Dans une de nos villes de la Nouvelle-Angleterre, au bord d’une ruelle étroite, une maison de bois aux teintes rouillées ; — elle a sept pignons élancés qui font face à différents points de l’horizon
Hailed by Henry James as "the finest piece of imaginative writing yet put forth in the country," Nathaniel Hawthorne''s The Scarlet Letter reaches to our nation''s historical and moral roots for the material of great tragedy. Set in an early New England colony, the novel shows the terrible impact a single, passionate act has on the lives of three members of the community: the defiant Hester Prynne; the fiery, tortured Reverend Dimmesdale; and the obsessed, vengeful Chillingworth. With The Scarlet Letter, Hawthorne became the first American novelist to forge from our Puritan heritage a universal classic, a masterful exploration of humanity''s unending struggle with sin, guilt and pride.
Todos los que se han acercado a la obra de NathanielHawthorne (1804-1864) -Poe,Melville, Henry James, Borges- se han mostrado unánimes al destacar la imaginacióncomo elemento dominante en su escritura. Musgos de una Vieja Rectoria,obra perturbadora y profunda, impregnada de un romanticismo negro y unavision del mundo intensamente pesimista, es el producto de una imaginacionradical y despiadada en su clarividencia. La constitucion psicologicay moral del hombre es algo monstruoso y deforme, y la civilizacionha exacerbado sus cimientos en el mal. Segun Hawthorne, lasustancia mas firme de la felicidad de los hombres es una laminainterpuesta sobre el abismo que se extiende por todas partes, debajo denosotros... y esa lamina mantiene nuestro mundo ilusorio. No serequiere un terremoto para romperla, basta con apoyar el pie. Hawthorneintento expresar ese abismo -esa oscuridad que sostiene nuestrafabrica de ilusiones- mediante la metafora y la alegoria,a traves de una serpiente en el pecho o una marca de nacimiento.
Attirato da un curioso cartello, il narratore si addentra in un misterioso museo. La sua guida sara proprio il Maestro, artefice della piu insolita collezione mai vista da occhio umano. Hawthorne conduce il lettore in un dedalo di allusioni e citazioni letterarie, invitandolo a riflettere sul vero valore dei tesori materiali e sulla natura della conoscenza.
The Complete Novels of Nathaniel Hawthorne presents a comprehensive collection of Hawthornes eight seminal works, showcasing his quintessential style characterized by rich symbolism, intricate psychological depth, and a profound exploration of morality. This volume encompasses iconic novels such as "The Scarlet Letter," a poignant examination of sin and redemption, and "The House of the Seven Gables," which delves into themes of guilt and ancestral legacy. Hawthornes prose is marked by its lyrical quality and thoughtful pacing, inviting readers to ponder the human condition within a uniquely American context. Nathaniel Hawthorne (1804-1864) was deeply influenced by his Puritan ancestry and the transcendentalist movement, which shaped his views on individuality and society. His experiences growing up in Salem, Massachusetts, coupled with his fascination with the moral complexities of human nature, provided fertile ground for his storytelling. Hawthornes work often reflects his ambivalence about modernity and his interest in the darker aspects of human existence, offering insights into the psychological struggles of his characters. This collection is essential for scholars and readers alike, as it encapsulates the evolution of Hawthornes thought and artistry across his literary career. Whether you are discovering Hawthorne for the first time or revisiting his works, this edition provides a definitive resource for appreciating the depth and nuance of one of Americas foremost writers.In this enriched edition, we have carefully created added value for your reading experience:- A comprehensive Introduction outlines these selected works unifying features, themes, or stylistic evolutions.- The Author Biography highlights personal milestones and literary influences that shape the entire body of writing.- A Historical Context section situates the works in their broader erasocial currents, cultural trends, and key events that underpin their creation.- A concise Synopsis (Selection) offers an accessible overview of the included texts, helping readers navigate plotlines and main ideas without revealing critical twists.- A unified Analysis examines recurring motifs and stylistic hallmarks across the collection, tying the stories together while spotlighting the different works strengths.- Reflection questions inspire deeper contemplation of the authors overarching message, inviting readers to draw connections among different texts and relate them to modern contexts.- Lastly, our handpicked Memorable Quotes distill pivotal lines and turning points, serving as touchstones for the collections central themes.
