“The Great Stone Face” is a short story written by Nathaniel Hawthorne that explores the themes of identity, greatness, and the search for fulfillment. The story is set in a small New England village and follows the life of Ernest, a young man who is obsessed with the image of a great stone face on a nearby mountain. Through Ernest’s journey, Hawthorne delves into the complexities of human nature and the pursuit of greatness, ultimately questioning whether true greatness lies in external achievements or in the inner qualities of one’s character. In this literary analysis, we will examine Hawthorne’s use of symbolism, character development, and themes to gain a deeper understanding of this timeless tale.
The Great Stone Face: A Literary Analysis by Nathaniel Hawthorne
In Nathaniel Hawthorne’s short story “The Great Stone Face,” the author explores themes of identity, destiny, and the power of nature. The story takes place in a small New England town where a massive rock formation resembling a human face has become a local legend. According to the legend, a man will one day appear who perfectly matches the features of the stone face and will become a great leader, bringing prosperity and happiness to the town. The story follows the life of a young boy named Ernest who grows up believing that he is destined to be the one who fulfills the prophecy. However, as he grows older, he realizes that his true destiny lies in something much different than becoming a political leader. Through Ernest’s journey, Hawthorne explores the idea that true greatness comes not from external achievements, but from living a life of integrity and kindness. The story also highlights the power of nature to inspire and guide individuals towards their true purpose. Overall, “The Great Stone Face” is a timeless tale that encourages readers to reflect on their own values and aspirations, and to seek out their own unique path in life.
Historical Context
In order to fully understand Nathaniel Hawthorne’s short story “The Great Stone Face,” it is important to consider the historical context in which it was written. The story was first published in 1850, a time when the United States was undergoing significant social and political changes. The country was expanding westward, with new territories being added and the population growing rapidly. At the same time, there was a growing sense of national identity and pride, as Americans sought to establish themselves as a powerful and influential nation on the world stage.
Hawthorne himself was deeply influenced by the events of his time, and his writing often reflects the tensions and anxieties of the era. In “The Great Stone Face,” he explores themes of identity, destiny, and the search for meaning in a rapidly changing world. The story is set in a small New England town, where the residents are struggling to come to terms with the changes that are taking place around them.
At the heart of the story is the figure of the Great Stone Face, a natural rock formation that resembles the face of a man. According to local legend, a great man will one day appear whose face will match that of the stone. This figure becomes a symbol of hope and inspiration for the people of the town, who are searching for a leader who can guide them through the challenges of the modern world.
Through the character of Ernest, a young man who is devoted to the Great Stone Face, Hawthorne explores the idea of the ideal leader and the qualities that make someone truly great. He also raises questions about the nature of destiny and the role that individuals can play in shaping their own futures.
Overall, “The Great Stone Face” is a powerful reflection of the historical context in which it was written, and a timeless exploration of the human search for meaning and purpose.
Summary of the Story
In “The Great Stone Face,” Nathaniel Hawthorne tells the story of a young boy named Ernest who lives in a small village nestled in the shadow of a mountain. The mountain is home to a natural rock formation that resembles the face of a great man, and the villagers believe that one day a man will come who will embody the virtues of the great stone face. Ernest grows up with a deep reverence for the great stone face and spends his life searching for the man who will fulfill the prophecy. Along the way, he meets many people who he believes could be the one, but none of them live up to his expectations. In the end, Ernest realizes that the man he has been searching for is not a physical manifestation, but rather a symbol of the virtues that he himself possesses. The story is a powerful allegory about the nature of heroism and the importance of living a virtuous life.
Characters in the Story
The characters in Nathaniel Hawthorne’s “The Great Stone Face” are a diverse group, each with their own unique personality and motivations. The protagonist, Ernest, is a young man who has grown up in the shadow of the Great Stone Face, a natural rock formation that resembles the face of a wise and benevolent man. Ernest is deeply inspired by the Face and believes that one day a great man will emerge from the valley and embody its virtues. He spends his life searching for this man, hoping to find him and bring him to the attention of the world. Along the way, he encounters a variety of other characters, including a wealthy merchant, a famous general, and a powerful politician. Each of these characters represents a different aspect of human nature, and each has their own flaws and weaknesses. Through his interactions with these characters, Ernest learns valuable lessons about the nature of greatness and the importance of staying true to one’s own values and beliefs. Ultimately, he discovers that the Great Stone Face was not a symbol of a single individual, but rather a representation of the collective wisdom and goodness of the people who lived in the valley.
