The Great Stone Face

"The Great Stone Face" is a short story written by the American author Nathaniel Hawthorne. It was first published in 1850 as part of his collection titled "The Snow-Image, and Other Twice-Told Tales." The story is set in a small New England village and centers on the legend of the "Great Stone Face," a natural rock formation on the mountainside that bears a remarkable resemblance to a noble and wise face. The local people believe in a prophecy that states that a great man who looks like the stone face will emerge from their village. The story follows the life of a young boy named Ernest, who is often compared to the stone face and is believed by many to be the fulfillment of the prophecy. "The Great Stone Face" is a tale of moral and spiritual integrity, the pursuit of goodness, and the significance of living a virtuous life. It explores the themes of heroism and the true nature of greatness. The story is renowned for its allegorical and philosophical elements and is often appreciated for its timeless and inspirational message.