660 "Wakefield" by Nathaniel Hawthorne | My Last Book with Amelia Possanza

Dec 12, 2024

Amelia Possanza, author of "Lesbian Love Story: A Memoir in Archives," shares her poignant choice for the last book she'll read. The discussion dives into Nathaniel Hawthorne's "Wakefield," a tale of a man who mysteriously abandons his wife yet lives just around the corner for twenty years. Topics include Hawthorne's unique narrative style, the psychological complexities of isolation and marital fidelity, and the emotional toll of absence on relationships. Possanza also reflects on literary legacy and personal loss.

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Intro

00:00 • 5min

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Exploring Hawthorne's Literary Journey

04:48 • 7min

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The Heart of Isolation

12:18 • 6min

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The Absence of Wakefield

17:58 • 23min

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The Curious Case of Wakefield: A Study in Absence

40:53 • 2min

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Exploring Isolation and Literary Legacy

43:13 • 8min

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Upcoming Literary Discussions and Reflections

Twice-Told Tales is a collection of short stories by Nathaniel Hawthorne, first published in the spring of 1837. The title is derived from a line in William Shakespeare's 'King John': 'Life is as tedious as a twice-told tale, / Vexing the dull ear of a drowsy man. ' The stories, many of which are ironic retellings of familiar tropes, were previously published anonymously in magazines and annuals. The collection includes tales such as 'The Gray Champion,' 'The Minister's Black Veil,' and 'Dr. Heidegger's Experiment,' and is noted for its rare purity of style and its exploration of familiar life and haunted specters through a lens of subtle mysticism and deep melancholy.

Nathaniel Hawthorne's "Wakefield" is a short story exploring themes of alienation, isolation, and the subtle complexities of human relationships. It follows a man who mysteriously abandons his family for twenty years, only to return as if nothing happened. The story delves into the psychological motivations behind Wakefield's actions, leaving the reader to ponder the nature of human behavior and the consequences of self-imposed exile. Hawthorne masterfully uses symbolism and subtle details to create a haunting and thought-provoking narrative. The story's ambiguity allows for multiple interpretations, making it a rich subject for literary analysis and discussion. It remains a compelling example of Hawthorne's unique style and his exploration of the human condition.

Moby Dick

Herman Melville

Moby-Dick is a novel that tells the story of Captain Ahab's maniacal quest for revenge against Moby Dick, the giant white sperm whale that bit off his leg. Narrated by Ishmael, the story follows the crew of the whaling ship Pequod as they embark on a journey that explores themes of obsession, man vs. nature, and the existential questions of good and evil. The novel is rich in detailed descriptions of whale hunting and life aboard a culturally diverse crew, and it has become a cornerstone of American and world literature.

The scarlet letter

Nathaniel Hawthorne

The Scarlet Letter, written by Nathaniel Hawthorne, is set in 17th-century Boston and revolves around Hester Prynne, a young woman who is publicly shamed for committing adultery. She is forced to wear a scarlet letter 'A' on her clothing as a symbol of her sin. The novel delves into themes of guilt, sin, redemption, and the strict moral codes of the Puritan community. Hester's husband, Roger Chillingworth, seeks revenge against her lover, Arthur Dimmesdale, a local minister who is wracked with guilt over his secret sin. The story explores the psychological and emotional suffering of the characters, ultimately leading to a dramatic public confession by Dimmesdale and the subsequent consequences for all involved. The novel is a classic moral study and a masterpiece of American literature, critiquing the hypocrisy and rigid moral standards of the Puritan society.

Before his marriage, before meeting Herman Melville, and before the publication of The Scarlet Letter, Nathaniel Hawthorne was living in near seclusion, writing the stories that formed his first collection Twice-Told Tales. Edgar Allan Poe was impressed: "His tone is singularly effective," he wrote, "wild, plaintive, thoughtful, and in full accordance with his themes...We look upon him as one of the few men of indisputable genius to whom our country has as yet given birth."

In this episode, Jacke takes a look at one of these Twice-Told Tales, the short story "Wakefield," in which a Londoner abandons his wife, takes up residence one street away, then rejoins his family after twenty years as if he'd never left. The story is read in full by Emma Wilson, HOL producer. PLUS Amelia Possanza (Lesbian Love Story: A Memoir in Archives) stops by to discuss her choice for the last book she will ever read.

Additional listening:

296 Nathaniel Hawthorne
461 The Peabody Sisters (with Megan Marshall)
297 The Scarlet Letter

The music in this episode is by Gabriel Ruiz-Bernal. Learn more at gabrielruizbernal.com.

Help support the show at patreon.com/literature or historyofliterature.com/donate. The History of Literature Podcast is a member of Lit Hub Radio and the Podglomerate Network. Learn more at thepodglomerate.com/historyofliterature.

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