Fire Worship (From "Mosses from an Old Manse")   By: Nathaniel Hawthorne (1804-1864)

Fire Worship is a captivating collection of short stories written by the renowned author, Nathaniel Hawthorne. Compiled within the larger work, Mosses from an Old Manse, these tales take readers on a journey through human emotions, desires, and the intricate dynamics of relationships.

The titular story, Fire Worship, explores the theme of forbidden love set against a backdrop of religious fervor. Hawthorne masterfully crafts a tale that unfolds slowly, revealing the innermost thoughts and motivations of its characters. The protagonist, a young minister named John Inglefield, finds himself irresistibly drawn to a fellow worshipper, Mary Goffe. They share secret glances, conveyed through delicate dialogue, subtly hinting at their mutual affection without ever being explicitly stated. This delicate dance of emotions adds a layer of mystery and suspense to the story, leaving readers eager to uncover what will come of their forbidden love.

Hawthorne's prose, as always, is exquisitely crafted, evoking vivid imagery and eliciting deep emotional responses. His descriptions of nature intertwine seamlessly with the story's narrative, emphasizing the rich symbolism present throughout. The natural world takes on a life of its own, almost serving as a character in the story. This symbolism lends itself to a deeper exploration of the characters' inner conflicts and desires, enriching the reading experience.

One of the strengths of Fire Worship lies in its ability to seamlessly blend elements of romance, religious critique, and metaphorical storytelling. Hawthorne's exploration of the themes of desire, guilt, and the tension between societal expectations and personal happiness resonates strongly with readers. The story raises thought-provoking questions about the nature of love and devotion, challenging conventional notions and encouraging self-reflection.

However, some readers may find Fire Worship to be slow-paced, particularly in comparison to Hawthorne's other works. The deliberate pacing of the story, while intentional, might not suit all tastes. Additionally, the subtle nature of the romance may leave some longing for more explicit emotional resolutions. Nonetheless, these elements are easily overshadowed by the overall brilliance and depth of the writing.

Fire Worship is a compelling story of love, sacrifice, and the clash between desire and societal norms. Hawthorne's masterful storytelling and skillful use of symbolism make this collection of short stories a must-read for fans of his work. It offers a thought-provoking exploration of human nature, leaving readers pondering the choices we make when confronted with the complexities of love and devotion.

First Page:

It is a great revolution in social and domestic life, and no less so in the life of a secluded student, this almost universal exchange of the open fireplace for the cheerless and ungenial stove. On such a morning as now lowers around our old gray parsonage, I miss the bright face of my ancient friend, who was wont to dance upon the hearth and play the part of more familiar sunshine. It is sad to turn from the cloudy sky and sombre landscape; from yonder hill, with its crown of rusty, black pines, the foliage of which is so dismal in the absence of the sun; that bleak pasture land, and the broken surface of the potato field, with the brown clods partly concealed by the snowfall of last night; the swollen and sluggish river, with ice incrusted borders, dragging its bluish gray stream along the verge of our orchard like a snake half torpid with the cold, it is sad to turn from an outward scene of so little comfort and find the same sullen influences brooding within the precincts of my study. Where is that brilliant guest, that quick and subtle spirit, whom Prometheus lured from heaven to civilize mankind and cheer them in their wintry desolation; that comfortable inmate, whose smile, during eight months of the year, was our sufficient consolation for summer's lingering advance and early flight? Alas! blindly inhospitable, grudging the food that kept him cheery and mercurial, we have thrust him into an iron prison, and compel him to smoulder away his life on a daily pittance which once would have been too scanty for his breakfast... Continue reading book >>