Nathaniel Hawthorne’s ‘Legends of the Province House’ in relation to historical documents

Table of Contents

• I. Introduction and Preliminaries
• II. Historical Background
  • II.1 Thomas Hutchinson – Epitome of British Rule?
  • II.2 The Province House - From Centre of Power to Oblivion
• III. "Legends of the Province House"
  • III.1 The frame story
  • III.2 "Howe's Masquerade"
  • III.3 “Edward Randolph's Portrait”
  • III.4 "Lady Eleanor's Mantle"
  • III.5 "Old Esther Dudley"
• IV. Conclusion – “Moral History” or “Divided Loyalties”?

Objectives and Key Themes

This paper aims to analyze Nathaniel Hawthorne's "Legends of the Province House" by relating the stories to historical documents, contemporary accounts, and modern historical research. It seeks to understand Hawthorne's portrayal of history and his own divided loyalties, examining the historical value of the stories within their context. The analysis will draw upon Hawthorne's other works, particularly "The Whole History of Grandfather's Chair," for a more comprehensive understanding of his views on the colonial past.

• Hawthorne's representation of historical events and figures.
• The exploration of divided loyalties during the colonial period.
• The historical accuracy and interpretive value of Hawthorne's narratives.
• Hawthorne's perspective on the significance of history and its moral implications.
• The relationship between literature and historical documentation.

Chapter Summaries

I. Introduction and Preliminaries: This introductory chapter establishes the relative lack of scholarly attention given to Hawthorne's "Legends of the Province House" before the early 1980s. It highlights the recent surge in research focusing on the historical presentation, Hawthorne's divided loyalties, and the overall historical significance of the stories. The chapter outlines the paper's objective: to connect Hawthorne's tales with historical documents and contemporary accounts, also referencing Hawthorne's other writings, especially "The Whole History of Grandfather's Chair," for context. It introduces Governor Thomas Hutchinson and the Province House, key figures and settings within the "Legends," laying the groundwork for a deeper understanding of the historical backdrop.

II. Historical Background: This section delves into the historical context surrounding Hawthorne's "Legends." It examines the life and legacy of Thomas Hutchinson, a controversial figure in colonial history, and his role as Lieutenant-Governor and later Governor. The chapter also explores the history of the Province House itself, tracing its transformation from a center of power to eventual obscurity. This lays the foundation for understanding the historical setting and the significance of the locations within Hawthorne's stories, highlighting the political and social climate that informs the narratives.

III. "Legends of the Province House": This chapter provides a comprehensive overview of Hawthorne's "Legends of the Province House," analyzing the four stories as a collective whole. It synthesizes the themes and arguments presented in each of the individual stories ("Howe's Masquerade," “Edward Randolph's Portrait," "Lady Eleanor's Mantle," and "Old Esther Dudley") and discusses their contributions to the overarching themes of the collection. The analysis would elaborate on how the frame story establishes the setting and connects the individual tales, thereby creating a cohesive narrative.

Keywords

Nathaniel Hawthorne, Legends of the Province House, Thomas Hutchinson, Province House, colonial America, American Revolution, historical fiction, historical accuracy, divided loyalties, moral history.

Nathaniel Hawthorne's "Legends of the Province House": A Comprehensive FAQ

What is this document about?

This document provides a comprehensive overview of Nathaniel Hawthorne's "Legends of the Province House," including its table of contents, objectives, key themes, chapter summaries, and keywords. It aims to analyze Hawthorne's work by connecting his fictional narratives to historical documents and contemporary accounts, exploring his portrayal of history and his own divided loyalties.

What are the main themes explored in "Legends of the Province House"?

The key themes include Hawthorne's representation of historical events and figures, the exploration of divided loyalties during the colonial period, the historical accuracy and interpretive value of Hawthorne's narratives, Hawthorne's perspective on the significance of history and its moral implications, and the relationship between literature and historical documentation.

What is the structure of the "Legends of the Province House"?

The work is structured around a frame story set in the Province House, encompassing four individual tales: "Howe's Masquerade," “Edward Randolph's Portrait," "Lady Eleanor's Mantle," and "Old Esther Dudley." The document provides summaries for each story and analyzes their contribution to the overall narrative.

What historical figures and settings are central to the "Legends"?

Governor Thomas Hutchinson and the Province House are key figures and settings. The document delves into the historical context surrounding both, exploring Hutchinson's controversial role in colonial history and the Province House's transformation from a center of power to obscurity.

What is the historical context of "Legends of the Province House"?

The stories are set against the backdrop of colonial America, specifically focusing on the period leading up to and including the American Revolution. The document analyzes the historical accuracy of Hawthorne's portrayal of this period and examines the political and social climate that shaped the narratives.

How does this document analyze Hawthorne's work?

The analysis connects Hawthorne's fictional narratives with historical documents, contemporary accounts, and modern historical research. It draws upon Hawthorne's other works, particularly "The Whole History of Grandfather's Chair," to provide a more comprehensive understanding of his views on the colonial past and his own divided loyalties.

What is the objective of this document?

The primary objective is to provide a scholarly overview of "Legends of the Province House," analyzing its historical context, literary merit, and thematic concerns. It aims to bridge the gap between literary analysis and historical research, offering a nuanced understanding of Hawthorne's work.

What keywords are associated with this analysis of "Legends of the Province House"?

Keywords include: Nathaniel Hawthorne, Legends of the Province House, Thomas Hutchinson, Province House, colonial America, American Revolution, historical fiction, historical accuracy, divided loyalties, and moral history.

What is the significance of the Province House in Hawthorne's work?

The Province House serves as a symbolic setting, representing the passage of time, the changing fortunes of power, and the lingering impact of historical events. Its physical presence links the individual stories together, creating a unified narrative.

What is the overall conclusion drawn in this document?

The document concludes by examining the overarching themes of "moral history" and "divided loyalties" present within Hawthorne's "Legends of the Province House" and the historical and literary significance of his work.