The Celestial Railroad

by Nathaniel Hawthorne

Nathaniel Hawthorne takes a trip on the Celestial Railroad with Mr. Smooth-it-away from the City of Destruction. Their destination? The Celestial City!

Genres: Short Stories, Classics, Fiction, Fantasy, Literature, Christianity, Christian Fiction

42 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 1, 1843

About the author

Nathaniel Hawthorne was a 19th century American novelist and short story writer. He is seen as a key figure in the development of American literature for his tales of the nation's colonial history.

Shortly after graduating from Bowdoin College, Hathorne changed his name to Hawthorne. Hawthorne anonymously published his first work, a novel titled Fanshawe, in 1828. In 1837, he published Twice-Told Tales and became engaged to painter and illustrator Sophia Peabody the next year. He worked at a Custom House and joined a Transcendentalist Utopian community, before marrying Peabody in 1842. The couple moved to The Old Manse in Concord, Massachusetts, later moving to Salem, the Berkshires, then to The Wayside in Concord. The Scarlet Letter was published in 1850, followed by a succession of other novels. A political appointment took Hawthorne and family to Europe before returning to The Wayside in 1860. Hawthorne died on May 19, 1864, leaving behind his wife and their three children.

Much of Hawthorne's writing centers around New England and many feature moral allegories with a Puritan inspiration. His work is considered part of the Romantic movement and includes novels, short stories, and a biography of his friend, the United States President Franklin Pierce.

Reviews

[Bill Kerwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The Celestial Railroad,” first published in the United States Magazine and Democratic Review, XII (May, 1843), in which the reader takes a trip upon a fast train advertised as destined for heaven, is one of Hawthorne’s most accomplished allegories. Hawthorne is a master of allegory, and this narrative deserves more attention than it commonly receives.

Perhaps its neglect stems from the fact that “Railroad”—like many lesser known Hawthorne pieces, such as “A Select Party” or “The Hall of Fancy”—is an example of what Northrup Frye would call “naive allegory,” in which the characters representing abstract ideas are clearly labeled (the shy maiden named “Humility,” the bold soldier christened “Pride”), and either paraded before us to exhibit their qualities (as in Spenser), or encountered as friends or foes on a moral and theological journey (as in Bunyan). We modern readers prefer Hawthorne’s more sophisticated allegories—like “Rappacini’s Daughter,” “Young Goodman Brown,” and of course The Scarlet Letter—in which allegorical characters appear with human names and behave much like real people, interacting with each other in a convincing realistic narrative.

Hawthorne, who, in his naive allegories, typically takes The Fairie Queene for his model (“A Select Party” and “The Hall of Fancy” mentioned above are both Spenserian processions), here imitates A Pilgrim’s Progress instead. He not only imitates it, however, but also parodies and contemporizes it, and, by so doing, holds up the America of his age—circa 1840—to devastating criticism.

Hawthorne’s train to heaven—“The Celestial Railroad” of the title—races along on exactly the same route which Bunyan’s Christian accomplished step by painful step in the Progress, but this train trip will be quicker, less painful, and much more pleasant—or at least that is how its promoters describe it. We follow the locomotive's progress, stop by stop, giving the reader of Bunyan—which would have been just about every contemporary Hawthorne reader—a chance to compare this high speed journey with the original.

This story is not only a devastating criticism of our naive concept of “progress”, but is also a witty catalog of folly filled with entertaining images, humorous anecdotes and exciting diversions. Although it’s not the best way of getting to heaven, I would nevertheless highly recommend that you take a trip on Hawthorne's “The Celestial Railroad.”

As a representative sample, I have chosen the train’s encounter with the Giant Transcendentalist (a popular philosophical movement, at the time associated more with the Germans Kant and Swedenborg, and the English Germanophiles Carlyle and Coleridge, than with the young Ralph Waldo Emerson):

At the end of the Valley, as John Bunyan mentions, is a cavern, where, in his days, dwelt two cruel giants, Pope and Pagan, who had strewn the ground about their residence with the bones of slaughtered pilgrims. These vile old troglodytes are no longer there; but in their deserted cave another terrible giant has thrust himself, and makes it his business to seize upon honest travellers, and fat them for his table with plentiful meals of smoke, mist, moonshine, raw potatoes, and saw-dust. He is a German by birth, and is called Giant Transcendentalist; but as to his form, his features, his substance, and his nature generally, it is the chief peculiarity of this huge miscreant, that neither he for himself, nor anybody for him, has ever been able to describe them. As we rushed by the cavern's mouth, we caught a hasty glimpse of him, looking somewhat like an ill-proportioned figure, but considerably more like a heap of fog and duskiness. He shouted after us but in so strange a phraseology, that we knew not what he meant, nor whether to be encouraged or affrighted.

