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The Threefold Destiny (From "Twice Told Tales")   By: (1804-1864)

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In Nathaniel Hawthorne's "The Threefold Destiny," readers are taken on an intricate journey through the realms of destiny, love, and fate. This collection of short stories leaves an indelible mark on the reader's mind with its exquisite blend of supernatural elements and complex human emotions.

The author's masterful storytelling is evident in each tale, as he weaves a web of temptation, redemption, and consequences. Hawthorne's prose is elegant and poetic, drawing readers into a world that is both familiar and surreal. From the very first page, one can sense the author's deep understanding of the human psyche and his ability to portray the complexities of the human heart.

At the heart of the collection is the titular story, "The Threefold Destiny." This evocative tale follows the intertwined lives of three women: Clara, Annette, and Felicity. Bound by a mysterious thread of fate, their destinies are forever altered by a fateful encounter in their youth. Through their separate narratives, Hawthorne explores the themes of choice, regret, and the cyclical nature of life. The story's ethereal atmosphere and delicate imagery create a sense of enchantment that lingers long after the final page.

Another standout story in this collection is "The Sway-Backed Man." This unsettling tale delves into the darker corners of the human soul, exploring the consequences of obsession and the inherent dangers of unchecked desire. With its haunting imagery and thought-provoking symbolism, Hawthorne challenges readers to confront their deepest fears and desires.

Hawthorne's characters are vividly portrayed, each possessing their own distinct voice and inner turmoil. Despite the supernatural elements that permeate the collection, the author's examination of human nature remains grounded and relatable. The reader cannot help but become emotionally invested in the characters' plights, feeling their joys, sorrows, and ultimate triumphs.

"The Threefold Destiny" is a testament to Hawthorne's unparalleled ability to depict the human condition with nuance and depth. Through his exploration of the supernatural, the author reveals profound insights into the universal experiences of love, loss, and the pursuit of happiness. Each story within this collection is a gem in its own right, captivating readers and immersing them in Hawthorne's timeless prose.

Whether you are a fan of Hawthorne's previous works or new to his literary realm, "The Threefold Destiny" is a must-read. This collection offers a transcendent reading experience that will leave a lasting impression, inviting readers to ponder the mysteries of fate and the intricacies of the human heart. With its rich storytelling and thought-provoking themes, this anthology remains a true testament to Hawthorne's enduring legacy in the world of literature.

First Page:

TWICE TOLD TALES

THE THREEFOLD DESTINY

A FAIRY LEGEND

By Nathaniel Hawthorne

I have sometimes produced a singular and not unpleasing effect, so far as my own mind was concerned, by imagining a train of incidents, in which the spirit and mechanism of the fairy legend should be combined with the characters and manners of familiar life. In the little tale which follows, a subdued tinge of the wild and wonderful is thrown over a sketch of New England personages and scenery, yet, it is hoped, without entirely obliterating the sober hues of nature. Rather than a story of events claiming to be real, it may be considered as an allegory, such as the writers of the last century would have expressed in the shape of an Eastern tale, but to which I have endeavored to give a more life like warmth than could be infused into those fanciful productions.

In the twilight of a summer eve, a tall, dark figure, over which long and remote travel had thrown an outlandish aspect, was entering a village, not in "Fairy Londe," but within our own familiar boundaries. The staff, on which this traveller leaned, had been his companion from the spot where it grew, in the jungles of Hindostan; the hat, that overshadowed his sombre brow, had shielded him from the suns of Spain; but his cheek had been blackened by the red hot wind of an Arabian desert, and had felt the frozen breath of an Arctic region... Continue reading book >>




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