The Birthmark (A Dark Tale of Love & Obsession)
Enriched edition. Including Author's BiographyBy Nathaniel Hawthorne
Length6h 15m
About this audiobook
In Nathaniel Hawthorne's 'The Birthmark (A Dark Tale of Love & Obsession),' readers are confronted with a haunting story that explores the destructive forces of perfectionism and obsession. Set in the 18th century Puritan society, the novella delves into the life of the brilliant scientist Aylmer and his deep-seated desire to remove the single flaw on his wife's otherwise flawless face. Through vivid imagery and symbolic motifs, Hawthorne creates a dark and atmospheric tale that challenges societal norms and underscores the dangers of pursuing unattainable ideals of beauty and perfection. The allegorical nature of the narrative invites readers to reflect on timeless themes of love, mortality, and the limits of human ambition. A must-read for those interested in Gothic literature and psychological exploration, 'The Birthmark' showcases Hawthorne's mastery of prose and his astute understanding of human nature.
In this enriched edition, we have carefully created added value for your reading experience:
- A succinct Introduction situates the work's timeless appeal and themes.
- The Synopsis outlines the central plot, highlighting key developments without spoiling critical twists.
- A detailed Historical Context immerses you in the era's events and influences that shaped the writing.
- An Author Biography reveals milestones in the author's life, illuminating the personal insights behind the text.
- A thorough Analysis dissects symbols, motifs, and character arcs to unearth underlying meanings.
- Reflection questions prompt you to engage personally with the work's messages, connecting them to modern life.
- Hand‐picked Memorable Quotes shine a spotlight on moments of literary brilliance.
- Interactive footnotes clarify unusual references, historical allusions, and archaic phrases for an effortless, more informed read.
Audiobook details
Rating★★★★ 3.9 (20.8K)
Includes Goodreads, StoryGraph, Amazon, LibraryThing
GenreGeneral Fiction, Romance
Length6 hrs 15 mins
Narrated byListen with 1,000+ voices
FormateBook with Audio
Publish dateDec 6, 2017
LanguageEnglish
Table of contents
1The Birthmark (Thriller Classic)
2Nathaniel Hawthorne: 70+ Short Stories in One Edition
3The House of the Seven Gables (Illustrated)
4The Complete Novels
5The Complete Short Stories of Nathaniel Hawthorne (Illustrated)
Show all chaptersShow less
6Introduction
7Synopsis
8Historical Context
9Author Biography
10Introduction Biographical Sketch by George Parsons Lathrop (pt. 1)
11Introduction Biographical Sketch by George Parsons Lathrop (pt. 2)
12The Birthmark
13Analysis
14Reflection
15Memorable Quotes
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