The Great Stone Face, and Other Tales of the White Mountains

Nathaniel Hawthorne 지음

문학일독 2025년 02월 05일 출간

작품소개

책소개

The Great Stone Face and Other Tales of the White Mountains is a collection of short stories by Nathaniel Hawthorne, believed to have been written in the late 19th century. This work explores themes of nature’s grandeur and human aspirations, centering around the Great Stone Face, a rock formation in New Hampshire that symbolizes nobility and virtue. The characters in these stories navigate their lives in pursuit of greatness, influenced by their surroundings and ideals.
The protagonist, Ernest, is a man whose life is deeply shaped by his admiration for the Great Stone Face, which represents moral ideals and hope. The story begins with young Ernest and his mother gazing at the rock formation as she tells him of an old prophecy—that one day, a truly great man resembling the face will appear. Inspired by this legend, Ernest spends his life guided by the noble values it represents.
As time passes, various figures, including the wealthy merchant Gathergold, return to the valley, and the townspeople speculate that they may be the fulfillment of the prophecy. However, Ernest soon realizes that these men, despite their success, lack the true greatness he envisions. Through these encounters, he comes to understand that true greatness is not defined by wealth or power but by inner virtue and character, often appearing in ways that others fail to recognize. The story serves as a profound reflection on the nature of greatness, challenging conventional expectations and urging readers to reconsider what it truly means to be noble.

목차

INTRODUCTION
THE GREAT STONE FACE
THE AMBITIOUS GUEST
THE GREAT CARBUNCLE
A MYSTERY OF THE WHITE MOUNTAINS
SKETCHES FROM MEMORY
THE NOTCH OF THE WHITE MOUNTAINS

작가정보

저자(글) Nathaniel Hawthorne

Nathaniel Hawthorne (1804–1864) was an American novelist and short story writer renowned for his deep exploration of moral and psychological themes. Born in Salem, Massachusetts, his works often reflect the Puritan legacy of his hometown, delving into subjects like sin, guilt, and the complexities of human nature. His most celebrated novel, The Scarlet Letter (1850), examines themes of shame, redemption, and societal judgment, solidifying its place as a monumental work in American literature. Other significant works include The House of the Seven Gables (1851), "Young Goodman Brown," and "Rappaccini's Daughter," all of which showcase his mastery of dark romanticism. Hawthorne was contemporaries with transcendentalists such as Emerson and Thoreau, though he often critiqued their idealism in his writings. His tenure in the U.S. government and his time spent in Europe enriched his worldview, influencing his later works. Through his nuanced portrayal of internal conflicts and moral dilemmas, Hawthorne remains a profound and contemplative figure in American literary history.