About the Author
Nathaniel Hawthorne was an American writer born in 1804 in a small town called Salem. He loved making up stories full of mystery and deep thoughts. Many of his books talk about good and bad in people’s hearts. He wrote famous tales like The Scarlet Letter for grown-ups, but he also made simple stories for kids. Hawthorne liked nature—mountains, rivers, and quiet places. He used these to teach lessons about life. He passed away in 1864, but his words still touch hearts today.
What’s the Story About?
This is a gentle story about a big mountain and a boy who dreams. Long ago, in a green valley, there stood a huge cliff. When you looked up from far away, the rocks on the cliff looked exactly like a kind human face. The nose, eyes, mouth, and chin were all made of stone. People called it The Great Stone Face. It looked wise, calm, and full of love—like a giant watching over the village below.
Years back, the village people heard an old tale. It said: One day, a child will be born in this valley. When he grows up, his face will look just like the Great Stone Face. He will be the greatest and best man ever. He will bring joy and goodness to everyone.
A little boy named Ernest lived in a small cottage near the valley. Every evening, he sat on his doorstep and looked up at the Great Stone Face. The golden sun made the stone face shine. Ernest felt it was smiling at him. He loved it like a friend. He kept the old tale in his heart. He hoped to see the great man one day.
Time passed. Ernest grew into a young man. He was simple, kind, and hardworking. He helped his neighbours, read books, and thought a lot. He still gazed at the stone face every day. It taught him to be good.
One day, news came to the village. A rich man from the valley had become very famous. He had big houses and lots of money. People said, “He must be the one! His face looks a bit like the stone!” Everyone ran to see him when he visited. Ernest went too. He looked hard at the rich man’s face. But it was proud and cold. It did not match the kind eyes of the Great Stone Face. Ernest felt sad. “He is not the one,” he said quietly.
Years rolled on. Ernest now had grey hair. He was loved by all for his wise words and gentle ways. Another man became famous—a brave soldier who won big battles. Again, villagers shouted, “This is the man from the tale!” They brought him home in a grand parade. Ernest stood in the crowd. He studied the soldier’s face. It was strong but hard, like stone from anger. It did not have the soft, loving look of the Great Stone Face. Ernest shook his head. “Not him,” he whispered.
Later, a third man arrived. He was a clever poet. He wrote beautiful lines that made hearts dance. People said, “Surely, his face is the match!” The village lit lamps and sang songs for him. Ernest listened to the poet’s words. They were sweet, but when he saw the poet’s face, it looked tired and worried. It was not calm and full of peace like the stone face. Ernest turned away with a heavy heart.
Night after night, Ernest kept looking at the Great Stone Face. It never changed. It stayed kind and true. One evening, a neighbour saw Ernest standing on a hill. The setting sun lit up his face. The neighbour gasped. Ernest’s face now looked just like the Great Stone Face—full of wisdom, love, and goodness! But Ernest did not know this. He still waited for the great man to come.
The story ends here (this is Part I). It leaves us thinking: maybe the best person is the one who keeps trying to be good, day after day.
Who’s Who in the Story
- Ernest: The main boy (later a man) in the story. He is simple, kind, and loves the Great Stone Face. He waits all his life for the great man. He learns from the mountain and becomes wise.
- The Great Stone Face: Not a real person, but a huge rock on the mountain that looks like a gentle, wise face. It is like a teacher to Ernest.
- The Rich Man (Mr. Gathergold): A wealthy person from the valley who comes back rich. People think he is the promised man, but his face is proud.
- The Soldier (General Blood-and-Thunder): A brave army leader who wins wars. Villagers hope he is the one, but his face is hard and angry.
- The Poet: A famous writer of beautiful poems. People love his words, but his face looks sad and not calm.
- Village People: The neighbours who get excited every time a famous person comes. They believe the old tale.
Themes and Moral
Themes (Big Ideas):
- Becoming Good Inside: The story says real greatness is not in money, power, or fame. It grows slowly when you try to be kind and wise every day.
- Nature as a Teacher: The Great Stone Face never speaks, but it teaches Ernest to be patient and loving just by being there.
- Hope and Waiting: Ernest waits his whole life. His hope keeps him good, even when others fail.
Moral (Lesson):
Don’t look for greatness in big names or shiny things. Look inside your heart. Try to be like the best person you admire—one small good deed at a time. Maybe one day, you will become the great person you were waiting for.
Important Vocabulary and Phrases
- Valley: A low area between hills or mountains, like a big green bowl.
- Cliff: A high, steep rock face, like the side of a tall hill.
- Resembled: Looked like something else. (The rocks resembled a face.)
- Prophecy: An old saying that tells what will happen in the future. (Like a promise about the great man.)
- Gaze: To look at something for a long time with love or wonder. (Ernest used to gaze at the stone face.)
- Cottage: A small, simple house, often in the village.
- Proud: Thinking you are better than others. (The rich man had a proud face.)
- Parade: A happy march with music and flags to welcome someone.
- Wisdom: Knowing what is right and good, like an old, kind teacher.
- Setting sun: The sun going down in the evening, painting the sky orange.
- Great Stone Face: The huge mountain rock that looks like a calm, loving human face.
Read these words slowly. Picture the valley, the shining face, and Ernest’s kind smile!