Roger Malvin's Burial
The narrative unfolds during an expedition in 1725, focusing on two wounded men, Roger Malvin and Reuben Bourne, who find themselves lost in the wilderness after a battle with Native Americans. Malvin, an older man, is gravely injured and believes he will not survive. He urges Reuben, a young man, to leave him behind and seek help, fearing that his presence will only burden Reuben. Despite his injuries, Reuben is torn between loyalty and the instinct for self-preservation. Malvin insists that he would rather die alone in the wilderness than have Reuben sacrifice his life for him. Reuben ultimately decides to leave Malvin, promising to return with help. He struggles through the forest, facing physical challenges and the psychological weight of abandoning his companion. After several days, he is rescued by a search party and returns to his home, where he is welcomed by Dorcas, Malvin's daughter, who is unaware of her father's fate. Reuben, feeling guilty for leaving Malvin, fabricates a story of bravery to win Dorcas's affection, and they eventually marry. As time passes, Reuben's guilt manifests in his deteriorating mental state and his inability to find peace. He becomes a neglectful husband and father, haunted by the unfulfilled promise to return and bury Malvin. His life spirals into ruin, marked by irritability and a sense of moral failure. Years later, Reuben and his family venture into the wilderness to start anew. On the anniversary of Malvin's death, Reuben is drawn back to the site where he left Malvin. He experiences a supernatural compulsion to confront his past. In a moment of reckoning, he accidentally shoots his own son, Cyrus, mistaking him for a deer. The tragedy forces Reuben to confront the consequences of his earlier actions, culminating in a cathartic release of guilt as he realizes the interconnectedness of life and death. The story concludes with a poignant reflection on the themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and the haunting nature of unresolved guilt. Reuben's journey illustrates the moral complexities of human relationships and the burdens of unfulfilled promises, ultimately leading to a tragic yet redemptive resolution.
By Nathaniel Hawthorne · First published 1832 · Genre: Historical Fiction, Tragedy, Adventure · 9,046 words
First lines
One of the few incidents of Indian warfare naturally susceptible of the moonlight of romance was that expedition undertaken for the defence of the frontiers in the year 1725, which resulted in the well-remembered "Lovell's Fight. " Imagination, by casting certain circumstances judicially into the shade, may see much to admire in the heroism of a little band who gave battle to twice their number in the heart of the enemy's country. The open bravery displayed by both parties was in accordance with civilized ideas of valor; and chivalry itself might not blush to record the deeds of one or two individuals. The battle, though so fatal to those who fought, was not unfortunate in its consequences to the country; for it broke the strength of a tribe and conduced to the peace which subsisted during several ensuing years. History and tradition are unusually minute in their memorials of their affair; and the captain of a scouting party of frontier men has acquired as actual a military renown as many a victorious leader of thousands. Some of the incidents contained in the following pages will be recognized, notwithstanding the substitution of fictitious names, by such as have heard, from old men's lips, the fate of the few combatants who were in a condition to retreat after "Lovell's Fight."
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Roger Malvin's Burial is listed on Textopian as a short story by Nathaniel Hawthorne, dated 1832 CE.
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- Work type: Short story
- Author: Nathaniel Hawthorne
- Date: 1832 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Historical Fiction, Tragedy, Adventure, Romance, Psychological Fiction
- Length: 9,046 words
- Structure: 1 section, 73 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)
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- Work identity for Roger Malvin's Burial by Nathaniel Hawthorne
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Genres
- Historical Fiction — The story is set against the backdrop of early 18th-century American frontier life, incorporating historical events and figures.
- Tragedy — The narrative explores themes of loss, guilt, and moral conflict, culminating in a tragic conclusion.
- Adventure — The plot involves a perilous journey through the wilderness, highlighting survival and the struggle against nature.
- Romance — The story includes elements of love and relationships, particularly between Reuben and Dorcas, as well as familial bonds.
Tags
American Literature · Short Story · Historical Fiction · Tragedy · Guilt · Punishment · Revenge · Family Conflict · Moral Lesson · Coming of Age · Loss of Innocence · Social Commentary