The Wedding-Knell

by Nathaniel Hawthorne

The Wedding-Knell is a short story by Nathaniel Hawthorne. Nathaniel Hawthorne (born Nathaniel Hathorne; July 4, 1804 – May 19, 1864) was an American novelist and short story writer. He was born in 1804 in Salem, Massachusetts to Nathaniel Hathorne and the former Elizabeth Clarke Manning. His ancestors include John Hathorne, the only judge involved in the Salem witch trials who never repented of his actions. Nathaniel later added a "w" to make his name "Hawthorne" in order to hide this relation. He entered Bowdoin College in 1821, was elected to Phi Beta Kappa in 1824, and graduated in 1825. Hawthorne published his first work, a novel titled Fanshawe, in 1828; he later tried to suppress it, feeling it was not equal to the standard of his later work. He published several short stories in various periodicals which he collected in 1837 as Twice-Told Tales. The next year, he became engaged to Sophia Peabody. He worked at a Custom House and joined Brook Farm, a transcendentalist 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 their return to The Wayside in 1860. Hawthorne died on May 19, 1864, and was survived by his wife and their three children. Much of Hawthorne's writing centers on New England, many works featuring moral allegories with a Puritan inspiration. His fiction works are considered part of the Romantic movement and, more specifically, Dark romanticism. His themes often center on the inherent evil and sin of humanity, and his works often have moral messages and deep psychological complexity. His published works include novels, short stories, and a biography of his friend Franklin Pierce. Hawthorne had a particularly close relationship with his publishers William Ticknor and James Thomas Fields. Hawthorne once told Fields, "I care more for your good opinion than for that of a host of critics". In fact, it was Fields who convinced Hawthorne to turn The Scarlet Letter into a novel rather than a short story. Ticknor handled many of Hawthorne's personal matters, including the purchase of cigars, overseeing financial accounts, and even purchasing clothes. Ticknor died with Hawthorne at his side in Philadelphia in 1864; Hawthorne was left, according to a friend, "apparently dazed".

Genres: Short Stories, Fiction, Horror, Literature, American

24 pages, Paperback

First published November 6, 2013

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

[Peter · Rating 4 out of 5]

An elderly couple, Mr Ellenwood and Mrs Dabney (a widow), want to marry but instead of merry wedding bells a funeral knell can be heard. In this satirical "wedding at the door of the sepulchre" you'll experience one of the mosst macabre weddings ever described. "Let us be married and then to our coffins". What a satirical piece of fiction, way ahead of its time. Even for today's standard a very sardonic tale. It's very readable too in Hawthorne's great prose. Really recommended!

[Bill Kerwin · Rating 4 out of 5]

First published in the The Token and Atlantic Souvenir in 1836, this story—together with “The Minister's Black Veil,” also published in The Token--shows how Hawthorne could create an allegorical moral tale which is also a realistic depiction of Puritan society, how he could add to it a few haunting gothic touches, thereby creating a new kind of fiction, instructive, convincing, and exciting. Although it lacks the resonance and ambiguity of The Scarlet Letter (still more than a decade away), it stakes out the same fictional territory, and promises things to come.

The story is simple: An elderly bride, twice a widow, waits at the church for her third bridegroom; this bridegroom, also her first love, has remained a bachelor since their broken engagement forty years ago. Then a single church bell rings, but it tolls like a death-knell, and when the bridegroom tardily processes into church, he is dressed in a manner which appalls the entire congregation.

This is a good story, essential for any Hawthorne fan.

[Sarah Evans · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Wedding Knell" by Nigel Hawthorne hooked me from the first page. Imagine Bridget Jones meets Miss Marple with a dash of gothic mystery and a sprinkle of dark humour. We're thrown into the chaotic world of Harriet Bingley, a wedding planner whose latest event goes spectacularly awry when a murder occurs right before the vows are exchanged.

Hawthorne's knack for crafting quirky, relatable characters shines through. Harriet is a delight – sharp-witted, with a nose for trouble and a knack for stumbling into hilarious, awkward situations. The supporting cast is equally memorable, from the overly dramatic bride to the bumbling detective who couldn't solve a crossword, let alone a murder.

The plot twists come thick and fast, keeping you on the edge of your seat. And the setting – an old, crumbling manor – adds a deliciously eerie vibe. It's like Agatha Christie decided to throw a wedding party, only for it to turn into a madcap whodunit.

Hawthorne's writing is sharp and witty, with plenty of laugh-out-loud moments. "The Wedding Knell" is a delightful romp that's perfect for fans of cosy mysteries and anyone in need of a good chuckle. Don't miss this one – it's a real gem!

[maría · Rating 2 out of 5]

Subject: Introduction to English Literature (4th year), Unit 3: Romanticism, Realism and Naturalism.

[Forked Radish · Rating 2 out of 5]

How many age related adjectives can one pile on?

[Hayley Shaver · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this short story by Hawthorne. You can find it on the web for free or in your local library. This is where I found it http://www.classicshorts.com/stories/...
A lady marries twice, once well and once not so well. Now, at the start of the story she waits for a bride groom she was previously engaged with to be her third and final husband. The macabre/horror elements of this short story is appealing. I also like the "moral" of the story.

[maría · Rating 2 out of 5]

4th year. Subject: Introduction to English Literature. Unit 3: Romanticism, Realism and Naturalism.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was really surprised by how much I enjoyed this one. A great read for Halloween.

[Sean Harding · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hawthorne Hawks #26
The quest continues and this is a gain a well written piece which just is very engaging and so beautifully described it takes you into the yarn effottlessly.
His prose is great.

[Jill Henson · Rating 1 out of 5]

Ughh snore! I listened (well tried) to the audiobook and it was so boring I kept having to “rewind” because it had lost my interest. I tried at different speeds but it was just boring. Not doing the others.