Sylph Etherege (From: "The Snow Image and Other Twice-Told Tales") By: Nathaniel Hawthorne (1804-1864)
In Nathaniel Hawthorne's short story collection, "The Snow Image and Other Twice-Told Tales," one captivating tale that stands out is "Sylph Etherege." This particular story is a thought-provoking exploration of society's fascination with beauty and the longing for a transcendent experience. Hawthorne weaves an enchanting narrative around the central character, Sylph Etherege, who possesses an otherworldly allure and ethereal beauty that captivates everyone who sees her. The story unfolds through the eyes of a young artist, who becomes enamored with Sylph's mesmerizing presence and decides to create a masterpiece in her likeness. Through the artist's perspective, Hawthorne delves into the depths of imagination and the limits of artistic expression. As the artist attempts to capture Sylph's beauty, he discovers the limitations of the physical world, the inadequacy of art to fully convey the essence of a person. This exploration of the boundary between reality and artistry raises profound questions about the nature of beauty and the human desire for the unattainable. In "Sylph Etherege," Hawthorne skillfully delves into themes of idealism and the pursuit of perfection. He highlights the danger of idealizing others or creating unrealistic expectations, as these can lead to disappointment and disillusionment. As Sylph's mystical persona unravels and her true nature is revealed, the artist grapples with the consequences of his own idealization and the realization that the representation he sought to capture on canvas was merely an illusion. Hawthorne's prose is as enchanting as ever, with his signature poetic style and deliberate pacing. His vivid descriptions of Sylph's beauty and the artist's struggle to replicate it evoke a sense of both longing and melancholy. This juxtaposition of desire and unfulfillment creates a haunting atmosphere that permeates the entire story. While "Sylph Etherege" is relatively short in length, Hawthorne manages to pack a powerful punch in terms of the themes he explores. The story leaves readers contemplating the nature of beauty, the dangers of idealization, and the limitations of art. Hawthorne's profound insights and skillful storytelling make "Sylph Etherege" a captivating addition to "The Snow Image and Other Twice-Told Tales." First Page: THE SNOW IMAGE AND OTHER TWICE TOLD TALES SYLPH ETHEREGE By Nathaniel Hawthorne On a bright summer evening, two persons stood among the shrubbery of a garden, stealthily watching a young girl, who sat in the window seat of a neighboring mansion. One of these unseen observers, a gentleman, was youthful, and had an air of high breeding and refinement, and a face marked with intellect, though otherwise of unprepossessing aspect. His features wore even an ominous, though somewhat mirthful expression, while he pointed his long forefinger at the girl, and seemed to regard her as a creature completely within the scope of his influence. "The charm works!" said he, in a low, but emphatic whisper. "Do you know, Edward Hamilton, since so you choose to be named, do you know," said the lady beside him, "that I have almost a mind to break the spell at once? What if the lesson should prove too severe! True, if my ward could be thus laughed out of her fantastic nonsense, she might be the better for it through life. But then, she is such a delicate creature! And, besides, are you not ruining your own chance, by putting forward this shadow of a rival?" "But will he not vanish into thin air, at my bidding?" rejoined Edward Hamilton... Continue reading book >>

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

In Nathaniel Hawthorne's short story collection, "The Snow Image and Other Twice-Told Tales," one captivating tale that stands out is "Sylph Etherege." This particular story is a thought-provoking exploration of society's fascination with beauty and the longing for a transcendent experience.

Hawthorne weaves an enchanting narrative around the central character, Sylph Etherege, who possesses an otherworldly allure and ethereal beauty that captivates everyone who sees her. The story unfolds through the eyes of a young artist, who becomes enamored with Sylph's mesmerizing presence and decides to create a masterpiece in her likeness.

Through the artist's perspective, Hawthorne delves into the depths of imagination and the limits of artistic expression. As the artist attempts to capture Sylph's beauty, he discovers the limitations of the physical world, the inadequacy of art to fully convey the essence of a person. This exploration of the boundary between reality and artistry raises profound questions about the nature of beauty and the human desire for the unattainable.

In "Sylph Etherege," Hawthorne skillfully delves into themes of idealism and the pursuit of perfection. He highlights the danger of idealizing others or creating unrealistic expectations, as these can lead to disappointment and disillusionment. As Sylph's mystical persona unravels and her true nature is revealed, the artist grapples with the consequences of his own idealization and the realization that the representation he sought to capture on canvas was merely an illusion.

Hawthorne's prose is as enchanting as ever, with his signature poetic style and deliberate pacing. His vivid descriptions of Sylph's beauty and the artist's struggle to replicate it evoke a sense of both longing and melancholy. This juxtaposition of desire and unfulfillment creates a haunting atmosphere that permeates the entire story.

While "Sylph Etherege" is relatively short in length, Hawthorne manages to pack a powerful punch in terms of the themes he explores. The story leaves readers contemplating the nature of beauty, the dangers of idealization, and the limitations of art. Hawthorne's profound insights and skillful storytelling make "Sylph Etherege" a captivating addition to "The Snow Image and Other Twice-Told Tales."

First Page:

THE SNOW IMAGE

AND

OTHER TWICE TOLD TALES

SYLPH ETHEREGE

Nathaniel Hawthorne

On a bright summer evening, two persons stood among the shrubbery of a garden, stealthily watching a young girl, who sat in the window seat of a neighboring mansion. One of these unseen observers, a gentleman, was youthful, and had an air of high breeding and refinement, and a face marked with intellect, though otherwise of unprepossessing aspect. His features wore even an ominous, though somewhat mirthful expression, while he pointed his long forefinger at the girl, and seemed to regard her as a creature completely within the scope of his influence.

"The charm works!" said he, in a low, but emphatic whisper.

"Do you know, Edward Hamilton, since so you choose to be named, do you know," said the lady beside him, "that I have almost a mind to break the spell at once? What if the lesson should prove too severe! True, if my ward could be thus laughed out of her fantastic nonsense, she might be the better for it through life. But then, she is such a delicate creature! And, besides, are you not ruining your own chance, by putting forward this shadow of a rival?"

"But will he not vanish into thin air, at my bidding?" rejoined Edward Hamilton... Continue reading book >>

Genres for this book
Fiction
Historical Fiction
Literature
Short stories

eBook links
Wikipedia – Nathaniel Hawthorne
Wikipedia – Sylph Etherege (From: "The Snow Image and Other Twice-Told Tales")

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