The Old Apple Dealer (From "Mosses from an Old Manse") By: Nathaniel Hawthorne (1804-1864)
Nathaniel Hawthorne's "The Old Apple Dealer" is a short story that effortlessly captures the essence of rural life in New England during the 19th century. Part of his renowned collection, "Mosses from an Old Manse," this captivating tale delves into the intricacies of human relationships, personal desires, and the deceptive nature of appearances. Set in a quaint New England town, the story introduces us to an old man who makes a living selling apples from his humble cart. His stooped figure, leathery skin, and silver hair render him inconspicuous amidst the bustling crowds. However, appearances can be deceiving, and Hawthorne skillfully portrays this principle throughout the narrative. Through the lens of this seemingly ordinary apple dealer, Hawthorne explores various themes such as the effects of aging, the struggle for survival, and the quest for human connection. The apple dealer's character is compellingly flawed, yet deeply relatable. Despite his solitary existence and advancing age, he fervently clings to his trade as a means of sustenance and purpose. This determination serves as a striking contrast to the townsfolk who effortlessly dismiss him as insignificant. Hawthorne's masterly prose transports readers into a world where beauty is hidden beneath layers of ordinariness. The author employs vivid descriptions to paint a charmingly idyllic setting, adorned with blooming blossoms and flourishing orchards. These images not only create a vibrant backdrop for the story but also evoke a sense of nostalgia for a simpler, bygone era. What truly elevates "The Old Apple Dealer" is Hawthorne's ability to interweave a subtle undercurrent of melancholy. He poignantly explores the longing for human connection through the apple dealer's interactions with various characters. Whether it is the town's children who appreciate his offerings or the romantic possibility with a young woman in distress, Hawthorne artfully reveals the secrets of the human heart and the universal desire for companionship. Despite its brevity, this story leaves a lasting impression due to its profound portrayal of the human condition. Hawthorne poses deep questions about societal judgments, the complexity of aging, and the pursuit of fulfillment. "The Old Apple Dealer" serves as a poignant reminder that there is more to a person than meets the eye and that unassuming individuals often carry extraordinary stories within. In "The Old Apple Dealer," Nathaniel Hawthorne displays his unparalleled ability to illuminate the depths of human nature through a seemingly mundane tale. With his signature blend of enchanting descriptions, layered symbolism, and profound reflections on human existence, Hawthorne delivers a thought-provoking narrative that remains relevant even today. This short story serves as a testament to the author's literary prowess and further solidifies his place among the great American writers of the 19th century. First Page: MOSSES FROM AN OLD MANSE By Nathaniel Hawthorne THE OLD APPLE DEALER The lover of the moral picturesque may sometimes find what he, seeks in a character which is nevertheless of too negative a description to be seized upon and represented to the imaginative vision by word painting. As an instance, I remember an old man who carries on a little trade of gingerbread and apples at the depot of one of our railroads. While awaiting the departure of the cars, my observation, flitting to and fro among the livelier characteristics of the scene, has often settled insensibly upon this almost hueless object. Thus, unconsciously to myself and unsuspected by him, I have studied the old apple dealer until he has become a naturalized citizen of my inner world. How little would he imagine poor, neglected, friendless, unappreciated, and with little that demands appreciation that the mental eye of an utter stranger has so often reverted to his figure! Many a noble form, many a beautiful face, has flitted before me and vanished like a shadow. It is a strange witchcraft whereby this faded and featureless old apple dealer has gained a settlement in my memory. He is a small man, with gray hair and gray stubble beard, and is invariably clad in a shabby surtout of snuff color, closely buttoned, and half concealing a pair of gray pantaloons; the whole dress, though clean and entire, being evidently flimsy with much wear... Continue reading book >>

The Old Apple Dealer (From "Mosses from an Old Manse") By: Nathaniel Hawthorne (1804-1864)

Nathaniel Hawthorne's "The Old Apple Dealer" is a short story that effortlessly captures the essence of rural life in New England during the 19th century. Part of his renowned collection, "Mosses from an Old Manse," this captivating tale delves into the intricacies of human relationships, personal desires, and the deceptive nature of appearances.

Set in a quaint New England town, the story introduces us to an old man who makes a living selling apples from his humble cart. His stooped figure, leathery skin, and silver hair render him inconspicuous amidst the bustling crowds. However, appearances can be deceiving, and Hawthorne skillfully portrays this principle throughout the narrative.

Through the lens of this seemingly ordinary apple dealer, Hawthorne explores various themes such as the effects of aging, the struggle for survival, and the quest for human connection. The apple dealer's character is compellingly flawed, yet deeply relatable. Despite his solitary existence and advancing age, he fervently clings to his trade as a means of sustenance and purpose. This determination serves as a striking contrast to the townsfolk who effortlessly dismiss him as insignificant.

Hawthorne's masterly prose transports readers into a world where beauty is hidden beneath layers of ordinariness. The author employs vivid descriptions to paint a charmingly idyllic setting, adorned with blooming blossoms and flourishing orchards. These images not only create a vibrant backdrop for the story but also evoke a sense of nostalgia for a simpler, bygone era.

What truly elevates "The Old Apple Dealer" is Hawthorne's ability to interweave a subtle undercurrent of melancholy. He poignantly explores the longing for human connection through the apple dealer's interactions with various characters. Whether it is the town's children who appreciate his offerings or the romantic possibility with a young woman in distress, Hawthorne artfully reveals the secrets of the human heart and the universal desire for companionship.

Despite its brevity, this story leaves a lasting impression due to its profound portrayal of the human condition. Hawthorne poses deep questions about societal judgments, the complexity of aging, and the pursuit of fulfillment. "The Old Apple Dealer" serves as a poignant reminder that there is more to a person than meets the eye and that unassuming individuals often carry extraordinary stories within.

In "The Old Apple Dealer," Nathaniel Hawthorne displays his unparalleled ability to illuminate the depths of human nature through a seemingly mundane tale. With his signature blend of enchanting descriptions, layered symbolism, and profound reflections on human existence, Hawthorne delivers a thought-provoking narrative that remains relevant even today. This short story serves as a testament to the author's literary prowess and further solidifies his place among the great American writers of the 19th century.

First Page:

MOSSES FROM AN OLD MANSE

By Nathaniel Hawthorne

THE OLD APPLE DEALER

The lover of the moral picturesque may sometimes find what he, seeks in a character which is nevertheless of too negative a description to be seized upon and represented to the imaginative vision by word painting. As an instance, I remember an old man who carries on a little trade of gingerbread and apples at the depot of one of our railroads. While awaiting the departure of the cars, my observation, flitting to and fro among the livelier characteristics of the scene, has often settled insensibly upon this almost hueless object. Thus, unconsciously to myself and unsuspected by him, I have studied the old apple dealer until he has become a naturalized citizen of my inner world. How little would he imagine poor, neglected, friendless, unappreciated, and with little that demands appreciation that the mental eye of an utter stranger has so often reverted to his figure! Many a noble form, many a beautiful face, has flitted before me and vanished like a shadow. It is a strange witchcraft whereby this faded and featureless old apple dealer has gained a settlement in my memory.

He is a small man, with gray hair and gray stubble beard, and is invariably clad in a shabby surtout of snuff color, closely buttoned, and half concealing a pair of gray pantaloons; the whole dress, though clean and entire, being evidently flimsy with much wear... Continue reading book >>

Genres for this book
Fiction
Literature
Short stories

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Wikipedia – Nathaniel Hawthorne
Wikipedia – The Old Apple Dealer (From "Mosses from an Old Manse")

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