Project Gutenberg 2005-11-01 Public domain in the USA. 227 Hawthorne, Nathaniel 1804 1864 The Old Apple Dealer (From "Mosses from an Old Manse") Wikipedia page about this book: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mosses_from_an_Old_Manse David Widger and Al Haines "The Old Apple Dealer (From 'Mosses from an Old Manse')" by Nathaniel Hawthorne is a reflective essay that focuses on the character of an elderly man who sells apples and gingerbread at a railroad depot. Written in the mid-19th century, during the American Romantic period, the piece explores themes of isolation, despondence, and the contrasts between human existence and the bustle of modern life. The essay delves into the old man's life, encapsulating a poignant representation of neglect and quiet suffering amidst a rapidly changing world. In this evocative portrayal, Hawthorne vividly describes the old apple dealer as a figure who embodies a life devoid of joy yet filled with a deep sense of resignation. The old man's physical appearance—a thin, gray-haired figure dressed in shabby clothes—mirrors his internal state, described as patient yet hopeless. He conducts his simple trade with a detached demeanor, rarely engaging with customers or expressing desire for interaction. As travelers rush past him, he remains a static, muted presence, signifying the melancholy aspect of existence. Hawthorne contrasts the old man with a lively young merchant, emphasizing the distance between exuberance and despair. Ultimately, the narrative reflects on the remnants of the human soul, suggesting a spiritual depth within the old man's suffering that transcends the material conditions of his life. (This is an automatically generated summary.) Reading ease score: 60.5 (8th & 9th grade). Neither easy nor difficult to read. en Short stories New England -- Social life and customs -- Fiction PS Text Category: Essays, Letters & Speeches Category: American Literature 40792 2025-10-04T08:15:29.339480 text/html 40286 2022-11-09T05:47:12 text/html 109050 2025-10-04T08:15:34.734465 application/epub+zip 107944 2025-10-04T08:15:32.635444 application/epub+zip 68084 2025-10-04T08:15:31.477467 application/epub+zip 290066 2025-10-04T08:15:36.157441 application/x-mobipocket-ebook 283703 2025-10-04T08:15:33.988442 application/x-mobipocket-ebook 223393 2022-09-05T03:34:05.474727 application/x-mobipocket-ebook 34773 2025-10-04T08:15:29.116463 text/plain; charset=us-ascii 34416 2022-11-09T05:49:43 text/plain; charset=us-ascii 18715 2025-10-04T08:15:36.276419 application/rdf+xml 23379 2025-10-04T08:15:31.958435 image/jpeg 5056 2025-10-04T08:15:31.716462 image/jpeg 13573 2022-11-09T05:50:10 application/octet-stream application/zip 14749 2022-11-09T05:50:32 application/octet-stream application/zip 107643 2025-10-04T08:15:29.344469 application/octet-stream application/zip Archives containing the RDF files for *all* our books can be downloaded at https://book.klll.cc/wiki/Gutenberg:Feeds#The_Complete_Project_Gutenberg_Catalog en.wikipedia