Nathaniel Hawthorne’s “The Celestial Railroad” is a satirical allegory that takes readers on a journey to the stars. In this article, we will provide a summary of the story and explore its themes and symbolism.
The Author and his Works
Nathaniel Hawthorne was an American novelist and short story writer who lived during the 19th century. He is best known for his works that explore the dark side of human nature and the consequences of sin. “The Celestial Railroad” is one of his most famous short stories, which was first published in 1843. The story is a satirical allegory that critiques the religious and social values of Hawthorne’s time. It tells the story of a man who embarks on a journey to the celestial city, but instead of walking the difficult path, he takes a shortcut by riding a train. Along the way, he encounters various characters who represent different aspects of society, including the wealthy, the religious, and the intellectual. Through these encounters, Hawthorne exposes the flaws and hypocrisies of each group and ultimately suggests that the true path to salvation is not an easy one. “The Celestial Railroad” is a thought-provoking and entertaining read that continues to resonate with readers today.
The Plot of “The Celestial Railroad”
“The Celestial Railroad” is a short story written by Nathaniel Hawthorne that follows the journey of a man named Christian as he travels to the Celestial City. The story is a satirical take on John Bunyan’s “The Pilgrim’s Progress,” and it critiques the idea of a quick and easy path to salvation.
Christian begins his journey on a train that promises to take him directly to the Celestial City. Along the way, he encounters various characters who represent different aspects of society, including a businessman, a politician, and a religious leader. Each of these characters tries to convince Christian to abandon his journey and follow their own path.
Despite these distractions, Christian remains determined to reach the Celestial City. He eventually arrives at a gate guarded by an angel, who tells him that he must first climb a steep and treacherous mountain to reach his destination. Christian realizes that the journey to salvation is not as easy as he had been led to believe, but he is willing to face the challenges ahead.
“The Celestial Railroad” is a thought-provoking story that challenges readers to consider the true nature of salvation and the importance of perseverance in the face of adversity.
The Symbolism of the Journey
In Nathaniel Hawthorne’s “The Celestial Railroad,” the journey taken by the protagonist is not just a physical one, but also a symbolic one. The journey represents the spiritual journey of the protagonist towards enlightenment and salvation. The railroad itself is a symbol of the path towards salvation, with its tracks representing the straight and narrow path towards God. The various stops along the way, such as Vanity Fair and the Slough of Despond, represent the temptations and obstacles that one must overcome in order to reach salvation. The journey also represents the struggle between faith and reason, as the protagonist must choose between following the rational and practical path or the path of faith and spirituality. Ultimately, the journey serves as a reminder that the path towards salvation is not an easy one, but one that requires perseverance and faith.
The Characters in the Story
The characters in “The Celestial Railroad” are all symbolic representations of different aspects of human nature. The protagonist, named Christian, represents the everyman who is seeking salvation. He is joined on his journey by a variety of characters, including a man named Worldly Wiseman who represents the temptations of the world, and a man named Mr. Smooth-it-away who represents the false promises of easy solutions. The conductor of the celestial railroad is a mysterious figure who represents the divine will of God. Each character plays a crucial role in Christian’s journey towards salvation, and their interactions with him reveal the challenges and obstacles that he must overcome in order to reach his ultimate goal.
The Role of Religion in the Story
Religion plays a significant role in Nathaniel Hawthorne’s “The Celestial Railroad.” The story is an allegory of Christian faith and the journey towards salvation. The protagonist, named Christian, embarks on a journey to the Celestial City, which represents heaven. Along the way, he encounters various obstacles and temptations that test his faith and commitment to his beliefs. The story is filled with religious symbolism, such as the characters named Faithful and Evangelist, who guide Christian on his journey. The railroad itself is a metaphor for the path to salvation, with its many stops representing the various stages of spiritual growth. Hawthorne’s use of religion in the story highlights the importance of faith and perseverance in the face of adversity. It also serves as a reminder of the ultimate goal of Christian faith, which is to reach the Celestial City and be reunited with God.
