The Christmas Banquet (From "Mosses from an Old Manse") by Nathaniel Hawthorne

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About this eBook

Author Hawthorne, Nathaniel, 1804-1864
Title The Christmas Banquet (From "Mosses from an Old Manse")
Note Reading ease score: 63.0 (8th & 9th grade). Neither easy nor difficult to read.
Credits David Widger and Al Haines
Summary "The Christmas Banquet (From 'Mosses from an Old Manse')" by Nathaniel Hawthorne is a poignant allegorical tale that falls within the genre of short fiction, written during the 19th century, specifically in the Romantic era. The story delves into the nature of human sadness and existential despair, exploring how individuals cope with their own misery and the specter of death, particularly through the lens of a Christmas gathering intended to highlight human suffering rather than joy. The narrative centers around an extraordinary Christmas dinner hosted by the will of a melancholic gentleman who allocates funds to provide a banquet for the most miserable individuals he can find. As various guests—each representing different forms of sorrow and despair—gather at the table, they share their tragic stories and reflect on the nature of human suffering. Among them sits Gervayse Hastings, a young man seemingly devoid of genuine emotion, which raises questions regarding his presence among such afflicted souls. The stark contrast between Hastings' outward success and the profound inner desolation of the other guests serves as a vehicle for exploring themes of authenticity, the search for meaning, and the chilling sense of disconnect that comes from living without true grief or joy. The evening ultimately unfolds in a darkly ironic manner, culminating in a chilling realization about the nature of existence and the burdens of unacknowledged suffering. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
Language English
LoC Class PS: Language and Literatures: American and Canadian literature
Subject Short stories
Subject New England -- Social life and customs -- Fiction
Category Text
EBook-No. 9228
Release Date
Most Recently Updated Nov 9, 2022
Copyright Status Public domain in the USA.
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