The White Old Maid (From "Twice Told Tales")

"The White Old Maid (From 'Twice Told Tales')" by Nathaniel Hawthorne is a narrative set in the 1800s that looks at the heavy emotions tied to love, how loss changes people, and the effect of time, showing the sad destiny of two young women linked by their love for the same guy, which leads to one being called "Old Maid in the Winding-Sheet." The story highlights difficult human feelings, like great sadness and strong desire, all set within a Gothic story. It starts with a troubling scene of two young women grieving over a dead young man, resulting in an agreement to meet again when death is near. As years go by, one, named Edith, is overcome by her grief, turning into the town's "Old Maid" who attends funerals and represents mourning. The townspeople are puzzled by her ghostly look, which makes them think about their own ideas about life and death.