Footprints on the Sea-Shore (From "Twice Told Tales")   By: Nathaniel Hawthorne (1804-1864)

In "Twice Told Tales," the collection of short stories by Nathaniel Hawthorne, I was intrigued by the atmospheric and thought-provoking tale called "Footprints on the Sea-Shore." Set in a coastal town, this story delves into themes of guilt, fear, and the haunting consequences of past actions.

Hawthorne's writing style is beautifully descriptive, immersing the reader in the somber and moody setting. The town is depicted as a place where secrets and hidden sorrows hang heavy in the air, making the reader instantly empathize with the characters. The author's ability to create a sense of unease and anticipation is commendable, as it captivates the reader's attention from the very beginning.

The protagonist in this story is a seemingly ordinary man named Edward Fidelhurst. However, as the narrative unfolds, his troubled past begins to surface. The revelation of his dark secret, in the form of mysterious footprints appearing on the sea-shore, becomes the catalyst for his internal struggle and serves as a metaphorical reminder of the consequences of his actions.

The character development in "Footprints on the Sea-Shore" is masterfully done. Edward's torment and inner turmoil are vividly portrayed, and the reader cannot help but feel a deep sympathy for him. Hawthorne explores the human psyche and the toll that guilt can take on an individual, enriching the story with layers of complexity and introspection.

One of the strongest aspects of this tale is its ability to sustain suspense throughout. As the mystery surrounding the footprints deepens, Hawthorne skillfully keeps the reader guessing, adding a touch of the supernatural to the narrative. This blend of the supernatural and psychological adds an extra layer of intrigue and uncertainty, making "Footprints on the Sea-Shore" an absorbing read.

The only criticism I would offer is that the resolution of the story feels slightly rushed. Given the rich build-up of suspense and tension, I wanted more exploration of the consequences and the impact on Edward's life once the truth is revealed. However, this minor flaw does not detract significantly from the story's overall strength.

In conclusion, "Footprints on the Sea-Shore" is a haunting and absorbing tale that showcases Nathaniel Hawthorne's talent for creating atmospheric settings and exploring the complexities of the human mind. It is a story that lingers, leaving the reader pondering the ethics of past actions, the weight of guilt, and the inescapable nature of one's past.

First Page:

It must be a spirit much unlike my own, which can keep itself in health and vigor without sometimes stealing from the sultry sunshine of the world, to plunge into the cool bath of solitude. At intervals, and not infrequent ones, the forest and the ocean summon me one with the roar of its waves, the other with the murmur of its boughs forth from the haunts of men. But I must wander many a mile, ere I could stand beneath the shadow of even one primeval tree, much less be lost among the multitude of hoary trunks, and hidden from earth and sky by the mystery of darksome foliage. Nothing is within my daily reach more like a forest than the acre or two of woodland near some suburban farm house. When, therefore, the yearning for seclusion becomes a necessity within me, I am drawn to the sea shore, which extends its line of rude rocks and seldom trodden sands, for leagues around our bay. Setting forth at my last ramble, on a September morning, I bound myself with a hermit's vow, to interchange no thoughts with man or woman, to share no social pleasure, but to derive all that day's enjoyment from shore, and sea, and sky, from my soul's communion with these, and from fantasies, and recollections, or anticipated realities... Continue reading book >>