Paradise of Children
The narrative unfolds in a picturesque setting during a snowy winter, where children revel in the joys of the season. Eustace Bright, a college student, returns home for Christmas, and a heavy snowstorm ensues, prompting excitement among the children at Tanglewood. They anticipate winter activities, such as sleigh rides and snowball fights, while Eustace laments the loss of skating opportunities. To entertain the children, Eustace begins to tell a story about a mythical time when the world was a paradise for children, devoid of adult troubles. He introduces two characters, Epimetheus and Pandora, who live in a world where children are carefree and nature provides for all their needs. However, their happiness is disrupted by a mysterious box entrusted to Epimetheus, which Pandora's curiosity leads her to question. Despite Epimetheus's warnings, Pandora's desire to know what lies within the box grows. The box, beautifully crafted and adorned, becomes an object of obsession for her. Eventually, her curiosity overwhelms her, and she unties the intricate knot securing the box. When she opens it, a swarm of troubles escapes, bringing pain and sorrow into their previously idyllic existence. The children, once innocent and joyful, now experience their first feelings of discomfort and sadness. In the aftermath, Pandora and Epimetheus, stung by the troubles they unleashed, find themselves in despair. However, amidst their sorrow, a gentle voice from within the box calls out, revealing itself to be Hope. This figure, embodying optimism and resilience, assures them that despite the troubles, she will always be present to provide comfort and encouragement. The story concludes with a reflection on the nature of hope in the face of adversity. The children at Tanglewood, inspired by Eustace's tale, continue to find joy and laughter despite the winter's harshness, illustrating the enduring power of hope and the human spirit. The narrative serves as a reminder that while troubles may abound, hope remains a vital force that can uplift and sustain individuals through life's challenges.
By Nathaniel Hawthorne · First published 1855 · Genre: Fantasy, Children's Literature, Allegory · 3 chapters · 8,501 words
First lines
The golden days of October passed away, as so many other Octobers have, and brown November likewise, and the greater part of chill December, too. At last came merry Christmas, and Eustace Bright along with it, making it all the merrier by his presence. And, the day after his arrival from college, there came a mighty snow-storm. Up to this time, the winter had held back, and had given us a good many mild days, which were like smiles upon its wrinkled visage. The grass had kept itself green, in sheltered places, such as the nooks of southern hill-slopes, and along the lee of the stone fences. It was but a week or two ago, and since the beginning of the month, that the children had found a dandelion in bloom, on the margin of Shadow Brook, where it glides out of the dell.
What this Textopian page supports
Paradise of Children is listed on Textopian as a novel by Nathaniel Hawthorne, dated 1855 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novel
- Author: Nathaniel Hawthorne
- Date: 1855 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Fantasy, Children's Literature, Allegory, Moral Tale, Adventure
- Length: 8,501 words
- Structure: 3 chapters, 119 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Paradise of Children by Nathaniel Hawthorne
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Paradise of Children?
- How does this novel by Nathaniel Hawthorne fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Fantasy first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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- The Vilas Spring The Story Of The Brother Who Knew That Good Was Stronger Than Evil by Parker Fillmore
Genres
- Fantasy — The story features mythical elements, such as a magical box and personifications of abstract concepts like Hope and Troubles.
- Children's Literature — The narrative is centered around children and their experiences, making it suitable for a young audience.
- Allegory — The tale serves as an allegory for human curiosity and the consequences of actions, particularly regarding the introduction of troubles into the world.
- Moral Tale — The story conveys moral lessons about curiosity, consequences, and the importance of hope amidst adversity.
Tags
American Literature · Classic Novel · Coming-of-Age Story · Family Drama · Social Commentary · Morality Tale · 19th Century Fiction · Psychological Insight · Symbolism · Allegory · Moral Ambiguity · Childhood Innocence
Contents
- Tanglewood Play-Room
- The Paradise of Children
- Tanglewood Play-Room. after the Story