Beneath an Umbrella (From "Twice Told Tales")   By: Nathaniel Hawthorne (1804-1864)

Beneath an Umbrella, the short story by Nathaniel Hawthorne found within his collection "Twice Told Tales," captures the essence of hidden desires and the consequences of unfulfilled dreams. Hawthorne's impeccable storytelling is evident in this haunting and thought-provoking tale.

The narrative revolves around a young widow, Elinor, who, after her husband's untimely death, retreats into solitude and seclusion, finding solace only in her melancholic memories. Through her vivid imagination, the reader is transported to a world where true love merges with tragedy and unfulfilled aspirations become haunting ghosts.

Hawthorne masterfully explores the themes of regret, unrequited love, and the dangers of living a life dominated by the past. Elinor's yearning for a lost love becomes palpable and brings forth a sense of sympathy for her character, which Hawthorne carefully cultivates. The author brilliantly juxtaposes her internal turmoil with the deceptively simple image of an umbrella, portraying it as a symbol of shelter, protection, and ultimately, a remnant of lost possibilities.

Moreover, Hawthorne's atmospheric descriptions create a captivating backdrop for the story. Whether it be the somber skies or the rain-soaked landscapes, the gloomy ambiance perfectly mirrors Elinor's state of mind. The author excels in creating a palpable sense of unease and melancholy that persists throughout the narrative, captivating readers and drawing them deeper into Elinor's world.

One of the most striking aspects of the story is how Hawthorne subtly weaves together elements of supernatural, romance, and tragedy. He adeptly blurs the line between reality and imagination, creating a sense of ambiguity that keeps readers questioning what is real and what lies beneath the surface. This fusion of genres adds an intriguing layer to the overarching narrative, making it a truly multi-faceted and introspective experience.

In terms of style, Hawthorne's prose is beautifully adorned with his signature elegance and grace. His sentences flow rhythmically, and his word choice expertly conveys the emotional depth of the characters. The author's ability to convey such complex emotions with concise and evocative language is truly remarkable.

If there is one criticism to be made, it is that Beneath an Umbrella may leave readers longing for a more conclusive resolution. While the story explores Elinor's emotional journey and provides glimpses into her inner turmoil, some readers may crave a more definitive closure. Nevertheless, this open-endedness aligns with Hawthorne's intention to showcase the ineffable nature of human desire and longing.

In conclusion, Beneath an Umbrella is a captivating short story that exemplifies Nathaniel Hawthorne's prowess as a writer and his ability to delve into the deepest recesses of the human psyche. It is a haunting and bittersweet tale that offers profound reflections on love, loss, and the consequences of unfulfilled aspirations. This timeless piece of literature is destined to continue captivating readers with its poignant themes and ethereal atmosphere.

First Page:

Pleasant is a rainy winter's day, within doors! The best study for such a day, or the best amusement, call it which you will, is a book of travels, describing scenes the most unlike that sombre one, which is mistily presented through the windows. I have experienced, that fancy is then most successful in imparting distinct shapes and vivid colors to the objects which the author has spread upon his page, and that his words become magic spells to summon up a thousand varied pictures. Strange landscapes glimmer through the familiar walls of the room, and outlandish figures thrust themselves almost within the sacred precincts of the hearth. Small as my chamber is, it has space enough to contain the ocean like circumference of an Arabian desert, its parched sands tracked by the long line of a caravan, with the camels patiently journeying through the heavy sunshine. Though my ceiling be not lofty, yet I can pile up the mountains of Central Asia beneath it, till their summits shine far above the clouds of the middle atmosphere. And, with my humble means, a wealth that is not taxable, I can transport hither the magnificent merchandise of an Oriental bazaar, and call a crowd of purchasers from distant countries, to pay a fair profit for the precious articles which are displayed on all sides... Continue reading book >>