Sylph Etherege (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 "Sylph Etherege," a masterful exploration of the ethereal and the mundane unfolds, revealing Nathaniel Hawthorne's characteristic blend of allegory and moral complexity. This tale, nestled within "The Snow Image and Other Twice-Told Tales," employs a lyrical prose style to contemplate themes of idealism, transformation, and the ephemeral nature of beauty. The narrative intricately weaves a story that reflects the Romantic era's fascination with the supernatural, juxtaposed against the stark realities of human existence, ultimately prompting readers to question the boundaries between reality and imagination. Nathaniel Hawthorne, a pivotal figure in American literature, often drew upon his Puritan ancestry and his own innovative spirit when crafting stories that examined the shadows of the human psyche. His profound interest in moral allegory and the tension between individual desires and societal expectations is evident in this tale. The exploration of elusive yet poignant themes in "Sylph Etherege" can be traced to Hawthorne's broader literary mission to explore the complexities of human nature, shaped by his own experiences and cultural background. For readers drawn to the intricate interplay of human emotion and fantastical elements, "Sylph Etherege" is an essential piece in understanding Hawthorne's literary prowess and the depths of his philosophical inquiries. This captivating tale invites readers to reflect upon their own perceptions of beauty and existence, making it a compelling read for lovers of classic literature and those seeking insight into the human condition.

Leseprobe

Nathaniel Hawthorne

Sylph Etherege (From: "The Snow Image and Other Twice-Told Tales")

 

EAN 8596547311836

DigiCat, 2022 Contact: [email protected]

Table of Contents

Cover

Titlepage

Text

On a bright summer evening, two persons stood among the shrubbery of a garden, stealthily watching a young girl, who sat in the window seat of a neighboring mansion. One of these unseen observers, a gentleman, was youthful, and had an air of high breeding and refinement, and a face marked with intellect, though otherwise of unprepossessing aspect. His features wore even an ominous, though somewhat mirthful expression, while he pointed his long forefinger at the girl, and seemed to regard her as a creature completely within the scope of his influence.

“The charm works!” said he, in a low, but emphatic whisper.

“Do you know, Edward Hamilton—since so you choose to be named—do you know,” said the lady beside him, “that I have almost a mind to break the spell at once? What if the lesson should prove too severe! True, if my ward could be thus laughed out of her fantastic nonsense, she might be the better for it through life. But then, she is such a delicate creature! And, besides, are you not ruining your own chance, by putting forward this shadow of a rival?”

“But will he not vanish into thin air, at my bidding?” rejoined Edward Hamilton. “Let the charm work!”

The girl’s slender and sylph-like figure, tinged with radiance from the sunset clouds, and overhung with the rich drapery of the silken curtains, and set within the deep frame of the window, was a perfect picture; or, rather, it was like the original loveliness in a painter’s fancy, from which the most finished picture is but an imperfect copy. Though her occupation excited so much interest in the two spectators, she was merely gazing at a miniature which she held in her hand, encased in white satin and red morocco; nor did there appear to be any other cause for the smile of mockery and malice with which Hamilton regarded her.