Dr. Heidegger’s Experiment By Nathaniel Hawthorne

Literary term for this story: Allegory: A work in which each element symbolizes, or represents, something else. (In this story, each of the characters represents something people strive to have in their youth).

Four characters: four symbols Mr. Medbourne---was a prosperous merchant----lost his money through “frantic speculation”—represents wealth (but lost that wealth through greed) Colonel Killigrew—was a healthy man—lost his health through “pursuit of sinful pleasures”—womanizing, drinking, etc. (lost health through lust and gluttony)

Characters continued: Mr. Gascoigne—was a corrupt politician—now, no one remembers him. He is “obscure instead of infamous”—represents fame, (lost through his corrupt decisions) Widow Wycherly---was a beautiful young woman---lost respect of those around her as a result of “certain scandalous stories”—represents beauty, lost through her bad choices

What do these four characters have in common? All three men had at one time been involved with the Widow Most important: Their “greatest misfortune” is that they are not dead yet! (p. 502) This makes them perfect candidates for the experiment---they have nothing to lose!

What about Dr. Heidegger? He had a chance for love in his youth; what happened? Was it his fault? How does this relate to Dr. H’s decision not to participate in the experiment?

Setting: Dr. Heidegger’s Study A place ripe for magical/enchanted events and objects Skeleton in closet Portrait of Sylvia Ward Dusty, old-fashioned, dim, has cobwebs Huge books on bookcases (Think about similarities to House of Usher)

Setting continued: Mirror—what’s magical about it? Bronze bust of Hippocrates A book of magic: large black folio volume Bound in black leather—silver clasps When dusted, what happens? Skeleton rattles Sylvia “steps out” of the picture Faces appear in mirror Bronze bust says “forbear”

The Experiment Itself Rose: whose? What happened? Reactions of four friends? Dr. H mentions Ponce de Leon and the Fountain of Youth, but he never says directly that the water is actually from the fountain of youth Colonel Killigrew asks about the effect on humans

Rules of experiment Dr. Heidegger mentions their “peculiar advantages”—which are? What advice does he give them? How do they respond? Why? They laugh---how ridiculous is the notion that we will repeat our mistakes

Before the first drink… No four people needed it more! References to water as alcohol: Bubbles like champagne Effects are temporary Called “the youth liquor”

After first drink: Result: Feel alive again “healthy suffusion” on their cheeks Sunshine comes through window at same moment They want more and demand it right away

After second drink: Hawthorne asks, “Was it delusion?” Four guests are now middle-aged What do they start doing? Widow: looking at self in mirror Colonel: flirts with Widow Mr. G: talking politics non-stop Mr. M: invents crazy business idea

Between 2nd and 3rd drink Already, they are back to their old mistakes! Describe Dr. Heidegger: Observant, cool “Venerable” “Gray dignity of aspect” Compared to Father Time

After 3rd drink: Result: “Happy Prime of Youth” Now, what are they doing? Mocking old people (physical ailments, glasses, etc) Widow asks Dr. H to dance with her Other three gentlemen start to argue over who will dance with her

After 3rd drink, continued During struggle to see who will dance together, mirror reflects…… What happens to the vase? What happens to the rose? How do the guests react?

End of experiment What does Dr. Heidegger tell his friends? Would he drink the water? Why or why not? Did the four friends learn a lesson? How do we know?

Real or imaginary? Was the water actually from the fountain of youth? Evidence can support either side Hawthorne’s stance (theme): When human beings get a chance to correct a mistake, they usually make a bad choice and repeat it.