The Blithedale Romance

Nathaniel Hawthorne’s The Blithedale Romance is frequently read as a critique of his experiences at Brook Farm. What criticisms does Hawthorne level against the socialist experiment at Blithedale? How might these criticisms reflect his personal involvement with Brook Farm?

The two sisters in the novel—Priscilla and Zenobia—are frequently viewed as polar opposites. One is depicted as spiritual and meek and the other as earthy and strong. To what extent is this interpretation accurate? What similarities might the sisters possess—and what might this tell us about contemporary ideals of womanhood?

Zenobia’s death by suicide because of her love for Hollingsworth is often viewed as a repudiation of her feminist values. Do you see any way that her choice can be read as upholding her ideals and promoting women’s rights?