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Nathaniel Hawthorne
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Introduction: The Old Manse
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Joanna
(last edited Jun 30, 2020 06:03PM)
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Jun 30, 2020 06:03PM
In which the author makes the reader aquainted with his abode...
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Doreen wrote: "Wait I want this house!"It is beautiful, isn't it! Have you been there, Doreen?
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It is beautiful, isn't it! Have you been there, Doreen?"
No but I want the house!
Doreen wrote: "Meg wrote: "Doreen wrote: "Wait I want this house!"It is beautiful, isn't it! Have you been there, Doreen?"
No but I want the house!"
😄
I read this chapter twice today, I enjoyed it so much! Now I've got so much to share I have no idea where to start! I wish Mr. Hawthorne could have known what a comfort he would be to at least one lonely soul lost in the 21st century! "Others could give them pleasure and amusement or instruction,--these could be picked up anywhere; but it was for me to give them rest,--rest in a life of trouble. What better could be done for those weary and world-worn spirits?"
I'll be sharing a lot more as I gather my thoughts together. 😊
I still don't know quite where to begin to discuss this beautiful sketch, but I've got to say something or bust! 😄 Mr. Hawthorne treats his reader as a guest and shows him/her the most wonderful hospitality. It's as if we meet him in his study and after a friendly introduction, he offers to show us the sights around Concord. First, he points out the view from his study window, where one can get a glimpse of the spot where the first battle of the Revolution was fought..."Perhaps the reader - whom I cannot help considering as my guest in the Old Manse, and entitled to all courtesy in the way of sight-showing - perhaps he will choose to take a nearer view of the memorable spot." We eagerly agree, and he leads us down to the brink of the Concord. Here he lingers to point out the lilies that grow in the sluggish river and point out a beautiful moral from the characteristics of the Yellow Water-lily and the White Pond-lily. "It is a marvel whence this perfect flower derives its loveliness and perfume, springing as it does from the black mud over which the river sleeps, and where lurk the slimy eel, and speckled frog, and the mud-turtle, whom continual washing cannot cleanse. It is the very same black mud out of which the yellow lily sucks its obscene life and noisome odor. Thus we see, too, in the world that some persons assimilate only what is ugly and evil from the same moral circumstances which supply good and beautiful results--the fragrance of celestial flowers--to the daily life of others." Finally, he remembers the battle-ground and leads us on. He points out where the bridge had been and shows us the monument which the people of Concord erected as a memorial of that great historic event, and the grave where two British soldiers who fell in the battle were buried and then tells us a strange story which was told him by James Russell Lowell...leave it to him to draw a deep moral out of it! But he is not particularly interested in the battlefield, and soon points out to us more of the beauties in the landscape, telling us about Thoreau's "strange faculty" for finding Indian relics. Suddenly, he remembers that he hasn't really shown us the Old Manse yet! We will return through the orchard, he says. He wants to show us the apple trees and his well-tended kitchen garden... Whew, did I just rewrite the whole chapter?! 😋 No, not quite! There's so much more in this chapter, but this is all I have time for at the moment, and probably more than you all were prepared to read in one sitting anyway! 😊
Most of this sketch is taken almost directly from his journals. I was comparing a few passages and in many places he only changed the words a little... From the American Notebooks - Sunday, August 7th. [1842]—At sunset last evening I ascended the hill-top opposite our house; and, looking downward at the long extent of the river, it struck me that I had done it some injustice in my remarks. Perhaps, like other gentle and quiet characters, it will be better appreciated the longer I am acquainted with it. Certainly, as I beheld it then, it was one of the loveliest features in a scene of great rural beauty. It was visible through a course of two or three miles, sweeping in a semicircle round the hill on which I stood, and being the central line of a broad vale on either side. At a distance, it looked like a strip of sky set into the earth, which it so etherealized and idealized that it seemed akin to the upper regions. Nearer the base of the hill, I could discern the shadows of every tree and rock, imaged with a distinctness that made them even more charming than the reality; because, knowing them to be unsubstantial, they assumed the ideality which the soul always craves in the contemplation of earthly beauty. All the sky, too, and the rich clouds of sunset, were reflected in the peaceful bosom of the river; and surely, if its bosom can give back such an adequate reflection of heaven, it cannot be so gross and impure as I described it yesterday. Or, if so, it shall be a symbol to me that even a human breast, which may appear least spiritual in some aspects, may still have the capability of reflecting an infinite heaven in its depths, and therefore of enjoying it. It is a comfortable thought, that the smallest and most turbid mud-puddle can contain its own picture of heaven. Let us remember this, when we feel inclined to deny all spiritual life to some people, in whom, nevertheless, our Father may perhaps see the image of His face. This dull river has a deep religion of its own: so, let us trust, has the dullest human soul, though, perhaps, unconsciously."