Themes and Motifs
One of the prominent themes in Nathaniel Hawthorne’s “The Great Stone Face” is the idea of the pursuit of greatness. The story follows the life of Ernest, a young man who is inspired by the great stone face in his hometown and aspires to become like it. This pursuit of greatness is also reflected in the character of Gathergold, a wealthy man who is admired by many but ultimately fails to live up to the expectations placed upon him.
Another important theme in the story is the idea of identity. Throughout the story, Ernest struggles to find his true identity and purpose in life. He is constantly searching for a way to become like the great stone face, but ultimately realizes that he must find his own path and identity. This theme is also reflected in the character of the poet, who struggles to find his own voice and identity as a writer.
Motifs in the story include the use of nature and the landscape to reflect the characters’ emotions and inner turmoil. The great stone face itself is a powerful symbol of the characters’ aspirations and desires. Additionally, the use of dreams and visions throughout the story adds a mystical and otherworldly element to the narrative.
Overall, “The Great Stone Face” is a complex and thought-provoking story that explores themes of identity, the pursuit of greatness, and the power of nature and symbolism.
Symbols and Imagery
In Nathaniel Hawthorne’s “The Great Stone Face,” symbols and imagery play a significant role in conveying the story’s themes and messages. The most prominent symbol in the story is, of course, the Great Stone Face itself. The Face is a natural rock formation that resembles the face of a man, and it is said that when a person with a pure and noble heart appears, the Face will smile and come to life. This symbol represents the ideal of goodness and moral purity, and it serves as a constant reminder of the protagonist’s quest to find the person who embodies these qualities.
Another important symbol in the story is the mountain on which the Great Stone Face is located. The mountain represents the obstacles and challenges that the protagonist must overcome in order to achieve his goal. It is a symbol of the journey that he must undertake, both physically and spiritually, in order to become the person he is meant to be.
Hawthorne also uses imagery to convey the story’s themes. For example, he describes the protagonist as having a “brow of thought” and “eyes that seemed to look far into the depths of his own nature.” This imagery suggests that the protagonist is a deep thinker who is introspective and reflective. It also suggests that he is searching for something within himself, something that will help him to become the person he is meant to be.
Overall, the symbols and imagery in “The Great Stone Face” serve to reinforce the story’s themes of goodness, moral purity, and the journey of self-discovery. They help to create a rich and complex narrative that is both engaging and thought-provoking.
Irony and Foreshadowing
Irony and foreshadowing are two literary devices that Nathaniel Hawthorne masterfully employs in his short story, “The Great Stone Face.” Throughout the story, Hawthorne uses irony to create a sense of tension and anticipation in the reader. For example, when Ernest, the protagonist, is described as having a face that resembles the Great Stone Face, the reader is led to believe that he will eventually become the embodiment of the prophecy. However, as the story progresses, it becomes clear that Ernest will not become the Great Stone Face, but rather, he will inspire someone else to become it. This is a prime example of situational irony, where the opposite of what is expected occurs.
Hawthorne also uses foreshadowing to hint at the eventual outcome of the story. For instance, when Ernest is a young boy, he has a dream where the Great Stone Face speaks to him and tells him that he will one day become like it. This dream foreshadows the eventual outcome of the story, where Ernest inspires someone else to become the Great Stone Face. Additionally, the fact that Ernest spends his entire life searching for the embodiment of the prophecy foreshadows the idea that he will not become it himself.
Overall, Hawthorne’s use of irony and foreshadowing in “The Great Stone Face” adds depth and complexity to the story, making it a timeless classic in American literature.
