Before reading

1. Read the following information about the author:

Nathaniel Hawthorne was born on July 4, 1804 in Salem, Massachusetts. He was a short story writer and romance novelist, best known for his short stories and two widely read romance novels: The Scarlet Letter and T he House of Seven Gables. Much of Hawthorne's writing centers on New England, many works featuring moral allegories with a Puritan inspiration.

His fiction works are considered part of the Romantic movement and, more specifically, Dark romanticism. His themes often center on the inherent evil and sin of humanity, and his works often have moral messages and deep psychological complexity. Nathaniel Hawthorne, born Nathaniel Hathorne

(July 4, 1804 – May 19, 1864)

2. Do you know what the Fountain of Youth is? Read the following information about it:

The Fountain of Youth is a legendary spring that reputedly restores the youth of anyone who drinks of its waters. Tales of such a fountain have been recounted across the world for thousands of years. Stories of similar waters were also evidently prominent among the indigenous (=local) peoples of the Caribbean during the Age of Exploration, who spoke of the restorative powers of the water in the mythical land of Bimini. The legend became particularly prominent in the 16th century, when it became attached to the Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de León, first Governor of Puerto Rico. According to an apocryphal (=of questionable authenticity, untrue) combination of New World and Eurasian elements, Ponce de León was searching for the Fountain of Youth when he traveled to what is now Florida in 1513. Since then, the fountain has been frequently associated with Florida in St. Augustine. This city is home to the Fountain of Youth National Archaeological Park.

This painting by Austrian artist Eduard Veith shows a scene at the mythical Fountain of Youth. Throughout history, people have sought magical ways to restore their youth.

Дата добавления: 2015-08-20