The Seven Vagabonds
The narrative begins with a young traveler who encounters a covered wagon at a crossroads, which serves as a mobile puppet show. The showman, an elderly gentleman, entertains the traveler with a display of miniature figures that come to life through music. The traveler admires the showman's life, filled with joy and adventure, and wishes for a similar existence. Inside the wagon, the traveler meets a young literary man who sells books, expressing his admiration for the literary life. The atmosphere shifts when a cheerful young woman and a handsome foreigner enter, bringing music and lightness. The woman plays the fiddle, and the group engages in lively conversation, revealing their shared aim of attending a camp-meeting at Stamford. As the rain begins to fall, a ragged old beggar joins the group, presenting a letter of recommendation for charity. He offers to tell the traveler’s fortune, which intrigues the young man. The beggar's predictions hint at a significant event in the traveler’s life, adding a layer of mystique to the gathering. The group continues to grow as an Indian man enters, seeking shelter from the storm. The young woman’s infectious spirit draws the Indian into their camaraderie, and they all decide to travel together to the camp-meeting. The traveler reflects on the nature of their lives, contrasting their free-spirited existence with the mundane lives of others. The old showman proposes that they all journey together, and the traveler expresses his desire to join them as an itinerant novelist, sharing stories with audiences. The group accepts him, and they share a moment of joy and music, celebrating their newfound companionship. As they prepare to leave, a traveling preacher approaches, revealing that the camp-meeting has ended, which shatters their plans. The group disperses, each member returning to their own path. The traveler, now alone, decides to accompany the Indian, reflecting on the transient nature of their gathering and the fleeting connections formed along the way. The narrative concludes with the traveler embracing the uncertainty of his journey, embodying the spirit of the vagabonds he has encountered.
By Nathaniel Hawthorne · First published 1854 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Romanticism, Adventure · 7,536 words
First lines
Rambling on foot in the spring of my life and the summer of the year, I came one afternoon to a point which gave me the choice of three directions. Straight before me, the main road extended its dusty length to Boston; on the left a branch went towards the sea, and would have lengthened my journey a trifle of twenty or thirty miles; while by the right-hand path, I might have gone over hills and lakes to Canada, visiting in my way the celebrated town of Stamford. On a level spot of grass, at the foot of the guidepost, appeared an object, which, though locomotive on a different principle, reminded me of Gulliver's portable mansion among the Brobdignags. It was a huge covered wagon, or, more properly, a small house on wheels, with a door on one side and a window shaded by green blinds on the other. Two horses, munching provender out of the baskets which muzzled them, were fastened near the vehicle: a delectable sound of music proceeded from the interior; and I immediately conjectured that this was some itinerant show, halting at the confluence of the roads to intercept such idle travellers as myself. A shower had long been climbing up the western sky, and now hung so blackly over my onward path that it was a point of wisdom to seek shelter here.
What this Textopian page supports
The Seven Vagabonds is listed on Textopian as a short story by Nathaniel Hawthorne, dated 1854 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: 1854 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Literary Fiction, Romanticism, Adventure, Philosophical Fiction, Social Commentary
- Length: 7,536 words
- Structure: 1 section, 65 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)
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- Work identity for The Seven Vagabonds 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 The Seven Vagabonds?
- How does this short story by Nathaniel Hawthorne fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Literary Fiction first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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- An Unfinished Story by Richard Harding Davis
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- A Royal Poet by Washington Irving
- The Voice Of The City by O. Henry
Genres
- Literary Fiction — The narrative explores complex themes of identity, wanderlust, and the human experience through rich character development and introspective prose.
- Romanticism — The work embodies Romantic ideals, emphasizing nature, individualism, and emotional depth, reflecting the protagonist's inner journey and connection to the world.
- Adventure — The plot involves a journey with various characters, highlighting the spirit of exploration and the adventures encountered along the way.
- Philosophical Fiction — The text delves into philosophical reflections on life, happiness, and the nature of existence, prompting readers to consider deeper meanings.
Tags
American Literature · Classic Novel · Coming-of-Age Story · Friendship · Growth and Self-Discovery · Moral Ambiguity · Social Commentary · Young Adult Fiction · Adventure · Travel · Identity Crisis · Morality