[mesal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yeah, I think I just have too much fun reading Hawthorne's writing; it's addictive.

[Aurora Barker · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is only second to The Cursed Child in my list of most unenjoyable fanfics I have ever read. And I have read some pretty bad fanfics. Some of which I would give anything to have it erased from my mind. Hard to compete with this horrific writing. I guess the theological lesson is pretty ok though.

[John Anthony · Rating 2 out of 5]

Christianity: Hair Shirt v Comfort? The perils of compromise. A rather tedious reminder of Pilgrim’s Progress and I’m not PP’s biggest fan..

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this short story with a middle school class. Some of them read John Bunyan's The Pilgrim's Progress last year and others read Helen Taylor's Little Pilgrim's Progress in their primary school years. Some had no background.

At first, the class took the story literally and thought it was an updated version of the original allegory. Slowly it dawned on them that the Celestial Railroad might not be going where the narrator thought it was going. They picked up on suspicious things like the walking pilgrims, the avoidance of stops that would educate the passengers, the desire to get their burdens back at the destination (and, in a way, that is true), the names of the people not to be trusted, the reformed demons working for the railroad, and the fact that the narrator had no name which leaves his character in doubt. We had many conversations about the differences between the other books and this short story. My favorite moment was when one student gasped and said, "Wait! Wasn't there a woman in Little Pilgrim's Progress who rode a ferryboat and it sank and she did not go to the Celestial City." Then another student looked alarmed and said, "That's right! They are definitely going to hell."

[Mary Catelli · Rating 4 out of 5]

A descant on The Pilgrim's Progress, where our highly modern (that is, from Hawthorne's day) narrator takes advantage of the excellent railway that provides a much more convenient pathway to the Celestial City than the dusty old road -- though they actually see two fool pilgrims setting out the old way.

We get neat little accounts along the way, such as the tunneling though the Hill of Difficulty, the gaslight that obviates the darkness in the Valley of Humiliation, the ministers and churches in Vanity Fair, and much more.

A sharp and ironic look at his day.

[Lea Berryreadinbooks · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a modern take on Pilgrims Progress. Modern in that it was written in the late 1800s, when railroads were a new main form of transportation. Not surprisingly, the modern perspective carries over into the Christian community we see today in the postmodern area. We still want a life of ease and mistake silver-tongued speakers for purveyors of truth.

[annalynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of Hawthorne’s most enjoyable short stories. The premise of the story builds on Bunyans’ Pilgrims Progress but adds Hawthorne’s Christian humor. I’d recommend this to anyone interested in Hawthorne’s short stories.

[Sohail · Rating 3 out of 5]

A funny parody of Pilgrim's Progress.

[teddyreadingstuff · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Celestial Railroad is to Pilgrims Progress as the Aeneid is to the Iliad

[Jana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nette Geschichte, leicht zu lesen und zu verstehen. Interessante Kritik an der Industrialisierung, die ich nicht teile, aber interessant aufarbeitet finde. Sehr religiös geprägt, mit vielen Analogien zur Bibel. Kann man mal machen.

