaining read, this collection had something to offer.

Okay, so I skimmed most of this book. It seems that you have actually read the 1400+ pages of archaic material. This material, unfortunately, has not survived well over time. I had much better hopes for 'ol Nate. I thought there would be more engaging and interesting content. However, to my disappointment, I found only a few of the stories readable. It's a pity that such a thick book has so little that can truly capture the reader's attention. Maybe the language and the style of writing are just too outdated for modern readers. Nevertheless, it might still have some historical value, but in terms of pure entertainment and readability, it falls short.

My guardian had a name that was of considerable eminence. It was a name that seemed more fitting for the place it held in ecclesiastical history than for a page as frivolous as mine.

In his own vicinity, among the lighter part of his hearers, he was affectionately called Parson Thumpcushion. This was due to the very forcible gestures with which he illustrated his doctrines.

Certainly, if one were to estimate his powers as a preacher by the damage done to his pulpit furniture, none of his living brethren, and only a few dead ones, would have been worthy even to pronounce a benediction after him.

The moment he began to grow warm in his sermon delivery, there would be such pounding and expounding. He would slap with his open palm, thump with his closed fist, and bang with the whole weight of the great Bible. It convinced me that in his imagination, he was either holding the Old Nick or some Unitarian infidel at bay and was belaboring his unhappy cushion as a proxy for those abominable adversaries.

Nothing but this exercise of the body while delivering his sermons could have supported the good parson's health under the mental toil that they cost him in composition.

It was as if his energetic physical actions were a necessary outlet for the intense mental effort he put into preparing and delivering his sermons.

And so, Parson Thumpcushion became a memorable figure in the local community, known not only for his passionate sermons but also for his unique way of expressing himself through his animated gestures.

The original article:
Excellent!

Expanded article:

Excellent!

This simple word holds a great deal of meaning. It is a term used to describe something or someone that is of the highest quality, outstanding, and remarkable. When we say something is excellent, we are expressing our admiration and approval. It implies that the thing or person has exceeded our expectations and has achieved a level of excellence that is worthy of recognition. Whether it is an excellent performance, an excellent product, or an excellent person, the word "excellent" always conveys a sense of superiority and distinction. It is a word that inspires us to strive for greatness and to always do our best.

This Library of America edition is truly as excellent as all the others.

It has managed to reignite my interest in Hawthorne, a writer I had not revisited since my high school days.

The collection offers a fresh perspective and a deeper understanding of his works.

It is filled with his masterful storytelling and profound insights into the human condition.

Each page is a delight to read, and I find myself getting lost in his vivid descriptions and complex characters.

Whether you are a long-time fan of Hawthorne or someone who is new to his works, this edition is highly recommended.

It is a must-have for any literature lover's library.

You will not be disappointed.