Narrative Style and Point of View
In “The Great Stone Face,” Nathaniel Hawthorne employs a third-person omniscient narrative style, allowing the reader to see into the thoughts and feelings of multiple characters. This technique allows for a more comprehensive understanding of the story’s themes and messages. Additionally, Hawthorne’s use of a distant, almost fairy-tale-like tone adds to the story’s allegorical nature. The point of view also shifts throughout the story, from focusing on Ernest’s perspective to that of the villagers and even the mountain itself. This shifting point of view emphasizes the story’s central theme of perspective and the importance of seeing beyond surface appearances.
Analysis of the Title
The title of Nathaniel Hawthorne’s short story, “The Great Stone Face,” is a significant aspect of the work’s overall meaning and symbolism. The title refers to a natural rock formation in the White Mountains of New Hampshire that resembles a human face. However, the title’s significance goes beyond the physical appearance of the stone face. It represents an ideal of goodness and wisdom that the protagonist, Ernest, strives to embody throughout the story. The title also suggests the theme of identity and the search for one’s true self, as Ernest seeks to align his own character with the noble qualities of the stone face. Overall, the title of “The Great Stone Face” serves as a powerful symbol and metaphor for the story’s themes and messages.
Comparison to Other Works by Hawthorne
In comparison to other works by Nathaniel Hawthorne, “The Great Stone Face” stands out as a unique and uplifting tale. Unlike his more somber and dark stories such as “The Scarlet Letter” and “The Minister’s Black Veil,” “The Great Stone Face” is a story of hope and inspiration. It is a departure from Hawthorne’s usual themes of sin and guilt, and instead focuses on the power of goodness and the potential for greatness within every individual. The story’s message of living a virtuous life and striving towards one’s goals is a refreshing change from Hawthorne’s typically bleak outlook on human nature. Overall, “The Great Stone Face” showcases Hawthorne’s versatility as a writer and his ability to create a story that is both uplifting and thought-provoking.
Reception and Criticism
Upon its publication in 1850, “The Great Stone Face” was met with mixed reviews. Some critics praised Hawthorne’s ability to weave a moral lesson into a captivating story, while others found the allegory heavy-handed and lacking in subtlety.
One of the main criticisms of the story was its predictability. Many readers found the ending to be too obvious, with the reveal that Ernest was the living embodiment of the Great Stone Face coming as no surprise. Others, however, argued that the predictability was intentional, and that the story was meant to be a simple and straightforward fable.
Despite these criticisms, “The Great Stone Face” has endured as a classic of American literature. Its themes of integrity, humility, and the pursuit of greatness continue to resonate with readers today.
Significance of the Story
The significance of “The Great Stone Face” lies in its exploration of the theme of identity and the search for greatness. The story follows the life of Ernest, a young man who is inspired by the image of the Great Stone Face to pursue a life of virtue and goodness. However, as he grows older, he becomes disillusioned with his own ability to achieve greatness and begins to doubt the existence of the person who embodies the ideals of the Great Stone Face.
Through Ernest’s journey, Hawthorne highlights the importance of staying true to oneself and the dangers of idolizing others. The story also raises questions about the nature of greatness and whether it can truly be achieved through external means or if it must come from within.
Overall, “The Great Stone Face” is a thought-provoking tale that encourages readers to reflect on their own values and aspirations. It reminds us that the pursuit of greatness is a lifelong journey that requires self-reflection, perseverance, and a commitment to living a virtuous life.
Religious and Philosophical Themes
In Nathaniel Hawthorne’s “The Great Stone Face,” religious and philosophical themes are woven throughout the story. The main character, Ernest, is a devout believer in the prophecy that a man with a face resembling the Great Stone Face will one day come to lead and inspire his people. This belief is rooted in the idea of a divine plan and the power of faith.
Additionally, the story explores the concept of identity and the search for meaning in life. Ernest struggles with his own identity and purpose, feeling overshadowed by the prophecy and the larger-than-life figure of the Great Stone Face. This theme is further developed through the character of Gathergold, who represents the pursuit of material wealth and status at the expense of one’s true identity and values.
Overall, “The Great Stone Face” offers a thought-provoking exploration of faith, identity, and the search for meaning in life.
