Little Daffydowndilly (From: "The Snow Image and Other Twice-Told Tales") E-Book

Nathaniel Hawthorne

• Herausgeber: DigiCat
• Kategorie: Fantasy und Science-Fiction
• Sprache: Englisch

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2022

Beschreibung

In "Little Daffydowndilly," a gem from Nathaniel Hawthorne's "The Snow Image and Other Twice-Told Tales," the author weaves a poignant narrative that explores the themes of innocence, sacrifice, and the harsh realities of life through the lens of childhood. Written in Hawthorne's characteristic style—marked by rich symbolism and a deep moral undertone—this tale deftly blends fantasy with an underlying critique of societal norms. Hawthorne's use of lyrical prose and vivid imagery encapsulates the fragile beauty of youth juxtaposed with the inevitable passage of time, making it a striking illustration of his preoccupation with the moral complexities of human experience in early 19th-century America. Nathaniel Hawthorne, a master of American romanticism, was profoundly influenced by the Puritan backdrop of his youth, often examining the interplay of sin and morality in his works. "Little Daffydowndilly," like many of his tales, reflects his fascination with the concept of innocence lost and the bittersweet nature of existence. Hawthorne's own experiences in a rapidly changing society, along with his keen observations on the human condition, shaped his ability to portray childhood's poignant fragility. Recommended for readers seeking a nuanced exploration of childhood, "Little Daffydowndilly" is an essential read that resonates with anyone reflecting on the bittersweet nature of innocence amid life's inevitable transitions. Hawthorne's delicate touch and profound insights invite readers to ponder the depths of their own experiences with loss and beauty.

Leseprobe

Nathaniel Hawthorne

Little Daffydowndilly (From: "The Snow Image and Other Twice-Told Tales")

 

EAN 8596547325208

DigiCat, 2022 Contact: [email protected]

Table of Contents

Cover

Titlepage

Text

Daffydowndilly was so called because in his nature he resembled a flower, and loved to do only what was beautiful and agreeable, and took no delight in labor of any kind. But, while Daffydowndilly was yet a little boy, his mother sent him away from his pleasant home, and put him under the care of a very strict schoolmaster, who went by the name of Mr. Toil. Those who knew him best affirmed that this Mr. Toil was a very worthy character; and that he had done more good, both to children and grown people, than anybody else in the world. Certainly he had lived long enough to do a great deal of good; for, if all stories be true, he had dwelt upon earth ever since Adam was driven from the garden of Eden.

Nevertheless, Mr. Toil had a severe and ugly countenance, especially for such little boys or big men as were inclined to be idle; his voice, too, was harsh; and all his ways and customs seemed very disagreeable to our friend Daffydowndilly. The whole day long, this terrible old schoolmaster sat at his desk overlooking the scholars, or stalked about the school-room with a certain awful birch rod in his hand. Now came a rap over the shoulders of a boy whom Mr. Toil had caught at play; now he punished a whole class who were behindhand with their lessons; and, in short, unless a lad chose to attend quietly and constantly to his book, he had no chance of enjoying a quiet moment in the school-room of Mr. Toil.

“This will never do for me,” thought Daffydowndilly.