In this story from Nathaniel Hawthorne, an ageing scientist invites four elderly friends to participate in an experiment ostensibly designed to test the efficacy of the waters of the fabled fountain of youth. The inclusion of several supernatural elements in the plot clouds whether the “water’s” effect was real, imagined or faked by substituting alcohol. However, as each friend had a major character flaw in their youth, it is probable that the experiment had a different thesis, which is proved by their behavior after drinking. Themes: ageing, failing to learn from past mistakes, obsession with youthfulness and appearance, the supernatural.
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