The History of Literature 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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Fiction As A Window Into Invention
- Hawthorne intentionally shows the mechanics of fiction by listing the details he'd invent around Wakefield's act.
- The narrator pulls back the curtain to reveal how a fiction writer composes meaning from an inexplicable event.
Listen For The Writer's Craft
- When reading fiction, notice how writers assemble details to create meaning rather than only following plot.
- Use that awareness to appreciate inventive choices and the craft behind emotional effects.
The Heart As A Secret Moral Landscape
- Hawthorne treats the heart as a private, often dark chamber that shapes outward behavior.
- Solitude becomes morally dangerous because it separates a person from human fellowship and humility.
