My Kinsman, Major Molineux - Notes

Context and Setting

• Author: Nathaniel Hawthorne
• Publication: Public domain; available on Librivox
• Historical Context: Post-colonial governance in New England;
  • Tension due to colonial governors appointed by British Crown.
  • Six governors in Massachusetts, within 40 years, faced imprisonment or forced resignation.
  • The populace was untrusting of external authorities.

Main Characters

• Robin:
  • Young man, 18 years old, from the countryside.
  • Traveling to see his kinsman, Major Molineux.
• Major Molineux: Robin's kinsman, a local authority figure.
• Various Townsfolk: Mix of friendly and hostile encounters.

Plot Summary

Robin's Journey

• Arrival:

  • Robin crosses the ferry to the town, unfamiliar with urban life.
  • Initial optimism as he begins searching for Major Molineux.

• Searching for Major Molineux:

  • Encounters various townsfolk who either misunderstand or mock him.
  • Increasing sense of alienation and frustration in the town.

Notable Encounters

• Old Man with Perry Wig:

  • Robin's first inquiry about Major Molineux met with anger.
  • Mocked by barbers.

• Tavern Scene:

  • A variety of people, including sailors and craftsmen.
  • A mysterious man with distinctive facial features is noted.

• The Young Woman:

  • Robin encounters a woman with a scarlet petticoat.
  • Initially appears helpful but leads to further confusion.

The Major's Public Humiliation

• Crowd and Procession:

  • Robin hears commotion and sees a crowd, led by a grotesque man.
  • The crowd is mocking and humiliating Major Molineux, who is tarred and feathered.

• Robin's Reaction: Overwhelmed by the spectacle, feeling both pity and terror.

  • Eventually, he joins in the laughter, a moment of lost innocence.

Themes

• Loss of Innocence: Robin's journey symbolizes a loss of naiveté.
• Authority and Rebellion: Tension between colonial authority figures and the populace.
• Identity and Belonging: Robin's struggle to find his place and understand his family connections.

Symbolism

• Robin's Search: Represents the search for identity and understanding in a complex world.
• Tar and Feathering: Symbolizes the rejection and humiliation of authority figures.

Conclusion

• Robin decides to leave town, disillusioned by his experiences.
• A gentleman suggests Robin might succeed without his kinsman's help.
• The story closes with Robin considering his future away from the town.

Key Takeaways

• The story illustrates the complexities of identity, authority, and personal growth.
• Robin's journey is a metaphor for the transition from youthful innocence to a more complex understanding of the world.