The White Old Maid (From "Twice Told Tales")

Name: The White Old Maid (From "Twice Told Tales")
Author: Nathaniel Hawthorne

A moonlit scene introduces two young women who mourn over a corpse and bind themselves by a vow and a lock of hair as token of a future meeting. Years later one of them lives in seclusion as an eccentric figure who wears a white, shroud-like gown and habitually follows funeral processions, tending graves believed to be favored by her visits and scattering flowers through the seasons. Townspeople treat her presence as an omen and incorporate her into funeral rituals, while her solitary practices and gentle madness make her both a comfort to mourning families and a source of unease when she unexpectedly appears in daylight.

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.