[Barry Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

This fascinating short story, written by the author of “The House of the Seven Gables,” is a satire of religious philosophies, notably Bunyan’s “Pilgrim’s Progress.” In this story, told in the first person, the narrator takes the trip from the city of Destruction to the Celestial City. Many of the Bunyan’s experiences, including the Slough of Despond, the House of the Interpreter, the Palace Beautiful , Vanity Fair, and the Valley of the Shadow of Death, are bypassed by the train. A fellow traveler, Mr. Smooth-it-away, a native of Destruction, knows much about the Celestial City, even though he has never been there, and comments on the foolishness of the pilgrims who take the difficult path described by Bunyan. The chief conductor of the train is Apollyon, the leader of the city of Destruction who fights with Pilgrim in Bunyan’s work. Apparently, Hawthorne was pleased by how offended the clergy were by his story. A contemporary of Hawthorne, Herman Melville, wrote of a scene where all of the inhabitants of Vanity Fair were ambivilent regarding the death of others (except the narrator), noting that “nothing can be finer than this.” At the end of the story, Mr. Smooth-it-away shares that he never intended to go the the Celestial City, . He laughs at the narrator as smoke emerges from his mouth and nostrils and flames come from his eyes, revealing that he Is really an “impudent fiend.” At this point, the narrator awakes, pleased to discover that this was only a dream. The bitter satire of people of faith in this story is palpable.

[Summer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh wow.

I just get Hawthorne, his writing is amazing.

I had an inkling from the start that maybe the railroad was going through hell, but I didn't quite have it down until the train reached Vanity Fair. And then it clicked. (I didn't know who John Bunyan was). The train was on the journey to heaven, with all the traps and vices you pass and must traverse along the way.

Such a clever idea!!

The commentary in Vanity Fair was simply amazing. It also serves as such a good reminder to stay true.

There was a sort of stock or scrip, called Conscience, which seemed to be in great demand, and would purchase almost anything. Indeed, few rich commodities were to be obtained without paying a heavy sum in this particular stock, and a man’s business was seldom very lucrative unless he knew precisely when and how to throw his hoard of conscience into the market. Yet as this stock was the only thing of permanent value, whoever parted with it was sure to find himself a loser in the long run.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Poignant and revealing play on Bunyan's The Pilgrim's Progress. Interesting Hawthorne's insights into the culture of the Industrial Revolution juxtaposed against two centuries prior. Villains not so threatening nor apparent, but every bit as destructive. Transcendentalism had replaced Pope and Pagan in devouring believers, but his features were vague and nebulous. Martyrddom wasn't an issue now at Vanity Fair, but the fact that Beelzebub showed his face there didn't alarm the journeyers. And no more cumbersome sin burdens for these wayfarers - attached to their baggage, it traveled with them!

Ease, convenience, and distraction lulled a populous to sleep that were neither atheist, agnostic, nor heathen; rather, they assumed they were bound for the Celestial City. What mirror this account holds up to us now two centuries later.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this short story back in highschool, and for some reason it stuck with me. I reread it again because for some reason the title popped in my head one day, and like a week after that thought I saw a paperback book filled with Hawthorne's short stories in a book sale, it was even on the front cover! It was meant to be!!!!

I'm a fan of Pilgrim's Progress, it's been a minute since I read it, but I do love a good allegory. This was an entertaining read that brought the themes of Pilgrim's Progress closer to the "modern" day (1800s feel modern enough for me.) I mean, trains aren't really big where I live, but the concepts remain.

In short, I like Pilgrim's Progress and I like The Celestial Railroad, looking forward to someone trying to revisit this idea or at least talk more about these two amazing works.

[Terragyrl3 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hilarious send-up of Pilgrim’s Progress, that 17th century bedrock of Puritanical Christian edification. Writing 175 years later, Hawthorne uses the pilgrimage to criticize the 19th century: in particular, society’s addiction to conveniences and the Transcendentalists’ convoluted positivity. Very short read and still applicable to our present-day challenges.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you like Pilgrim's Progress, then you should enjoy this short allegory by Nathaniel Hawthorne. Why walk the long journey to the Celestial City when you can enjoy the ease of traveling on a train while storing your heavy burden in the cargo to pick up at the end of the trip? After all, who doesn't want to reclaim some of their favorite treasures and vices to enjoy later.

[Jeffrey Pittman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nathaniel Hawthorne’s The Celestial Railroad is a Christian allegory written 150 years ago, but as relevant and applicable today as when it was first penned. Hawthorne’s writing style is rich and his imagination is fertile. The short story is certainly worth the time spent in reading.

[Joyfully Jules · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this for school and quite enjoyed it. This is a great reminder not to fall for the Devil's deception. And to not get caught up in the false modern, liberal religious practices that this fallen world so highly endorses.

