Egotism; or, the Bosom Serpent
The narrative follows Roderick Elliston, a man who has undergone a grotesque transformation, symbolized by a snake residing in his bosom. Once a vibrant and promising individual, Roderick has become a figure of horror and fascination, plagued by a mysterious affliction that gnaws at him both physically and psychologically. His former acquaintance, George Herkimer, arrives to deliver a message from Roderick's wife, Rosina, but is confronted with the shocking reality of Roderick's condition. Roderick's affliction is not merely physical; it represents a deeper moral and psychological decay. He is consumed by egotism and self-absorption, which manifest in his obsession with the snake. This creature becomes a metaphor for his guilt, jealousy, and the darker aspects of his nature. As he wanders the streets, he engages with others, exposing their own hidden sins and insecurities, likening them to serpents within their own bosoms. His behavior oscillates between madness and a twisted sense of enlightenment, as he believes his suffering grants him insight into the human condition. Despite attempts to cure him, including various quack remedies, Roderick's condition worsens. He is eventually confined to an asylum, where he continues to grapple with the snake, developing a complex relationship of loathing and dependency. His mental state deteriorates, leading to a desperate desire to rid himself of the creature, which he believes is tied to his self-obsession. The turning point occurs when Rosina, embodying love and compassion, confronts Roderick. Her presence and the idea of self-forgetfulness offer him a path to redemption. In a moment of clarity, Roderick realizes that the snake symbolizes his egotism and that true healing lies in transcending his self-centeredness. The narrative concludes with Roderick's emotional reconciliation with Rosina, suggesting that the snake, whether real or a figment of his imagination, represents the destructive nature of unchecked ego and jealousy. The story ultimately serves as a cautionary tale about the perils of egotism and the redemptive power of love and selflessness.
By Nathaniel Hawthorne · First published 1852 · Genre: Gothic Fiction, Psychological Fiction, Allegory · 5,931 words
First lines
"Here he comes! " shouted the boys along the street. "Here comes the man with a snake in his bosom!"
This outcry, saluting Herkimer's ears as he was about to enter the iron gate of the Elliston mansion, made him pause. It was not without a shudder that he found himself on the point of meeting his former acquaintance, whom he had known in the glory of youth, and whom now after an interval of five years, he was to find the victim either of a diseased fancy or a horrible physical misfortune.
What this Textopian page supports
Egotism; or, the Bosom Serpent is listed on Textopian as a short story by Nathaniel Hawthorne, dated 1852 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Nathaniel Hawthorne
- Date: 1852 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Gothic Fiction, Psychological Fiction, Allegory, Dark Romanticism, Literary Fiction
- Length: 5,931 words
- Structure: 1 section, 66 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)
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- Work identity for Egotism; or, the Bosom Serpent by Nathaniel Hawthorne
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Egotism; or, the Bosom Serpent?
- How does this short story by Nathaniel Hawthorne fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Gothic Fiction first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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Genres
- Gothic Fiction — The story features dark themes, psychological horror, and a focus on the grotesque, particularly through the character of Roderick Elliston and his 'bosom serpent'.
- Psychological Fiction — The narrative delves deeply into the mental state of Roderick, exploring themes of egotism, self-contemplation, and the effects of inner turmoil.
- Allegory — The serpent symbolizes deeper moral and psychological issues, representing egotism and the darker aspects of human nature.
- Dark Romanticism — The work embodies elements of dark romanticism, focusing on the complexities of the human psyche and the interplay of good and evil.
Tags
Psychological Fiction · Philosophical Themes · Existentialism · Self-Discovery · Moral Ambiguity · Social Commentary · Critique of Society · Human Nature · Egotism · Pride · Hubris · Consequences of Actions