Political and Social Commentary
In Nathaniel Hawthorne’s “The Great Stone Face,” the author uses the story to comment on the political and social climate of his time. The story takes place in a small New England town, where the residents are eagerly awaiting the arrival of a great man who is said to resemble the stone face on a nearby mountain. The man is believed to be the savior of the town, and his arrival is eagerly anticipated. However, when the man finally arrives, he is not what the townspeople expected.
Hawthorne uses this story to comment on the idea of hero worship and the dangers of putting too much faith in one person. He suggests that the people of his time were too quick to put their trust in political leaders and other public figures, without considering their flaws and limitations. The story also touches on the theme of individualism, as the protagonist, Ernest, is portrayed as a man who values his own beliefs and ideals over the opinions of others.
Overall, “The Great Stone Face” is a powerful commentary on the political and social issues of its time, and its message is still relevant today. It reminds us to be cautious about blindly following leaders and to value our own individuality and beliefs.
Gender and Power Dynamics
In Nathaniel Hawthorne’s “The Great Stone Face,” gender and power dynamics play a significant role in the story’s themes and character development. The protagonist, Ernest, is portrayed as a gentle and compassionate man, qualities traditionally associated with femininity. In contrast, the antagonist, Gathergold, is depicted as a ruthless and ambitious man, embodying masculine traits of power and dominance. This juxtaposition highlights the societal expectations and limitations placed on individuals based on their gender. Additionally, the story’s resolution, where Ernest is revealed to be the true embodiment of the Great Stone Face, challenges the traditional notion of power and masculinity, suggesting that true power lies in empathy and compassion rather than dominance and aggression.
Psychological Interpretations
One of the most intriguing aspects of Nathaniel Hawthorne’s “The Great Stone Face” is the psychological interpretations that can be drawn from the story. Many literary critics have analyzed the characters and themes of the story through a psychological lens, exploring the deeper meanings and motivations behind their actions.
One common interpretation is that the story represents the struggle between the conscious and unconscious mind. Ernest, the protagonist, represents the conscious mind, while the Great Stone Face represents the unconscious. Throughout the story, Ernest is drawn to the Great Stone Face and feels a deep connection to it, but he is unable to fully understand why. This can be seen as a metaphor for the conscious mind’s desire to connect with the unconscious, but being unable to fully comprehend it.
Another psychological interpretation is that the story is a commentary on the human desire for perfection. Ernest’s lifelong quest to find the person who embodies the Great Stone Face can be seen as a representation of the human desire for an idealized version of themselves or others. This desire for perfection can lead to disappointment and disillusionment, as it is impossible to achieve.
Overall, the psychological interpretations of “The Great Stone Face” add depth and complexity to the story, allowing readers to explore the deeper meanings and motivations behind the characters and themes.
Cultural and Historical Influences
Nathaniel Hawthorne’s “The Great Stone Face” is a literary work that is heavily influenced by cultural and historical factors. The story is set in the early 19th century, a time when the United States was undergoing significant changes in terms of its economy, politics, and social structure. The Industrial Revolution was in full swing, and the country was experiencing rapid urbanization and modernization.
Hawthorne’s story reflects this changing landscape, as it explores the tension between tradition and progress. The protagonist, Ernest, represents the traditional values of his community, while the character of Gathergold embodies the new, capitalist ethos that was emerging in America at the time. The conflict between these two characters reflects the larger cultural and historical tensions of the era.
Moreover, “The Great Stone Face” is also influenced by the Romantic movement, which was in full swing during Hawthorne’s time. The story’s emphasis on nature, spirituality, and the power of the imagination are all hallmarks of Romantic literature. Additionally, the story’s setting in the mountains of New Hampshire, with its rugged terrain and natural beauty, reflects the Romantic fascination with the sublime and the awe-inspiring.
Overall, “The Great Stone Face” is a literary work that is deeply rooted in its cultural and historical context. By exploring the tensions between tradition and progress, and by drawing on the themes and motifs of the Romantic movement, Hawthorne creates a story that is both timeless and deeply connected to its era.