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Edward Fane's Rosebud (From "Twice Told Tales")   By: (1804-1864)

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Edward Fane's Rosebud, a short story from Nathaniel Hawthorne's collection "Twice Told Tales," is a profound exploration of unrequited love and its devastating impact on the human psyche. Set in a small New England town, the story follows the life of Edward Fane, an eccentric and somewhat mysterious character, who suffers from unfulfilled desires and an unattainable fixation on a particular rosebud.

Hawthorne's masterful storytelling unfolds slowly, drawing readers into Fane's isolated existence and allowing us to witness his deepening obsession with the rosebud. The symbol of the rosebud itself becomes a central motif, representing purity, potential, and the longing for unattainable beauty.

The author skillfully delves into Fane's psyche, exposing the reader to the overwhelming emotions that plague his fragile mind. We follow Fane through painful experiences and failed attempts to capture the essence of the rosebud, transforming what could have been a simple love story into a complex character study.

As the narrative unfolds, Hawthorne's writing style shines through. His descriptive prose paints vivid landscapes, capturing the essence of the New England town and heightening the emotional weight of Fane's experiences. The author's use of symbolism, particularly in his exploration of the rosebud, adds layers of depth to the story, tempting readers to seek deeper meaning beyond the surface narrative.

What sets Edward Fane's Rosebud apart from other tales of unrequited love is Hawthorne's ability to expose the delicate balance between love and obsession. Through Fane's character, the author poses thought-provoking questions about the consequences of unfulfilled desires and the lines between passion and madness. The story serves as a cautionary tale, urging readers to consider the potential dangers of fixating on unattainable fantasies.

Admittedly, Edward Fane's Rosebud is not a lighthearted or uplifting tale. Instead, it is a haunting exploration of the human condition and the complexity of desire. Hawthorne's ability to seamlessly intertwine elements of psychological suspense into his narrative captivates the reader, leaving a lasting impression long after the final pages have been turned.

In conclusion, Edward Fane's Rosebud is a gripping and melancholic tale that showcases Nathaniel Hawthorne's exceptional storytelling skills. With its rich symbolism, profound character study, and haunting themes, this short story is a standout among the works in "Twice Told Tales." It serves as a reminder of the power of unrequited love and the grave consequences it can hold for those who fall victim to its allure. A must-read for fans of Hawthorne's writing and those who appreciate introspective and thought-provoking literature.

First Page:

TWICE TOLD TALES

EDWARD FANE'S ROSEBUD

By Nathaniel Hawthorne

There is hardly a more difficult exercise of fancy, than, while gazing at a figure of melancholy age, to re create its youth, and, without entirely obliterating the identity of form and features, to restore those graces which time has snatched away. Some old people, especially women, so age worn and woeful are they, seem never to have been young and gay. It is easier to conceive that such gloomy phantoms were sent into the world as withered and decrepit as we behold them now, with sympathies only for pain and grief, to watch at death beds, and weep at funerals. Even the sable garments of their widowhood appear essential to their existence; all their attributes combine to render them darksome shadows, creeping strangely amid the sunshine of human life. Yet it is no unprofitable task, to take one of these doleful creatures, and set fancy resolutely at work to brighten the dim eye, and darken the silvery locks, and paint the ashen cheek with rose color, and repair the shrunken and crazy form, till a dewy maiden shall be seen in the old matron's elbow chair. The miracle being wrought, then let the years roll back again, each sadder than the last, and the whole weight of age and sorrow settle down upon the youthful figure... Continue reading book >>




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