From 'The Old Manse' - "The reader must not, from any testimony of mine, contract a dislike towards our slumberous stream. In the light of a calm and golden sunset it becomes lovely beyond expression; the more lovely for the quietude that so well accords with the hour, when even the wind, after blustering all day long, usually hushes itself to rest. Each tree and rock and every blade of grass is distinctly imaged, and, however unsightly in reality, assumes ideal beauty in the reflection. The minutest things of earth and the broad aspect of the firmament are pictured equally without effort and with the same felicity of success. All the sky glows downward at our feet; the rich clouds float through the unruffled bosom of the stream like heavenly thoughts through a peaceful heart. We will not, then, malign our river as gross and impure while it can glorify itself with so adequate a picture of the heaven that broods above it; or, if we remember its tawny hue and the muddiness of its bed, let it be a symbol that the earthiest human soul has an infinite spiritual capacity and may contain the better world within its depths. But, indeed, the same lesson might be drawn out of any mud-puddle in the streets of a city; and, being taught us everywhere, it must be true."
Another related quote from the Notebooks...I think of this now every time I see reflections in the water! “It is a comfortable thought, that the smallest and most turbid mud-puddle can contain its own picture of Heaven.”
This sketch reminded me very much of Flora Thompson and her writing style. No plot, just beautiful description! (So help me, Meg! If you don't read Flora Thompson soon I'm going to smack you over the head with her books! I believe you would really like her style.)There's so much I underlined! (does anyone else mark in their books?) Sometimes just the words themselves are lovely like "wilder gentleness" and "woodland odors".
And there's so much that's still relative to today like false originality, mouldy thoughts, and the deep need for actual sleep and rest.
I love the picture you found of the Manse, Meg! For some reason I was picturing it as a Cape Cod, but the one pictured DOES look more New England -y.
Meg wrote: "Another related quote from the Notebooks...I think of this now every time I see reflections in the water! “It is a comfortable thought, that the smallest and most turbid mud-puddle can contain it..."
This was one of those quotes you JUST have to highlight or mark in some way! So beautiful and uplifting!!
Sorry Meg, Doreen, and Ruth! I might be spamming this thread for a while - there's so many beautiful quotes to share! Meg, you may have to limit my commenting!!!Quote #1: "All the sky glows downward at our feet; the rich clouds float through the unruffled bosom of the stream like heavenly thoughts through a peaceful heart."
Quote #2 about planting fruit trees that the previous owner wouldn't enjoy till much later....maybe never: "Even if that had been the case, there was only so much the better motive for planting them, in the pure and unselfish hope of benefiting his successors."
Quote #3: "Speaking of summer squashes, I must say a word of their beautiful and varied forms. They presented an endless diversity of urns and vases, shallow or deep, scalloped or plain, moulded in patterns which a sculptor would do well to copy, since Art has never invented any thing more graceful."I feel like this quote encourages us to see art and beauty in everything!
Quote #4: "Thought grows mouldy. What was good and nourishing for the spirits of one generation affords no sustenance for the next."
