We know of few compositions which
the critic can more honestly commend than these "Twice-Told Tales." As
Americans, we feel proud of the book.
Mr. Hawthornes distinctive trait is invention, creation,
imagination, originality- a trait which, in the literature of fiction,
is positively worth all the rest. But the nature of originality, so
far as regards its manifestation in letters, is but imperfectly
understood. The inventive or original mind as frequently displays
itself in novelty of tone as in novelty of matter. Mr. Hawthorne is
original at all points.
It would be a matter of some difficulty to designate the best of
these tales; we repeat that, without exception, they are beautiful.
"Wakefield" is remarkable for the skill with which an old idea- a
well-known incident- is worked up or discussed. A man of whims
conceives the purpose of quitting his wife and residing incognito, for
twenty years, in her immediate neighborhood. Something of this kind
actually happened in London. The force of Mr. Hawthornes tale lies
in the analysis of the motives which must or might have impelled the
husband to such folly, in the first instance, with the possible causes
of his perseverance. Upon this thesis a sketch of singular power has
been constructed.
"The Wedding Knell" is full of the boldest imagination- an
imagination fully controlled by taste.
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