The Sister Years (From "Twice Told Tales")   By: Nathaniel Hawthorne (1804-1864)

In the collection of “Twice Told Tales,” Nathaniel Hawthorne delves into a realm of mesmerizing nostalgia and profound insights into human nature, presenting the compelling short story "The Sister Years." Set against the backdrop of a quaint New England town, Hawthorne transports readers back to a time of simplicity and purity, inviting them to reflect upon the cyclic nature of life.

The story follows the tumultuous relationship between two seasons, spring and winter, personified as two sisters. Spring is portrayed as a vibrant and ethereal young woman, full of life and boundless potential. In stark contrast, her sister Winter is depicted as a cold-hearted and bitter old crone, perpetually shrouded in an icy cloak. Bound together by fate, their annual encounter evokes a sense of anticipation and trepidation, as the clash between their opposing forces sends ripples through the lives of the townsfolk.

Hawthorne masterfully weaves an allegorical tale, highlighting the eternal struggle between life and death, growth and stagnation. Through his poetic prose, he masterfully captures the essence of each season, imbuing them with a palpable presence that lingers in the reader's mind. The author’s evocative descriptions of nature's transformation reflect the cycles of our own lives, prompting introspection on the passage of time and the ephemeral nature of existence.

While the story itself is relatively brief, Hawthorne's ability to infuse it with deeper meaning is truly exceptional. Beneath the surface-level depiction of the seasons, he explores themes of human frailty, redemption, and the inescapable ties that bind us to our destinies. As the narrative unfolds, readers are immersed in a world where forces beyond our control shape the courses of our lives, ultimately forcing introspection about our own personal struggles and the choices we make.

Hawthorne’s writing style is both enchanting and thought-provoking, drawing the reader in with his vivid descriptions and rich symbolism. His choice of words has a lyrical quality, which transports readers to the heart of his narrative, engaging their senses and igniting their imaginations. Coupled with his insightful commentary on the human condition, the author’s eloquence envelops readers in a transcendent experience, leaving a lasting impression.

"The Sister Years" showcases Nathaniel Hawthorne's remarkable ability to imbue ordinary events with extraordinary depth. Seamlessly blending the supernatural with the mundane, he unpacks profound insights into life’s inherent complexities, urging readers to reflect on their own relationship with the world around them. For those seeking a poignant and introspective exploration of the human condition, this short story serves as a captivating reminder of the perpetual struggle between light and darkness, growth and decay.

First Page:

Last night, between eleven and twelve o'clock, when the Old Year was leaving her final foot prints on the borders of Time's empire, she found herself in possession of a few spare moments, and sat down of all places in the world on the steps of our new City Hall. The wintry moonlight showed that she looked weary of body, and sad of heart, like many another wayfarer of earth. Her garments, having been exposed to much foul weather, and rough usage, were in very ill condition; and as the hurry of her journey had never before allowed her to take an instant's rest, her shoes were so worn as to be scarcely worth the mending. But, after trudging only a little distance farther, this poor Old Year was destined to enjoy a long, long sleep. I forgot to mention, that when she seated herself on the steps, she deposited by her side a very capacious bandbox, in which, as is the custom among travellers of her sex, she carried a great deal of valuable property. Besides this luggage, there was a folio book under her arm, very much resembling the annual volume of a newspaper. Placing this volume across her knees, and resting her elbows upon it, with her forehead in her hands, the weary, bedraggled, world worn Old Year heaved a heavy sigh, and appeared to be taking no very pleasant retrospect of her past existence... Continue reading book >>