The Great Stone Face, and Other Tales of the White Mountains

Name: The Great Stone Face, and Other Tales of the White Mountains
Author: Nathaniel Hawthorne

The collection gathers several linked tales and reminiscences set among a rugged mountain region, blending allegory, local legend, and tragic warning. One tale follows a boy raised beneath a monumental rock likeness, who waits through life for a prophesied figure said to mirror that face, confronting fame, humility, and the nature of true greatness. Another recounts a chance guest whose ambitious yearnings collide with the sudden violence of mountain landslide. A third narrates a quest by varied seekers for a fabled luminous gem, exposing avarice, vanity, and diverse moral motives. Interspersed sketches record personal encounters with the landscape and its lore.

By Nathaniel Hawthorne

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American Literature Short Stories

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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.