[Sean Harding · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hawthorne Hawks #64
64 Hawthorne yarns read and he seems to be just as interesting, nay maybe even more so, with this one almost a riff on Pilgrim's Progress, I need to read more about this geezer's story.

[Lovely Fortune]

For American Civ. Not sure why people like this guy. The city I'm from is named after this guy, because it was the founder's daughter's favorite author...like, could you not choose a better author?

[Radka Fiala · Rating 4 out of 5]

We read it out loud as a family. The vocab is above the kids' reading level, but the story is amazing. My husband loved it.

[Sara G. · Rating 1 out of 5]

Never been so pissed over it was all a dream trope. Hate that

Read for Dr. Gold’s spring 2024 American lit class

[Daughter Of Fire · Rating 5 out of 5]

A nice short sequel to pilgrim's progress. Kind of deep.

[Nolan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very witty and thought-provoking parody of "The Pilgrim's Progress", told through the lens of modern society. If you love "Pilgrim's Progress" as much as I do, I would definitely recommend it!

[Michael Vawser]

USD7.49 on Biblio.com

[Micah Holt · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you loved pilgrims progress, you’ll enjoy this too!

[piper · Rating 3 out of 5]

i'm nauseous from the sheer amount of metaphors that were shoved down my throat

[Lou Lane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I hate allegories, especially biblical, but had to read this for school. I give five stars simply because I thought it was impactful, thought-provoking, and clever within under 40 pages, while the story it is continuing fails to be any of those things while simultaneously being really long. Or at least feeling really long. I loved the use of irony rather than the in your face “see how this thing is named this because that’s what it is??” that prevails in most biblical allegories. (Of course it can’t escape its genre, but since most of its titles for people and places are lifted right from Pilgrim’s Progress, sprinkled with the use of new and slightly less overdone allegory, I feel more willing to forgive). This also felt truly observational rather than strictly preachy. Obviously as judgmental as the genre requires, but able to acknowledge the part that we all play with some refreshing humor.

This is obviously my own personal opinion, I am aware that my personal dislike for biblical allegories makes my review subjective and won’t be agreed upon by all. It’s simply not my cup of tea but read on if it is yours, free of all judgement.

[Oni · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is easy to see from the beginning that the Celestial Road in Mosses from an Old Manse by Hawthorne is a parody of the famous Pilgrim's Progress by Bunyan. Besides "making fun" of it, Hawthorne actually criticized the world view's approach of his day to Christianity.

The first criticism is shown in the companion of the pilgrim, Mr. Smooth-it-away, an easy going person which make all religious duty in pilgrim seems so easy. The pilgrim is indeed not overburdening at all. You just need to buy a ticket, and sits cozily in a couch, while the train will take you with much faster speed than walking the arduous journey. The truce also has been declared between the angel and the devil. The followers of Prince Beelzebub are employed by the Celestial Road Company. Even Apollyon, the enemy in the apocalypse, serves as the chief engineer of the train. The priests are also criticized. In the Vanity Fair, all kind of priests exist: Rev. Shallow-deep, Rev. Clog-of-Spirit, etc. All have lost their righteousness, traded with the comfort of the worldly affair.

Hawthorne is also known for his disapproval of Transcendentalism.[1] The first clue is shown in the material for the construction of the foundation of the bridge. It is made of books of morality, French philosophy, German rationalism, Plato, Confucius, etc., the very stuffs that create transcendentalism.[2] The more obvious clue is shown in the depiction of a new giant, the Giant of Transcendentalist replacing the two old giants, the Pope and Pagan.

The story ends with a total shock, that the Celestial Road does not actually lead to the Celestial City, and all passengers have been fooled. It concludes Mr. Hawthorne own believe of his present days practice of faith. I wonder, if Nathaniel Hawthorne were still alive today, what kind of tale he would wrote in our own 'Celestial Road.'

[1] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transcen...
[2] Wood, Clifford A. The English Journal Vol. 54, No. 7 (Oct., 1965), pp. 601-605. National Council of Teachers of English.
http://www.jstor.org/stable/811264, accessed on July 7, 2014.