Sights from a Steeple (From "Twice Told Tales")

Sights from a Steeple (From "Twice Told Tales") by Nathaniel Hawthorne is a short story from the Romantic period where the narrator, perched atop a steeple, observes the world and thinks about life. From this high point, the narrator sees lovers, workers, playing children, and even a funeral, showing both the happiness and sadness in life. As a storm appears, the weather reflects the ups and downs of human feelings. The narrator’s wish to be more involved in the lives below leads to deeper thoughts about existence. Finally, the sun shines through the clouds, painting a rainbow over the chaotic scene, bringing a sense of hope. This story highlights the difficulties of human emotion and the way beauty can be found even when life is hard.