Little Annie's Ramble (From "Twice Told Tales") By: Nathaniel Hawthorne (1804-1864)
Little Annie's Ramble, from Nathaniel Hawthorne's "Twice Told Tales," is a captivating and whimsical short story that transports readers to a world of imagination and childhood wonder. Through his masterful storytelling, Hawthorne weaves a narrative that is both enchanting and haunting in equal measure. The story revolves around Little Annie, a young girl who embarks on a solitary walk through the countryside. As she ventures deeper into the forest, reality begins to blend with the fantastical, blurring the lines between what is real and what is imagined. Hawthorne's vivid descriptions bring the natural world to life, painting a picture of breathtaking beauty and mystery. What sets "Little Annie's Ramble" apart is Hawthorne's ability to capture the essence of childhood innocence. Through Annie, he explores the enchantment and curiosity that often go hand in hand with being a child, evoking strong memories of our own youthful adventures. The author's delicate prose effortlessly transports readers back to their own carefree days, where imagination reigned supreme. However, beneath the charm and enchantment lies a subtle darkness that unfolds as Little Annie's ramble continues. Hawthorne subtly explores themes of loss and mortality, reminding readers that even in the most idyllic moments, the shadow of death is ever-present. This creates a bittersweet undertone that adds depth and complexity to the narrative. While the story may be short, Hawthorne's character development is rich and nuanced. Little Annie, though young, possesses a maturity and wisdom that belies her age. As she interacts with various creatures and encounters unexpected situations, she embodies the resilience and adaptability that define childhood innocence. Hawthorne's prose is elegant and poetic, infusing the story with a sense of lyricism that enhances its fairy tale-like quality. His ability to paint picturesque scenes in the reader's mind allows for a fully immersive experience. Each sentence is carefully crafted, evoking vivid imagery that captures the beauty and mystery of the natural world. "Little Annie's Ramble" is a true gem within Hawthorne's collection. It showcases his unparalleled ability to create a delicate balance between light and dark, reality and fantasy. Through this enchanting tale, readers are reminded of the significance of childhood wonder and the importance of embracing the magic that exists both within and beyond our everyday lives. In conclusion, "Little Annie's Ramble" is a beautifully written and thought-provoking short story that seamlessly combines elements of innocence, enchantment, and mortality. Nathaniel Hawthorne's skillful storytelling and exquisite prose make this a must-read for those who appreciate the enchantment and profoundness of childhood experiences. First Page: TWICE TOLD TALES LITTLE ANNIE'S RAMBLE By Nathaniel Hawthorne DING DONG! Ding dong! Ding dong! The town crier has rung his bell, at a distant corner, and little Annie stands on her father's doorsteps, trying to hear what the man with the loud voice is talking about. Let me listen too. O, he is telling the people that an elephant, and a lion, and a royal tiger, and a horse with horns, and other strange beasts from foreign countries, have come to town, and will receive all visitors who choose to wait upon them! Perhaps little Annie would like to go. Yes; and I can see that the pretty child is weary of this wide and pleasant street, with the green trees flinging their shade across the quiet sunshine, and the pavements and the sidewalks all as clean as if the housemaid had just swept them with her broom. She feels that impulse to go strolling away that longing after the mystery of the great world which many children feel, and which I felt in my childhood. Little Annie shall take a ramble with me. See! I do but hold out my hand, and, like some bright bird in the sunny air, with her blue silk frock fluttering upwards from her white pantalets, she comes bounding on tiptoe across the street. Smooth back your brown curls, Annie; and let me tie on your bonnet, and we will set forth! What a strange couple to go on their rambles together! One walks in black attire, with a measured step, and a heavy brow, and his thoughtful eyes bent down, while the gay little girl trips lightly along, as if she were forced to keep hold of my hand, lest her feet should dance away from the earth... Continue reading book >>

Little Annie's Ramble (From "Twice Told Tales") By: Nathaniel Hawthorne (1804-1864)

Little Annie's Ramble, from Nathaniel Hawthorne's "Twice Told Tales," is a captivating and whimsical short story that transports readers to a world of imagination and childhood wonder. Through his masterful storytelling, Hawthorne weaves a narrative that is both enchanting and haunting in equal measure.

