| Summary |
"The Seven Vagabonds (From 'Twice Told Tales')" by Nathaniel Hawthorne is a short story written in the early to mid-19th century, during the American Romantic period. The narrative unfolds the journey of a wayfarer who encounters various characters, each representing different facets of society, as they all gravitate towards a camp-meeting in Stamford. The story explores themes of wanderlust, the joy of life on the road, and the contrast between the carefree existence of vagabonds and the settled life of the townsfolk. The plot begins with the protagonist's chance encounter with an old showman and a young literary man, who travel in a mobile home while entertaining those they meet. As they gather at the wagon, they are soon joined by a colorful assortment of other characters, including a merry girl with a fiddle, a prophetic beggar, and even a native Indian. Each character adds their unique perspective on happiness and purpose, sharing their lighthearted approach to life. The group's joyful camaraderie is short-lived, however, as they learn that the camp-meeting has already broken up. Ultimately, the story highlights the fleeting nature of their companionship and the enduring spirit of adventure, as the protagonist decides to continue wandering alongside the Indian, pondering the contrasting lives they lead. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
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