The Threefold Destiny
A world traveler returns to his New England village after years of adventure, marked by a belief in a destined fate that includes finding a soulmate, discovering hidden treasure, and gaining influence. The protagonist, Ralph Cranfield, has been shaped by his journeys, losing some of his New England essence while gaining foreign traits. Upon his return, he is unrecognized by the villagers, yet he feels a deep connection to his childhood home. Cranfield's dreams are haunted by visions of three significant events that will define his life. The first involves finding a beautiful woman with a heart-shaped jewel, the second pertains to discovering a treasure marked by a hand pointing downward, and the third concerns gaining power through a prophetic sage. Despite his high aspirations, he returns home burdened by disappointment and a sense of lost youth. As he reconnects with his mother and the familiar surroundings, he is reminded of his past ambitions. He encounters three village officials who seek him to fill the role of schoolmaster, a position he initially views as beneath his grand destiny. However, he begins to see parallels between the officials and the prophetic figures of his dreams. During a reflective walk, he notices a hand-shaped growth on a tree, reminiscent of his childhood inscription that signifies the treasure he seeks. This prompts him to reconsider his life choices and the meaning of his journey. He then meets Faith Egerton, his childhood friend, who wears a heart-shaped brooch he once gifted her. Their reunion ignites feelings of love and connection, leading him to utter the fateful words he had envisioned. In this moment, Cranfield realizes that his true treasure lies not in distant lands or grand titles, but in the love and responsibilities he has within his own community. He understands that his destiny is fulfilled through nurturing the village children and embracing the life he once overlooked. The story concludes with the notion that happiness and purpose often reside within the familiar, urging individuals to recognize their true calling without the need for a prolonged search.
By Nathaniel Hawthorne · First published 1842 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Allegory, Romance · 3,946 words
First lines
I have sometimes produced a singular and not unpleasing effect, so far as my own mind was concerned, by imagining a train of incidents, in which the spirit and mechanism of the fairy legend should be combined with the characters and manners of familiar life. In the little tale which follows, a subdued tinge of the wild and wonderful is thrown over a sketch of New England personages and scenery, yet, it is hoped, without entirely obliterating the sober hues of nature. Rather than a story of events claiming to be real, it may be considered as an allegory, such as the writers of the last century would have expressed in the shape of an Eastern tale, but to which I have endeavored to give a more life-like warmth than could be infused into those fanciful productions.
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The Threefold Destiny is listed on Textopian as a short story by Nathaniel Hawthorne, dated 1842 CE.
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- Work type: Short story
- Author: Nathaniel Hawthorne
- Date: 1842 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Literary Fiction, Allegory, Romance, Fantasy, Adventure
- Length: 3,946 words
- Structure: 1 section, 35 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
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- Work identity for The Threefold Destiny by Nathaniel Hawthorne
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Literary Fiction — The work explores deep themes of destiny, identity, and the human experience, characteristic of literary fiction.
- Allegory — The narrative serves as an allegory for the search for purpose and fulfillment in life, reflecting on the nature of fate.
- Romance — The story includes romantic elements, particularly the relationship between Ralph Cranfield and Faith Egerton.
- Fantasy — The presence of magical realism and the blending of the ordinary with the extraordinary gives it a fantasy aspect.
Tags
Fiction · Novel · American Literature · 19th Century · Romance · Fantasy · Adventure · Coming of Age · Self Discovery · Mystery · Supernatural · Symbolism