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The Dolliver Romance   By: (1804-1864)

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Nathaniel Hawthorne's The Dolliver Romance is a captivating novel that delves into the complex themes of love, destiny, and the search for meaning in life. Set in the idyllic town of Blithedale, the story follows its protagonist, Miles Coverdale, as he becomes entangled in a series of intriguing relationships.

The novel begins with Coverdale, a young poet, deciding to leave the bustling city life for the tranquil countryside, hoping to find inspiration for his writing. He soon finds himself drawn to the mysterious Westervelt family, who reside in the grand mansion known as The Holgrave. The enigmatic Priscilla Dolliver becomes the focal point of his fascination, and as he gradually uncovers more about her tragic past, his infatuation grows.

Yet, The Dolliver Romance is not merely a tale of unrequited love. Hawthorne masterfully weaves supernatural elements throughout the narrative, blurring the boundaries between reality and imagination. Coverdale finds himself haunted by visions and dreams, which both perplex and illuminate his understanding of the world around him. These otherworldly occurrences add an eerie and ethereal quality to the story, enhancing the novel's air of mystery.

What makes this novel truly exceptional is Hawthorne's exquisite prose. His writing style is elegant and melodic, effortlessly transporting readers into the enchanting world he has created. The vivid descriptions of the natural surroundings, alongside the rich character development, contribute to an immersive reading experience. From the idyllic landscapes of Blithedale to the innermost thoughts of each character, every detail is meticulously crafted.

However, one challenge readers may face is the intricate symbolism present in the narrative. Hawthorne uses symbolism to explore deeper truths and moral dilemmas, which may require closer attention to fully grasp their significance. Nevertheless, this challenge is part of what makes the novel a rewarding reading experience, as it encourages reflection and interpretation.

Overall, The Dolliver Romance is a mesmerizing and thought-provoking novel that showcases Hawthorne's exceptional storytelling abilities. With its exploration of human desires, supernatural elements, and captivating prose, it is a must-read for fans of his work or anyone seeking a thought-provoking and evocative literary work.

First Page:

THE DOLLIVER ROMANCE

BY

NATHANIEL HAWTHORNE

CONTENTS.

INTRODUCTORY NOTE TO THE DOLLIVER ROMANCE

A SCENE FROM THE DOLLIVER ROMANCE

ANOTHER SCENE FROM THE DOLLIVER ROMANCE

ANOTHER FRAGMENT OF THE DOLLIVER ROMANCE

INTRODUCTORY NOTE.

THE DOLLIVER ROMANCE.

In "The Dolliver Romance," only three chapters of which the author lived to complete, we get an intimation as to what would have been the ultimate form given to that romance founded on the Elixir of Life, for which "Septimius Felton" was the preliminary study. Having abandoned this study, and apparently forsaken the whole scheme in 1862, Hawthorne was moved to renew his meditation upon it in the following year; and as the plan of the romance had now seemingly developed to his satisfaction, he listened to the publisher's proposal that it should begin its course as a serial story in the "Atlantic Monthly" for January, 1864 the first instance in which he had attempted such a mode of publication.

But the change from England to Massachusetts had been marked by, and had perhaps in part caused, a decline in his health. Illness in his family, the depressing and harrowing effect of the Civil War upon his sensibilities, and anxiety with regard to pecuniary affairs, all combined to make still further inroads upon his vitality; and so early as the autumn of 1862 Mrs... Continue reading book >>




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