The Critique of American Society
In “The Celestial Railroad,” Nathaniel Hawthorne offers a scathing critique of American society. Through the allegory of a train journey to heaven, Hawthorne exposes the flaws and shortcomings of American culture, particularly its obsession with material wealth and progress at the expense of spiritual and moral values. The protagonist, a man named Christian, is lured onto the celestial railroad by the promise of an easy and comfortable journey to heaven. However, as the train passes through various stations, Christian realizes that the passengers are all focused on their own selfish desires and pleasures, rather than the pursuit of virtue and righteousness. The train’s conductor, who represents the devil, encourages this behavior and mocks Christian’s attempts to resist temptation and stay true to his faith. Ultimately, Christian is able to escape the train and continue his journey to heaven on foot, but not before witnessing the destruction and chaos caused by the train’s passengers. Hawthorne’s critique of American society is a powerful reminder of the dangers of materialism and the importance of spiritual and moral values in our lives.
The Influence of John Bunyan’s “The Pilgrim’s Progress”
John Bunyan’s “The Pilgrim’s Progress” has had a significant influence on literature, particularly in the realm of allegory. Nathaniel Hawthorne’s “The Celestial Railroad” is no exception, as it draws heavily from Bunyan’s work. Both stories follow a protagonist on a journey towards a spiritual destination, encountering various obstacles and temptations along the way. However, while Bunyan’s Christian allegory is overtly religious, Hawthorne’s story is more subtle in its commentary on the dangers of materialism and the importance of staying true to one’s beliefs. Despite their differences, both works demonstrate the enduring power of allegory in literature and the timeless themes of spiritual growth and self-discovery.
The Reception of the Story
The reception of “The Celestial Railroad” by Nathaniel Hawthorne has been mixed since its publication in 1843. Some readers have praised the allegorical tale for its clever commentary on the dangers of materialism and the importance of spiritual growth. Others, however, have criticized the story for its heavy-handed moralizing and lack of subtlety. Despite these differing opinions, “The Celestial Railroad” remains a popular and thought-provoking work of literature that continues to be studied and analyzed by scholars and readers alike.
The Legacy of “The Celestial Railroad”
“The Celestial Railroad” by Nathaniel Hawthorne has left a lasting legacy in American literature. The allegorical tale, first published in 1843, tells the story of a man named Christian who embarks on a journey to the Celestial City, a metaphor for heaven. Along the way, he encounters various obstacles and temptations, including a smooth-talking conductor who offers him an easier route to his destination.
Hawthorne’s use of allegory and symbolism in “The Celestial Railroad” has been praised by literary critics for its depth and complexity. The story is a commentary on the dangers of materialism and the importance of staying true to one’s beliefs and values. It also explores the idea of the journey of life and the choices we make along the way.
The legacy of “The Celestial Railroad” can be seen in its influence on other works of literature, including C.S. Lewis’s “The Pilgrim’s Regress” and John Bunyan’s “The Pilgrim’s Progress.” The story has also been adapted into various forms, including a children’s book and a short film.
Overall, “The Celestial Railroad” remains a timeless piece of literature that continues to inspire and challenge readers to this day. Its themes and messages are just as relevant now as they were when it was first published, making it a true classic of American literature.
The Importance of Allegory in Literature
Allegory is a powerful tool in literature that allows authors to convey complex ideas and themes through symbolic representation. Nathaniel Hawthorne’s “The Celestial Railroad” is a prime example of the importance of allegory in literature. The story follows a man named Christian who embarks on a journey to the Celestial City, but instead of taking the difficult path of righteousness, he chooses to take a shortcut by riding on a train. This train represents the easy path to salvation that many people take, but ultimately leads to a false sense of security and a lack of true spiritual growth. Through this allegory, Hawthorne is able to critique the societal values of his time and warn readers of the dangers of taking shortcuts in their own spiritual journeys. Overall, “The Celestial Railroad” serves as a reminder of the power of allegory in literature and its ability to convey important messages in a creative and impactful way.