“Dr. Heidegger’s Experiment” By Nathaniel Hawthorne pp. 500-514

Hawthorne’s background Salem, Mass. 1804-1864 Bowdoin College Changed name from Hathorne The Scarlet Letter (1850)

Questions 1. Thoughts about the ending—consistent with the whole story—pessimistic attitudes Comprehension check: Experiment Use experience to pass along wisdom To find the fountain of youth

#2 Evil ways are tough to overcome People repeat the same mistakes

3 Mockery of senior citizens?

4 Yes, because the rose changed No, because they still looked old in mirror

5 Base on events that already happened

6 Characters would like it Heidegger would dispute it for scientific reasons

7 Regrets a failed relationship Estrangement from Hawthorne Characters have selfish regrets

8 Yes—most people would—it’s tough to change someone’s character.

Symbol Wycherly—beauty Colonel Killigrew—health Mr. Gascoigne—power Mr. Medbourne—wealth Dr. Heidegger—Science