Old News (From: "The Snow Image and Other Twice-Told Tales")   By: Nathaniel Hawthorne (1804-1864)

Old News is a collection of short stories written by Nathaniel Hawthorne, most famous for his novel The Scarlet Letter. This particular collection, also known as "The Snow Image and Other Twice-Told Tales," delves into the themes of love, loss, and the consequences of past actions.

The stories in Old News are haunting and mesmerizing, as Hawthorne often intertwines both the supernatural and the ordinary. From a little girl's snow image that mysteriously comes to life, symbolizing lost innocence, to a man's encounter with a ghostly double who seeks vengeance, each tale is crafted with Hawthorne's signature dark and brooding style.

With his remarkable storytelling abilities, Hawthorne delves deep into the human psyche, exploring the regrets, guilt, and secrets that define our lives. These stories are rooted in the past, with characters haunted by the sins and mistakes of previous generations. Through his distinct narrative voice, Hawthorne reminds us that the repercussions of our actions can endure for generations, lingering like old news.

What sets Old News apart from other collections of short stories is Hawthorne's ability to paint vivid pictures with his prose. His descriptions of landscapes, weather, and characters evoke a distinct atmosphere that immerses readers in the story. Whether it's the wintry setting of a desolate cabin or the oppressive heat of a summer day, Hawthorne's words create a palpable sense of place and add another layer to the narratives.

Furthermore, the characters in Old News are complex and flawed, reflecting the universal struggles and desires of humanity. From the guilt-ridden protagonist haunted by a crime committed in his youth, to the sinister and manipulative woman who uses her beauty for her own gain, each character embodies the darker aspects of human nature. Hawthorne's exploration of their motivations and inner conflicts adds depth and complexity to the stories, making them resonate with readers long after the last page is turned.

Overall, Old News is a captivating collection of tales that showcase Nathaniel Hawthorne's mastery of the short story genre. With his skillful blend of the supernatural and the ordinary, he weaves narratives that explore the timeless themes of guilt, regret, and redemption. Through his evocative prose and deeply human characters, Hawthorne reminds us that the consequences of our actions are never truly old news.

First Page:

There is a volume of what were once newspapers each on a small half sheet, yellow and time stained, of a coarse fabric, and imprinted with a rude old type. Their aspect conveys a singular impression of antiquity, in a species of literature which we are accustomed to consider as connected only with the present moment. Ephemeral as they were intended and supposed to be, they have long outlived the printer and his whole subscription list, and have proved more durable, as to their physical existence, than most of the timber, bricks, and stone of the town where they were issued. These are but the least of their triumphs. The government, the interests, the opinions, in short, all the moral circumstances that were contemporary with their publication, have passed away, and left no better record of what they were than may be found in these frail leaves. Happy are the editors of newspapers! Their productions excel all others in immediate popularity, and are certain to acquire another sort of value with the lapse of time. They scatter their leaves to the wind, as the sibyl did, and posterity collects them, to be treasured up among the best materials of its wisdom... Continue reading book >>