44 pages • 1-hour read
The Marble Faun
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Essay Topics
What might have been Hawthorne’s reason for titling the book The Marble Faun? In what way is the faun statue central to the story?
The Marble Faun has features of a travelogue. Choose three of the book’s settings and discuss the way that Hawthorne exploits them to enhance the dramatic atmosphere of the story.
What are some of the “fantastical” elements of the novel? In what ways do they enhance or complement the “realistic” elements?
The model (Brother Antonio) is described as a menacing figure who harasses Miriam, yet Miriam’s friends treat him as an object of fun and neither they nor Miriam take steps to prosecute him. What might be the reason for this?
Discuss the purpose that the lengthy “pastoral” episode at Monte Beni performs in the novel.
Discuss Hilda’s reactions to the murder. Why does she feel a sense of guilt even though she had no hand in it?
What attitude(s) does Hawthorne show toward Catholicism in the novel?
In what ways has Donatello changed by the end of the novel? Miriam?
Do you find the novel’s ending—including Hawthorne’s postscript—satisfactory? Why or why not?
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