The Classic Tales Podcast Ep. 862, Rappaccini's Daughter, by Nathaniel HawthorneVINTAGE
Sep 25, 2023
A young student becomes entranced by a stunning garden and its caretaker, Eve, only to discover that their paradise harbors dark secrets. Dr. Rappaccini's obsessive experiments blur the lines between love and danger, leading Giovanni down a perilous path. As he learns the truth about Beatrice's bond with the plants, the stakes rise with tragic consequences. The intertwining themes of science, ethics, and romance create a haunting tale that echoes the complexities of love and life.
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Beauty Masking Scientific Danger
- Hawthorne frames Rappaccini's garden as a scientific Eden where beauty and danger coexist intimately.
- The gardener's detachment and protective gear hint that cultivated knowledge can corrupt innocent pursuits.
Baglioni Warns About Rappaccini
- Professor Pietro Baglioni recounts Rappaccini's obsession with poisonous plants and dubious cures.
- Baglioni warns Giovanni that Rappaccini values science over human life and may sacrifice patients for experiments.
First Encounters With Beatrice
- Giovanni first sees Beatrice and witnesses small creatures die near her and the fatal flowers.
- These incidents seed his mix of attraction and dread toward the beautiful gardener.
