The Wives of the Dead / (From: "The Snow Image and Other Twice-Told Tales")

Name: The Wives of the Dead / (From: "The Snow Image and Other Twice-Told Tales")
Author: Nathaniel Hawthorne

Two young sisters-in-law share a small parlor and a deep bereavement after being told their husbands were killed, and their differing temperaments shape the household’s response. One meets sorrow with quiet resignation and practical care, while the other expresses passionate anguish. A rain-swept night brings a visitor whose news offers the possibility of survival for one husband, and the recipient chooses to hide her sudden joy to avoid worsening her companion’s grief. The narrative spends its scenes on domestic detail and the complex interplay of mourning, sympathy, and concealed hope.

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.