Hindsight Is 20/20: How Characters in The Blithedale Romance Rely on the Past Samson Polovina College

Nathaniel Hawthorne is notorious for portraying characters whose past largely affects who they are and how they act in the future, and The Blithedale Romance is no exception. The interesting thing about The Blithedale Romance is that much of the characters’ past is not known until later on in the novel. However, once found out, it is made clear how the characters’ past shapes who they are and what they choose to do. The most obvious recipients of this characterization are Zenobia and Priscilla. Zenobia’s whole persona, both viewed by herself as well as by other people, is largely because of an anticipated inheritance. Priscilla, on the other hand, is constantly thrown into different situations, leaving her with little to no free will. Both of these characters have very different pasts, yet are prisoners of their previous experiences.

Throughout the novel, Zenobia is perceived almost as a goddess. She is described many times as ethereal. Granted, this description is normally given by Coverdale, so it is a little biased. However, most people in the novel view Zenobia as a picture of perfection. This is, in part, because of the way she carries herself. She carries herself almost as if she is separate from others in society. This...