A Select Party   By: Nathaniel Hawthorne (1804-1864)

"A Select Party" by Nathaniel Hawthorne is a captivating and thought-provoking novella that takes readers on a mesmerizing journey through the complexities of human nature and societal expectations. Set in a small New England town, the story hinges on the gathering of a group of privileged individuals invited to a party at the grand ancestral home of the prominent Westervelt family.

Hawthorne's writing style is illustrious, immersing readers in a vivid and meticulously described world. The author masterfully weaves intricate details into the narrative, painting a rich picture of the opulence and exclusivity that characterizes the society in which the story is set. His precise language and evocative imagery contribute to the overall atmospheric tone of the novella, creating an almost ethereal experience for the reader.

One of the most captivating aspects of the narrative is Hawthorne's exploration of human nature and the intricacies of interpersonal relationships. Through a diverse cast of characters, he presents a critique of the elitist society and its inherent flaws. Each character is meticulously crafted, offering a unique perspective on the dynamics of power, wealth, and societal expectations. In unveiling the innermost thoughts and desires of these characters, Hawthorne prompts contemplation on themes such as identity, personal ambition, and the complexities of human emotions.

The novella's central conflict revolves around the tension between conformity and individuality. Hawthorne skillfully highlights the suffocating nature of societal expectations and the price individuals often pay to maintain their social standing. He delves into the masks people wear and the sacrifices they make in order to fit into a rigid social hierarchy, ultimately questioning the authenticity of one's true self.

While the narrative is undeniably engaging and thought-provoking, some readers might find the pacing of "A Select Party" to be relatively slow. Hawthorne's meticulous attention to detail and in-depth exploration of the characters' minds sometimes results in a slower narrative flow. However, this deliberate pacing serves a purpose in building suspense and enhancing the overall impact of the story.

Despite the novella's brevity, Hawthorne skillfully tackles complex themes and leaves readers with lingering questions and a desire for introspection. "A Select Party" is a captivating and nuanced exploration of human nature, societal expectations, and the search for personal authenticity. Readers who enjoy thought-provoking literary fiction will find themselves immersed in Hawthorne's intricate world, eagerly turning pages to unravel the intricacies of the characters and their motivations.

First Page:

The man of fancy made an entertainment at one of his castles in the air, and invited a select number of distinguished personages to favor him with their presence. The mansion, though less splendid than many that have been situated in the same region, was nevertheless of a magnificence such as is seldom witnessed by those acquainted only with terrestrial architecture. Its strong foundations and massive walls were quarried out of a ledge of heavy and sombre clouds which had hung brooding over the earth, apparently as dense and ponderous as its own granite, throughout a whole autumnal day. Perceiving that the general effect was gloomy, so that the airy castle looked like a feudal fortress, or a monastery of the Middle Ages, or a state prison of our own times, rather than the home of pleasure and repose which he intended it to be, the owner, regardless of expense, resolved to gild the exterior from top to bottom. Fortunately, there was just then a flood of evening sunshine in the air. This being gathered up and poured abundantly upon the roof and walls, imbued them with a kind of solemn cheerfulness; while the cupolas and pinnacles were made to glitter with the purest gold, and all the hundred windows gleamed with a glad light, as if the edifice itself were rejoicing in its heart... Continue reading book >>