44 pages • 1 hour read
Nathaniel HawthorneThe Marble Faun
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1860A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
The Marble Faun by Nathaniel Hawthorne is a romance set in Rome, following American artists Miriam, Hilda, and Kenyon, and their Italian friend Donatello. Their lives spiral into turmoil after Donatello kills a man stalking Miriam, leading to feelings of guilt and attempts at redemption. Kenyon's love for Hilda unfolds amidst the group's emotional and moral struggles, culminating in a poignant reunion during Carnival festivities.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Nathaniel Hawthorne's The Marble Faun draws praise for its rich atmospheric descriptions and exploration of themes like sin, guilt, and redemption. However, critiques focus on its convoluted plot and ambiguous ending, which can frustrate readers. The novel's fusion of romance and mystery appeals to some, while others find it meandering and dense.
Who Should Read The Marble Faun?
Readers who appreciate classical literature, Gothic romance, and complex moral themes would enjoy Nathaniel Hawthorne’s The Marble Faun. Fans of Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë and The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde will find similar enchantment in Hawthorne’s exploration of innocence, sin, and art.