Learning Objectives
- Understand the legend of the Great Stone Face
- Analyse the character of Ernest and his search for greatness
- Explore themes of true greatness, nobility, and inner character
- Practice critical thinking about what makes a person truly great
Key Concepts
About the Story
Author: Nathaniel Hawthorne, a famous American author known for his moral allegories and symbolism.
Theme: True greatness lies not in wealth, military power, or political success, but in nobility of character and goodness of heart. Outward appearance does not determine inner worth.
The Great Stone Face
The Great Stone Face was a natural rock formation on the side of a mountain that, when viewed from a distance, looked like a noble and majestic human face. The people of the valley had a prophecy (legend) that one day a child born in the valley would grow up to become the greatest and noblest person, and his face would bear an exact resemblance to the Great Stone Face.
Ernest
Ernest was a young boy who lived in the valley with his mother. He was deeply moved by the legend and spent hours gazing at the Great Stone Face, hoping to one day see the prophesied person. As he grew up, the Great Stone Face became his teacher and companion. He developed noble thoughts and a kind, generous character by looking at the face and reflecting on its wisdom.
Gathergold (The Rich Man)
The first person rumoured to be the likeness of the Great Stone Face was a wealthy merchant called Gathergold. He had left the valley as a young man and returned as an extremely rich old man. People thought he resembled the Great Stone Face because of his fame and fortune. However, Ernest looked at him carefully and saw only a shrewd, selfish old man. Gathergold's face did not match the nobility of the stone face.
Old Blood-and-Thunder (The Military Hero)
The second candidate was a famous military commander known as Old Blood-and-Thunder. He was celebrated for his battlefield victories and returned to the valley as a hero. People again thought they saw the resemblance to the Great Stone Face. But Ernest, looking carefully, saw a rough, war-hardened face that lacked the gentleness and wisdom of the stone face. Old Blood-and-Thunder was not the one either.
Old Stony Phiz (The Politician)
The third person was a politician called Old Stony Phiz who rose to great power. He was eloquent and famous but did not live up to his promises. Ernest again concluded that he did not resemble the Great Stone Face. The prophecy remained unfulfilled.
Ernest Waits
Despite three disappointments, Ernest continued to hope. He remained a humble, kind, and thoughtful man who served his community. His years of gazing at the Great Stone Face had shaped his own character to become noble and wise.
Important Terms
- Prophecy: A prediction about a future event
- Resemblance: Looking similar to someone or something
- Noble: Having fine personal qualities; morally good
- Allegory: A story with a deeper symbolic meaning
- Gathergold: Name suggesting someone who gathers (hoards) wealth
- Blood-and-Thunder: Name suggesting a violent military leader
Quick Revision
- Author: Nathaniel Hawthorne
- The Great Stone Face: natural rock formation resembling a noble human face
- Prophecy: someone from the valley would grow up to resemble the stone face
- Ernest: grew up gazing at the face; developed noble character
- Three false matches: Gathergold (rich), Old Blood-and-Thunder (military), Old Stony Phiz (politician)
- Theme: true greatness = nobility of character, not wealth, power, or fame