The Lily's Quest (From "Twice Told Tales")

"The Lily's Quest (From 'Twice Told Tales')" by Nathaniel Hawthorne is a short tale set in the 19th century, reflecting the themes of love, sorrow, and the pursuit of happiness. The story revolves around two lovers, Adam Forrester and Lilias Fay, who embark on a quest to find the perfect spot to build their "Temple of Happiness." As they traverse through nature, they are accompanied by Lilias's melancholic relative, Walter Gascoigne, who darkly reveals the sorrowful histories of each place they consider, illustrating a poignant contrast between their youthful joy and his somber outlook on life. The narrative unfolds as Adam and Lilias encounter various locations deemed unsuitable due to their past tragedies, which fill their journey with an accumulation of despair. Their hopes begin to wane until they finally find a place that seems perfect, only to have it marred by the memory of grief and loss when tragedy strikes. In a heartbreaking turn, the tale culminates in Lilias's untimely death, leading Adam to the realization that the foundation of their happiness is intertwined with loss and longing. This moment transforms their Temple from a mere structure of earthly joy into a sacred space that honors their love and the eternal nature of happiness beyond life, providing a profound commentary on the intertwined nature of joy and sorrow in the human experience. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Nathaniel Hawthorne was an American novelist and short story writer. His works often focus on history, morality, and religion.