The story revolves around Little Annie, a young girl who embarks on a solitary walk through the countryside. As she ventures deeper into the forest, reality begins to blend with the fantastical, blurring the lines between what is real and what is imagined. Hawthorne's vivid descriptions bring the natural world to life, painting a picture of breathtaking beauty and mystery.

What sets "Little Annie's Ramble" apart is Hawthorne's ability to capture the essence of childhood innocence. Through Annie, he explores the enchantment and curiosity that often go hand in hand with being a child, evoking strong memories of our own youthful adventures. The author's delicate prose effortlessly transports readers back to their own carefree days, where imagination reigned supreme.

However, beneath the charm and enchantment lies a subtle darkness that unfolds as Little Annie's ramble continues. Hawthorne subtly explores themes of loss and mortality, reminding readers that even in the most idyllic moments, the shadow of death is ever-present. This creates a bittersweet undertone that adds depth and complexity to the narrative.

While the story may be short, Hawthorne's character development is rich and nuanced. Little Annie, though young, possesses a maturity and wisdom that belies her age. As she interacts with various creatures and encounters unexpected situations, she embodies the resilience and adaptability that define childhood innocence.

Hawthorne's prose is elegant and poetic, infusing the story with a sense of lyricism that enhances its fairy tale-like quality. His ability to paint picturesque scenes in the reader's mind allows for a fully immersive experience. Each sentence is carefully crafted, evoking vivid imagery that captures the beauty and mystery of the natural world.

"Little Annie's Ramble" is a true gem within Hawthorne's collection. It showcases his unparalleled ability to create a delicate balance between light and dark, reality and fantasy. Through this enchanting tale, readers are reminded of the significance of childhood wonder and the importance of embracing the magic that exists both within and beyond our everyday lives.

In conclusion, "Little Annie's Ramble" is a beautifully written and thought-provoking short story that seamlessly combines elements of innocence, enchantment, and mortality. Nathaniel Hawthorne's skillful storytelling and exquisite prose make this a must-read for those who appreciate the enchantment and profoundness of childhood experiences.

First Page:

TWICE TOLD TALES

LITTLE ANNIE'S RAMBLE

By Nathaniel Hawthorne

DING DONG! Ding dong! Ding dong!

The town crier has rung his bell, at a distant corner, and little Annie stands on her father's doorsteps, trying to hear what the man with the loud voice is talking about. Let me listen too. O, he is telling the people that an elephant, and a lion, and a royal tiger, and a horse with horns, and other strange beasts from foreign countries, have come to town, and will receive all visitors who choose to wait upon them! Perhaps little Annie would like to go. Yes; and I can see that the pretty child is weary of this wide and pleasant street, with the green trees flinging their shade across the quiet sunshine, and the pavements and the sidewalks all as clean as if the housemaid had just swept them with her broom. She feels that impulse to go strolling away that longing after the mystery of the great world which many children feel, and which I felt in my childhood. Little Annie shall take a ramble with me. See! I do but hold out my hand, and, like some bright bird in the sunny air, with her blue silk frock fluttering upwards from her white pantalets, she comes bounding on tiptoe across the street.

Smooth back your brown curls, Annie; and let me tie on your bonnet, and we will set forth! What a strange couple to go on their rambles together! One walks in black attire, with a measured step, and a heavy brow, and his thoughtful eyes bent down, while the gay little girl trips lightly along, as if she were forced to keep hold of my hand, lest her feet should dance away from the earth... Continue reading book >>

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Wikipedia – Nathaniel Hawthorne
Wikipedia – Little Annie's Ramble (From "Twice Told Tales")

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