About the Author
Nathaniel Hawthorne was an American writer born in 1804 and who died in 1864. He loved to write short stories and books about people, their feelings, and old legends. Many of his tales talk about good and bad in life, like hidden sins or big dreams. He grew up in a place with old history, which made him think deeply about human hearts. In this story, he shares a simple tale about a boy who becomes a wise man, teaching us about true greatness. His words feel like gentle lessons from a kind uncle, easy to read and full of meaning.
What’s the Story About?
This chapter is the second part of the story "The Great Stone Face." The first part was about a young boy named Ernest who heard a legend from his mother. The legend said that one day, a great man would come to the valley who looks just like the big stone face on the mountain. This stone face is made by nature from rocks and looks like a wise, kind man's face watching over the people. Ernest grew up looking at it every day, hoping to see that special person.
Now, in this second part, many years have passed. Ernest is an old man with white hair and a gentle smile. He lives in the same valley and works as a simple farmer, but he has become very wise. People from near and far come to hear his talks because his words are full of love and truth. They make everyone feel better and think about living kindly. Ernest still sits and stares at the great stone face in the evenings, wishing to meet the man from the legend. He feels sad that he has not seen him yet, even after waiting so long.
One day, news spreads in the valley about a famous poet who is coming to visit. This poet was born in the valley but left to see the world and write beautiful poems. He has written songs about nature, people, and even the great stone face. Ernest and the poet have been friends through letters for many years, sharing deep thoughts. When the poet arrives, the villagers get excited. They look at his face and say, "Look! He matches the stone face!" The poet has a noble look, with bright eyes and a thoughtful expression.
Ernest meets the poet at his small house. They talk like old friends about life and dreams. The poet shares how Ernest's simple life inspired his poems. But when Ernest asks if the poet is the one from the legend, the poet shakes his head. He says, "My words are pretty, but my actions are not always as good. I dream big, but I don't live up to it fully." Ernest agrees sadly that the poet's life does not fully match the wise and kind stone face. They both feel a bit down, but they enjoy their time together.
Later, there is a big meeting on a hill where Ernest speaks to the people. The sun is setting, and the great stone face shines in the light behind him. Ernest talks in his calm way about love, helping others, and finding peace in simple things. His voice is soft but strong, touching everyone's heart. The poet watches from the crowd. Suddenly, he sees it! Ernest's face, with its white hair and kind eyes, looks just like the stone face on the mountain. Not just the looks, but his whole life of goodness matches the legend.
The poet jumps up and shouts, "See! Ernest is the great stone face himself!" The people cheer and agree, seeing the truth. But Ernest, being humble, smiles and says, "No, I am not worthy. Maybe the real one will come someday." He goes back to his quiet life, still hoping. The story ends with a warm feeling, showing that true greatness hides in everyday kindness.
This tale is like a gentle dream, teaching us that heroes are not always famous – they can be simple people with big hearts.
Who’s Who in the Story
Here are the main people in this chapter. Think of them as friends in a village tale:
- Ernest: The main boy from the first part, now an old wise man. He is kind, humble, and full of love for everyone. He farms during the day and shares wise words in the evening. People respect him like a teacher.
- The Poet: A famous writer who comes back to the valley. He is Ernest's friend through letters. He has a smart mind and writes beautiful poems, but he knows he is not perfect. He helps everyone see that Ernest is the true match for the stone face.
- Ernest's Mother: She is mentioned from the past. She told Ernest the legend when he was small, but she is not alive now. Her words shaped Ernest's life.
- The Villagers: The people in the valley who look up to Ernest. They come to his talks and get excited about the poet. They are like a big family watching the legend come true.
These characters show how simple folks can find wonder in their own lives.
Themes and Moral
Themes (Main Ideas):
- True Greatness: The story says real heroes are not rich or powerful. They are people with kind hearts who help others quietly, like Ernest.
- Legend and Reality: Old stories can come true in unexpected ways. The stone face legend teaches us to look for goodness inside people, not just outside looks.
- Humility and Wisdom: Ernest is wise but never boasts. He always thinks others are better, which makes him even greater.
- Inspiration from Nature: The big stone face on the mountain stands for calm strength and kindness, reminding people to live well.
- Words vs. Actions: The poet shows that saying nice things is good, but doing them is what counts.
Moral (Lesson to Learn):
The big lesson is: Live a life full of love, hard work, and helping others, and you can become great without trying to be famous. Don't judge by looks or money – true worth is in your character. Like Ernest, stay humble and keep learning from nature and people around you. This way, you might fulfill your own dreams without even knowing it.
Important Vocabulary and Phrases
Here are some key words and phrases from the chapter. I chose easy ones you might use in school or home talks. Each has a simple meaning and an example sentence:
- Prophecy: A guess or old saying about what will happen in the future. The prophecy said a great man would look like the stone face.
- Benevolent: Kind and wanting to help others. The benevolent teacher gave extra food to poor kids.
- Venerable: Worth respect because of age or wisdom. The venerable old man shared stories from his long life.
- Contemplation: Deep thinking about something. In contemplation, Ernest stared at the mountain for hours.
- Sublime: Very beautiful or great in a way that lifts your heart. The sublime view of the sunset made everyone quiet.
- Noble Deeds: Good actions that show bravery or kindness. Helping a friend in need is a noble deed.
- Fulfilment: When something promised comes true. The fulfilment of the dream made her happy.
- Humble Abode: A simple home, not fancy. They lived in a humble abode by the river.
- Illustrious: Famous for good reasons. The illustrious poet wrote books loved by all.
- Resemblance: Looking like something else. The boy's resemblance to his dad was clear in their smiles.
Try using these in your own stories or talks. They make your words sound thoughtful without being hard!