Feathertop: a Moralized Legend
In a quaint New England setting, an old witch named Mother Rigby decides to create a scarecrow to protect her corn patch from birds. Instead of crafting a frightening figure, she opts for a handsome gentleman, using various discarded items, including a broomstick for a spine and a pumpkin for a head. As she admires her creation, she whimsically considers giving it life. With a few magical incantations and the aid of her pipe, she breathes life into the scarecrow, who she names Feathertop. Feathertop, now animated, is endowed with a charming appearance and a personality that mimics the genteel manners of the time. Mother Rigby instructs him to venture into the world, providing him with a token to gain favor with a local magistrate, Justice Gookin, and hints at a potential romance with his daughter, Polly. Feathertop, eager to embrace his new life, sets off into town, where he quickly captures the attention and admiration of the townsfolk, who mistake him for a nobleman. As he strolls through the bustling streets, Feathertop enjoys the attention, puffing on his pipe and exuding an air of confidence. However, his charm is superficial, and the townspeople speculate about his origins and status. He eventually arrives at Justice Gookin's home, where he is introduced to Polly. The two engage in flirtation, and Polly is enchanted by Feathertop's charisma, unaware of his true nature. The encounter takes a turn when Polly, glancing into a mirror, sees Feathertop's true form—a mere collection of straw and rags. Shocked, she faints, and Feathertop, confronted with his own emptiness, realizes the illusion of his existence. In despair, he returns to Mother Rigby, lamenting his lack of substance and the fleeting nature of his charm. Mother Rigby, witnessing Feathertop's anguish, reflects on the nature of humanity and the many hollow individuals who roam the world, oblivious to their own emptiness. She decides to transform Feathertop back into a scarecrow, believing that a simple, honest existence is more fitting for him than the deceitful life of a gentleman. In the end, she resumes her role as a witch, content to let Feathertop fulfill a humble purpose in the cornfield, while she puffs on her pipe, contemplating the complexities of life and identity.
By Nathaniel Hawthorne · First published 1852 · Genre: Fantasy, Gothic Fiction, Allegory · 9,211 words
First lines
"Dickon," cried Mother Rigby, "a coal for my pipe!"
The pipe was in the old dame's mouth when she said these words. She had thrust it there after filling it with tobacco, but without stooping to light it at the hearth, where indeed there was no appearance of a fire having been kindled that morning. Forthwith, however, as soon as the order was given, there was an intense red glow out of the bowl of the pipe, and a whiff of smoke came from Mother Rigby's lips. Whence the coal came, and how brought thither by an invisible hand, I have never been able to discover.
What this Textopian page supports
Feathertop: a Moralized Legend is listed on Textopian as a novella by Nathaniel Hawthorne, dated 1852 CE.
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- Work type: Novella
- Author: Nathaniel Hawthorne
- Date: 1852 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Fantasy, Gothic Fiction, Allegory, Satire, Short Story
- Length: 9,211 words
- Structure: 1 section, 101 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
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Similar titles
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- The Ant And The Dove by Leo Tolstoy
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Genres
- Fantasy — The story involves magical elements, such as a witch and a bewitched scarecrow, which are central to the plot.
- Gothic Fiction — The themes of witchcraft, the supernatural, and the eerie atmosphere contribute to a Gothic sensibility.
- Allegory — The narrative serves as a moral lesson about identity, self-awareness, and the nature of humanity.
- Satire — The story critiques societal norms and the superficiality of appearances through the character of Feathertop.
Tags
Fable · Moralistic · Satire · Fantasy · Romance · Allegory · Symbolism · Mythology · Folklore · Literary Fiction · Social Commentary · Critique of Society