Things don't change, do they?
Y'all still good? I have like 4 more quotes left (more or less).
Quote #5: " Thank heaven for breathe - yes, for mere breathe - when it is made up of a heavenly breeze like this!"Quote #6: " O perfect day! O beautiful world! O beneficent God! And it is the promise of a blessed eternity; for our Creator would never have made such lovely days and have given us the deep hearts to enjoy them, above and beyond all thought, unless we were meant to be immortal. This sunshine is the golden pledge thereof. It beams through the gates of paradise and shows us glimpses far inward."
Quote #7: " They could not have paid a more acceptable compliment to my abode nor to my own qualities as a host. I held it as a proof that they left their cares behind them as they passed between the stone gateposts at the entrance of our avenue, and that the so powerful opiate was the abundance of peace and quite within and all around us.Quote #8 " So far as I am a man of really individual attributes I veil my face; nor am I, nor have I ever been, one of those supremely hospitable people who serve up their own hearts, delicately fried, with brain sauce, as a tidbit for their beloved public."
That last one made me chuckle!
Okay, I'm done with the quotes!! Thank you for your patience!!
Hannah wrote: "This sketch reminded me very much of Flora Thompson and her writing style. No plot, just beautiful description! (So help me, Meg! If you don't read Flora Thompson soon I'm going to ..."Hannah, I'm sooo glad you're enjoying this so much! And I love all the quotes so please feel free to keep them coming! 🤗 Aren't his descriptions and thoughts just beautiful?!
I do mark some books if they are paperbacks, but my copy of Mosses is pretty old so I've just been copying my favorite passages...I have a journal just for that purpose! 😊
Flora Thompson's books are on my priority list, so please don't hit me yet! 😂 Sadly our library doesn't have anything by her so I've been waiting until they start doing interlibrary loans again (hopefully) in September. If they don't then I guess I'll go ahead and buy them!
Hannah wrote: "Quote #5: " Thank heaven for breathe - yes, for mere breathe - when it is made up of a heavenly breeze like this!"Quote #6: " O perfect day! O beautiful world! O beneficent God! And it is the pr..."
These are two of my favorite quotes too, Hannah. 😊
Hannah wrote: "Quote #8 " So far as I am a man of really individual attributes I veil my face; nor am I, nor have I ever been, one of those supremely hospitable people who serve up their own hearts, delicately fried, with brain sauce, as a tidbit for their beloved public."Hahaha, this one is so funny! He said something like this in his journal too...I wish I could find it again!
Meg wrote: "Hannah wrote: "This sketch reminded me very much of Flora Thompson and her writing style. No plot, just beautiful description! (So help me, Meg! If you don't read Flora Thompson soo..."WHAT!?! NO FLORA THOMPSON! What is wrong with your library!?! Illustrated Lark Rise to Candleford and The illustrated Still glides the stream may be worth the buying if worst comes to worst!
Ha, are there times when you get a book from the library that was so good you're tempted to JUST. NOT. give it back??
Hannah wrote: "WHAT!?! NO FLORA THOMPSON! What is wrong with your library!?! Illustrated Lark Rise to Candleford and The illustrated Still glides the stream may be worth the buying if worst comes to worst! ..."I know, it's disgraceful! They only have one row of classics and sadly I think my sister and I are about the only ones who check them out.
I've got one book out that I've had since the end of January...since the library closed they've been extending everyone's due dates and now they extended them for another month even though they're open. So I figured, why return it? (It's Hawthorne's 'American Notebooks', which I am always referring back to. 😋)
Meg wrote: "Hannah wrote: "WHAT!?! NO FLORA THOMPSON! What is wrong with your library!?! Illustrated Lark Rise to Candleford and The illustrated Still glides the stream may be worth the buying if worst comes t..."I'm so tempted to play devil-on-your-shoulder and say Who's gonna miss Hawthorne? You're the only one who reads him - go ahead and keep it! Hahahaha!!!! (I'm kidding) It's great though that you're able to keep it longer than usual! A whole...what...8 months!?
