The Great Stone Face I Class 8 English Notes | Honey Dew

Key Points from 'The Great Stone Face I'

• Setting: The story is set in a beautiful valley dominated by a mountain with a naturally formed Great Stone Face.
• The Prophecy: An old prophecy states that a man will appear in the valley who will strikingly resemble the Great Stone Face.
• Ernest's Childhood Dream: A young boy named Ernest, while looking at the Great Stone Face, dreams of seeing the prophecy fulfilled and believes the promised man will eventually arrive.
• Ernest's Character: He is a simple, kind, and hardworking boy who loves his valley and is constantly inspired by the benevolent expression of the Great Stone Face.
• First Candidate: Gathergold: A wealthy merchant, born in the valley, returns as an old, rich man. Many believe he is the promised one due to his immense wealth, but Ernest sees no resemblance to the Great Stone Face.
• Second Candidate: General Blood-and-Thunder: A famous general, also a native of the valley, returns after a successful military career. He is lauded as the predicted man, but Ernest finds his fierce face lacking the gentle kindness of the Great Stone Face.
• Ernest's Persistence: Despite the popular opinion, Ernest remains unwavering in his belief that the true man of the prophecy has not yet appeared, continuing to gaze at the Stone Face for guidance.
• Symbolism of the Great Stone Face: It represents hope, wisdom, benevolence, and ultimately, true character.
• The Mother's Role: Ernest's mother instills in him the belief in the prophecy and encourages his innocent devotion to the Great Stone Face.

Key Terms & Definitions

Prophecy

A prediction of what will happen in the future, often believed to be from divine inspiration.

Countenance

A person's face or facial expression, often indicating mood or character.

Benevolent

Well meaning and kindly; characterized by goodwill.

Homage

Special honor or respect shown publicly.

Speculation

The forming of a theory or conjecture without firm evidence; guesswork.

Resemblance

A similarity or likeness between two things or people.

Sage

A profoundly wise person; a person famed for wisdom.

Venerable

Accorded a great deal of respect, especially because of age, wisdom, or character.

Understanding Ernest's Devotion and the Failed Candidates

Nathaniel Hawthorne's "The Great Stone Face I" introduces us to a fascinating narrative centred around Ernest's unwavering devotion to a local legend. The story begins by establishing the setting: a picturesque valley overlooked by a mountain with a naturally formed Great Stone Face. This geological marvel, when viewed from a distance, strikingly resembles a human countenance of benevolence and wisdom. It becomes the subject of an ancient prophecy, foretelling the arrival of a man in the valley who would perfectly embody the features and spirit of the Great Stone Face.

From a very young age, Ernest is captivated by this legend. His mother, while telling him the tale, instils in him a deep sense of hope and a profound belief that this prophesied man will indeed come. Unlike the other children who might quickly forget the story, Ernest carries this belief throughout his childhood and into his adulthood. He spends hours gazing at the Great Stone Face, feeling its silent guidance and finding comfort in its gentle expression. This constant contemplation shapes his character, making him humble, kind, and thoughtful, always striving for the virtues he perceives in the Stone Face.

As Ernest grows, the valley witnesses the return of two prominent figures, each believed by the community to be the fulfilment of the prophecy. The first is Mr. Gathergold, a native who had left the valley as a poor young man and returned as an exceedingly rich merchant. His immense wealth and public homage lead many to believe he is the promised man. However, when Ernest observes him, he sees a face marked by greed and a lack of the grandeur and benevolence of the Stone Face. Ernest quietly, but firmly, concludes that Gathergold is not the one.

Later, General Blood-and-Thunder, a celebrated military hero from the valley, makes a triumphant return. His fame, power, and the adulation of the crowd lead people to declare him the long-awaited figure. Again, Ernest looks with an open mind, hoping to find the resemblance. Yet, he finds the General's face to be stern, fierce, and hardened by battles, utterly devoid of the peace and kindness that emanate from the Great Stone Face. Ernest's innocent, discerning heart once more tells him that the true man of the prophecy has not yet arrived. These episodes highlight the superficial judgment of the crowd versus Ernest's deep, intuitive understanding of true virtue and character, emphasizing that external achievements do not necessarily reflect inner nobility.

Exam Tip: Character Analysis & Theme Identification

When answering questions about 'The Great Stone Face I', focus on character contrasts (e.g., Ernest vs. Gathergold/Blood-and-Thunder). Pay attention to Ernest's inner qualities like humility, patience, and discerning nature. For themes, identify 'true virtue vs. superficiality', 'the power of unwavering belief', and 'nature as a source of inspiration'. Use descriptive words from the story to support your points. Remember to explain why Ernest rejects the candidates, linking it back to the qualities of the Great Stone Face. Don't just narrate; analyze.

Practice Questions with Solutions

• Q: What was the prophecy associated with the Great Stone Face? A: The prophecy stated that a man would one day appear in the valley who would bear a perfect resemblance to the Great Stone Face.
• Q: How did Ernest spend his childhood evenings? A: Ernest would sit and gaze at the Great Stone Face, contemplating its benevolent expression and dreaming of the prophecy's fulfillment.
• Q: Why did people initially believe Mr. Gathergold was the man of the prophecy? A: People believed Mr. Gathergold was the man of the prophecy because he had returned to the valley as an extremely wealthy and successful merchant, garnering public admiration.
• Q: What qualities did Ernest find lacking in General Blood-and-Thunder compared to the Great Stone Face? A: Ernest found General Blood-and-Thunder's face to be stern and fierce, lacking the gentle kindness, wisdom, and peace that characterized the Great Stone Face.

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions