The Minister's Black VeilPublished 1836, American
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Young Goodman Brown
A music video retelling of Hawthorne's short story, featuring Evan Rachel Wood. (Click through to YouTube to see video.)
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Published 1835, American
(Introduction is Optional)
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Submitted Materials
In my home state of Maine, Sebago Lake is a stunning lake in the town over from mine. In Sebago is Frye's Leap, which is a naturally formed cliff on the edge of the lake. Many stories are associated with it, and it is also known as the Images, named for the Native American paintings that still exist on the side of the formation. I went to summer camp here, and we would have weekly gatherings on top of the Images to meditate and observe the beautiful setting. Just to the side of the Images is a small cave that was also naturally formed, and this cave is where Nathaniel Hawthorne supposedly would go to meditate, and where I'm sure he gathered inspiration for many of his stories and other creative pursuits. A favorite camp activity was to canoe out along the Images and explore the area in and around the cave. It is a beautiful setting and a place that is perfect for calm meditation, relaxation, and inspiration. In the context of this story of the area and knowing the beauty and history of the area, Hawthorne's pieces take on a very special importance for me and other native Mainers.