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.
Original Text / PDF / Audio (3,674 words)
Video Version
This excellent 20 minute film from Encyclopaedia Britannica Educational Corporation is very close to the original story with one important exception. It leaves out the dying butterfly, the one miraculous rejuvenation for which there seems to be no other possible explanation. Watch and enjoy!