The Threefold Destiny (From "Twice Told Tales")

Name: The Threefold Destiny (From "Twice Told Tales")
Author: Nathaniel Hawthorne

A world-worn man returns to his New England village convinced that three prophetic signs will secure his destiny: the discovery of a woman wearing a heart-shaped jewel who will accept his heavy heart, the revelation of buried treasure indicated by a pointing hand and the inscription EFFODE, and an audience with a venerable sage who will trace a symbol with a wand and confer authority. Small, uncanny echoes of these omens appear at his mother’s cottage, and his sleep fills with visions of the maid, a hand of flame, and the hoary prophet. The narrative follows his uneasy reconciliation of romantic expectation with the ordinary textures of home.

By Nathaniel Hawthorne

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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.