But there are so many times when I got a book from the library, loved it, and then bought a copy for myself!! There's just something about keeping the book with you....even if you secretly know you'll never read it again. But it's comforting to know the story will be there if you need it.
Hannah wrote: "I'm so tempted to play devil-on-your-shoulder and say Who's gonna miss Hawthorne? You're the only one who reads him - go ahead and keep it! Hahahaha!!!! (I'm kiddin..."Hahaha, yeah they'd probably never miss it! 😂 I will definitely be buying my own copy eventually. It's a necessity for a Hawthorne scholar like me. 😋
Okay.. I am way behind in the conversations and reading here, but have to say that reading this chapter on the old manse has me completely enamoured with Hawthorne. I want to underscore almost every paragraph. His description of nature rivals Thoreau’s for one. I had never been aware of his love of the natural world before.
Aren't his descriptions, lovely!? They're so....calming.
Yes, Hannah! Balm for troubled times!
Margaret wrote: "Okay.. I am way behind in the conversations and reading here, but have to say that reading this chapter on the old manse has me completely enamoured with Hawthorne. I want to underscore almost ever..."I'm so glad you're joining us, Margaret! 😊 It's odd that Hawthorne isn't remembered as a nature writer, but I fully agree that he rivals Thoreau!
Meg wrote: "Hannah wrote: "Quote #8 " So far as I am a man of really individual attributes I veil my face; nor am I, nor have I ever been, one of those supremely hospitable people who serve up their own hearts, delicately fried, with brain sauce, as a tidbit for their beloved public."Hahaha, this one is so funny! He said something like this in his journal too...I wish I could find it again!"
I FOUND it!! From Hawthorne's journal..."People who write about themselves and their feelings, as Byron did, may be said to serve up their own hearts, duly spiced, and with brain-sauce out of their own heads, as a repast for the public." Sounds kinda gross doesn't it?! 😂
Meg wrote: "Meg wrote: "Hannah wrote: "Quote #8 " So far as I am a man of really individual attributes I veil my face; nor am I, nor have I ever been, one of those supremely hospitable people who serve up thei..."🤢
AND YET HE WROTE ABOUT HIMSELF in Du Miroir! Though to be fair, he was writing about his reflection.....BUT STILL!!
Emma wrote: "Meg wrote: "Meg wrote: "Hannah wrote: "Quote #8 " So far as I am a man of really individual attributes I veil my face; nor am I, nor have I ever been, one of those supremely hospitable people who s...🤢"
😂 I just read it to Dorry and she said EWWW!
Hannah wrote: "AND YET HE WROTE ABOUT HIMSELF in Du Miroir! Though to be fair, he was writing about his reflection.....BUT STILL!!"Haha yeah...I think what he means though is that he doesn't share anything too deeply personal.
Oh yeah, I thought so - but one needs to find SOMETHING to pick on about Hawthorne who is practically perfect in everyway! 😂
Meg wrote: "Emma wrote: "Meg wrote: "Meg wrote: "Hannah wrote: "Quote #8 " So far as I am a man of really individual attributes I veil my face; nor am I, nor have I ever been, one of those supremely hospitable..."Well tell her I'm right there with her!! 😂
Hannah wrote: "Oh yeah, I thought so - but one needs to find SOMETHING to pick on about Hawthorne who is practically perfect in everyway! 😂"Hahaha! I am perfectly happy for him to remain on his pedestal. 😋
Early American Literature
Books mentioned in this topic
The Illustrated Lark Rise to Candleford: A Trilogy by Flora Thompson (other topics)The illustrated Still glides the stream (other topics)
Authors mentioned in this topic
Flora Thompson (other topics)Flora Thompson (other topics)
Flora Thompson (other topics)
