The Works

'The Marble Faun,' also known as 'Transformation,' is a late novel by Nathaniel Hawthorne, incorporating the author’s observations from his time in Italy. Set in a fantastical and romanticized Rome, the story follows four artists-Hilda, Kenyon, Miriam, and Donatello-as they become entangled in a web of mystery and moral ambiguity. Donatello, an innocent young man, is said to resemble the Faun of Praxiteles, a statue embodying a transitional state between man and animal. When Miriam is threatened, Donatello intervenes, committing a crime that forever alters their lives. Hawthorne explores themes of sin, guilt, redemption, and the impact of the past on the present. The novel delves into the nature of art, the burden of history, and the complexities of human relationships. Rich in symbolism and allegorical meaning, 'The Marble Faun' is a profound exploration of the human condition, offering a compelling narrative that examines the interplay between innocence and experience, and the consequences of choices made in the shadows of ancient ruins.This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you will see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work.This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.