Chapter Overview
'The Great Stone Face – I' is the first part of Nathaniel Hawthorne's story that introduces the reader to Ernest, a young boy who grows up in a valley beneath a giant stone face carved into the side of a mountain. The stone face is believed by the people of the valley to be a prophetic symbol, and they await the arrival of a great man who will resemble the face and bring prosperity to their land. As Ernest matures, he is inspired by the stone face and lives his life with the hope of embodying its qualities. The chapter explores the themes of greatness, prophecy, and how one’s actions define their legacy.
Important Keywords
- Prophecy: A prediction of the future, often involving significant events or a person who will play a key role in the future.
- Greatness: The quality of being great, particularly in terms of wisdom, kindness, and moral virtues.
- Wisdom: The ability to make good judgments based on knowledge and experience, often associated with age or deep understanding.
- Humility: A quality of being humble, not arrogant or proud, often related to a sense of modesty and self-awareness.
- Destiny: The events that are meant to happen in one’s life, often believed to be predetermined or controlled by some higher power or fate.
- Symbolism: The use of symbols to represent ideas, qualities, or concepts in literature, often used to convey deeper meanings.
- Legacy: The lasting impact or influence that a person leaves behind, often after their death.