The Toll Gatherer's Day (From "Twice Told Tales")

"The Toll Gatherer's Day (From 'Twice Told Tales')" by Nathaniel Hawthorne is a reflective story about a toll-gatherer who watches people pass by his toll-house and thinks deeply about life and the world. The story, set in the past, shows how the toll-gatherer sees happy travelers as well as those who seem sad or tired, making him think about how life is always changing. Seeing people getting married gives moments of happiness, but there's also a sense of sadness when he sees older or weaker travelers. The story is an exploration of life's journey, full of many different feelings, all seen through the eyes of a toll-gatherer during a single day.