Beneath an Umbrella (From "Twice Told Tales")

Name: Beneath an Umbrella (From "Twice Told Tales")
Author: Nathaniel Hawthorne

The narrator takes a solitary, rain‑soaked evening walk, contrasting the cozy warmth and imagined travels of an armchair with the damp, lamp‑lit streets outside. Passing through puddled sidewalks and gaudy shop windows, he sketches brief vignettes of fellow pedestrians, odd mishaps, and domestic contrasts, while reflecting on imagination's power to conjure distant scenes and on the deceptive glow of public display. The piece alternates descriptive observation with gentle moral and philosophical asides, moving from specific street details to broader meditations on loneliness, resilience, and the human tendency to mask uncertainty.

By Nathaniel Hawthorne

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American Literature Essays, Letters & Speeches

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About the Author

Nathaniel Hawthorne

Nathaniel Hawthorne was an American novelist and short story writer, born in 1804 in Salem, Massachusetts. He is best known for his exploration of moral complexity and the human condition, often set against the backdrop of New England's Puritan heritage. His notable works include "The Scarlet Letter," which delves into themes of sin and redemption, and "The House of the Seven Gables," a tale of guilt and retribution. Hawthorne's writing is characterized by its rich symbolism and psychological depth, making significant contributions to American literature. His stories often reflect his fascination with the darker aspects of human nature and the consequences of isolation.