Mosses from an Old Manse
Mosses from an Old Manse
Book Brief
Beta464
Short Story • Fiction
Concord, Massachusetts • 1840s
2003
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Mosses from an Old Manse is a collection of short stories by Nathaniel Hawthorne exploring themes of morality, human nature, and the supernatural. Set in an old manse in Concord, Massachusetts, some notable stories include "The Birthmark," "Rappaccini's Daughter," and "Young Goodman Brown," each delving into the complexities of human experiences and ethical dilemmas.
Mysterious
Contemplative
Melancholic
Fantastical
Bittersweet
Reviews & Readership
900 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Mosses from an Old Manse showcases Nathaniel Hawthorne's rich storytelling and deep moral themes, praised for its lyrical prose and imaginative narratives. However, some readers find the dense language and allegorical style challenging. Despite this, its exploration of human nature and guilt remains impactful, highlighting Hawthorne's mastery in short fiction.
Who Should Read Mosses from an Old Manse?
A lover of allegorical tales and Gothic fiction, who enjoys the psychological complexity of Hawthorne's writing, akin to readers of The Scarlet Letter and Edgar Allan Poe's works, will appreciate Mosses from an Old Manse for its rich symbolism and moral exploration.
900 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Nathaniel Hawthorne wrote Mosses from an Old Manse while living in the actual Old Manse in Concord, Massachusetts, a place deeply connected to American literary history and previously occupied by Ralph Waldo Emerson.
The collection's title references the moss-covered stone walls of the Old Manse, reflecting the themes of nature and history interwoven throughout Hawthorne's stories.
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Herman Melville, a contemporary and admirer of Hawthorne, praised Mosses from an Old Manse for its profound and darkly imaginative tales, contributing to Hawthorne's growing literary reputation at the time.
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464
Short Story • Fiction
Concord, Massachusetts • 1840s
2003
Adult
18+ years
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