Character Sketch of Ernest in The Great Stone Face-1

“The Great Stone Face I” is a short story by Nathaniel Hawthorne, where the character of Ernest plays a significant role. Here’s a character sketch of Ernest based on the information from the story:

Name: Ernest

Background: Ernest is a young boy who grows up in the shadow of the Great Stone Face, a natural rock formation that bears a resemblance to the face of a wise and benevolent man. He lives in a village near the mountain, and his life becomes intertwined with the legend associated with the Great Stone Face.

Personality:

• Kind and Virtuous: Ernest is portrayed as a kind and virtuous individual. From a young age, he exhibits qualities of goodness, compassion, and honesty.
• Dreamer and Thinker: Ernest is a dreamer who spends much of his time contemplating the features of the Great Stone Face. He is thoughtful and reflective, pondering the deeper meanings of life and human nature.

Connection to the Great Stone Face:

• Belief in Prophecy: The central theme of the story revolves around a prophecy that foretells the coming of a great and wise leader whose face will resemble that of the Great Stone Face. Ernest wholeheartedly believes in this prophecy and, in his innocence, imagines that he may be the one to fulfill it.

Relationships:

• Friendship with Gathergold: Throughout the story, Ernest encounters various individuals who are thought to fulfill the prophecy, including Gathergold, a wealthy and successful man. However, Ernest remains true to his values and sees beyond material success.

Influence on Others:

• Moral Beacon: Ernest becomes a moral beacon in the community, admired for his integrity and kindness. His influence extends beyond personal relationships and shapes the moral fabric of the village.

Symbolism:

• Symbol of Goodness: Ernest serves as a symbolic representation of goodness and moral virtue. His character contrasts with those who achieve success through material wealth but lack the qualities that truly define greatness.

Fulfillment of Prophecy:

• Unexpected Fulfillment: In a surprising twist, the prophecy is fulfilled not by a powerful or wealthy individual but by a humble and wise man who resembles the Great Stone Face. This unexpected turn underscores the story’s message about the nature of true greatness.

Legacy:

• Lasting Impact: Even after his passing, Ernest’s legacy endures. The story suggests that he has left an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of those who knew him and on the community as a whole.

Conclusion: Ernest in “The Great Stone Face I” is a character whose moral purity and belief in the inherent goodness of humanity make him a central figure in Hawthorne’s exploration of virtue, leadership, and the true meaning of greatness.