Nathaniel Hawthorne’s “The Celestial Railroad” is a satirical allegory that was first published in 1843. The story is a parody of John Bunyan’s “The Pilgrim’s Progress,” a Christian allegory that was published in 1678. Hawthorne’s story takes place in a fictional world where a railroad has been built that leads to heaven. The story is a commentary on the religious movements of Hawthorne’s time and the attempts of religion to make the path to heaven easier.
In “The Celestial Railroad,” Hawthorne uses satire to criticize the religious movements of his time. The story is a parody of John Bunyan’s “The Pilgrim’s Progress,” which was a popular Christian allegory in Hawthorne’s time. Hawthorne’s story takes place in a fictional world where a railroad has been built that leads to heaven. The story is a commentary on the religious movements of Hawthorne’s time and the attempts of religion to make the path to heaven easier.
Hawthorne’s story is a warning against the dangers of blindly following religious leaders and movements. The railroad in the story represents the easy path to heaven that many religious leaders promised their followers. However, Hawthorne warns that this path is not the true path to heaven and that those who follow it will be led astray. The story is a call to action for readers to think critically about their religious beliefs and to question the teachings of their leaders.
Background of “The Celestial Railroad”
“The Celestial Railroad” is an allegorical short story written by Nathaniel Hawthorne in 1843. The story was published in the collection of short stories called “Mosses from an Old Manse” in 1846. The story is a parody of John Bunyan’s “The Pilgrim’s Progress,” a Christian allegory that was published in 1678.
Hawthorne’s story takes place in a fictional world where a railroad has been built that leads to heaven. The story is a commentary on the changes that were taking place in America during the mid-19th century, particularly the rise of industrialization and the increasing emphasis on material success.
The story follows the journey of the narrator, who sets out on a journey from the city of Destruction to the Celestial City. The journey, which was previously made on foot, can now be made by train. Along the way, the narrator encounters various characters who represent different aspects of society, including a businessman, a politician, and a religious leader.
Through the use of satire and allegory, Hawthorne critiques the values and priorities of American society, particularly the emphasis on material success and the neglect of spiritual values. The story is a powerful reminder of the importance of maintaining a balance between material and spiritual values, and the dangers of neglecting one for the other.
Main Allegory and Its Significance
Christian’s Journey vs. The Railroad
In “The Celestial Railroad,” Nathaniel Hawthorne uses the allegory of Christian’s journey to the Celestial City in John Bunyan’s “The Pilgrim’s Progress” to satirize the shift from a spiritual journey to a technological one. In Bunyan’s work, Christian’s journey is one of spiritual growth and self-discovery, while in Hawthorne’s version, the journey is made by train and is devoid of any spiritual significance. This shift highlights the increasing emphasis on technological progress over spiritual growth in society.
Technological Progress and Spiritual Decline
The railroad in “The Celestial Railroad” represents the advancement of technology and the decline of spirituality. The journey on the railroad is easy and convenient, but it lacks the challenges and spiritual growth that come with Christian’s journey in “The Pilgrim’s Progress.” Hawthorne uses the allegory to critique the growing focus on materialism and convenience in society, which he believed was leading to a decline in spiritual values.
Characters as Symbolic Figures
The characters encountered on the railroad represent various aspects of society and religion. The conductor represents the church, which has become more concerned with convenience and profit than with spiritual growth. The passengers represent people who have lost their way and are more concerned with material possessions than spiritual well-being. The character of Mr. Smooth-It-Away represents those who use technology to make life easier, but in doing so, sacrifice spiritual growth.
Overall, “The Celestial Railroad” is a commentary on the dangers of placing too much emphasis on technological progress at the expense of spiritual growth. Hawthorne uses the allegory to caution against the potential consequences of a society that values convenience and materialism over spiritual values.
Analysis of Key Themes
Faith vs. Modernity
In “The Celestial Railroad,” Hawthorne uses the character of Mr. Smooth-It-Away to symbolize the modern world’s obsession with progress and technology. Smooth-It-Away represents the industrial revolution, which was transforming America during Hawthorne’s time. The allegory highlights the conflict between faith and modernity. The train is a symbol of modernity, and the journey on it represents the temptation of abandoning faith for progress and convenience.
Moral and Ethical Dilemmas
The story raises moral and ethical dilemmas regarding the nature of faith and salvation. The characters in the story are tempted to take the easy route to heaven instead of following the righteous path. The allegory underscores the importance of perseverance and faith in the face of temptation. Hawthorne suggests that the journey to heaven is not an easy one, and shortcuts are not the answer.
The Illusion of Progress
Hawthorne uses the allegory to criticize the illusion of progress. The train represents the illusion of progress, which is ultimately empty and meaningless. The journey to heaven is not about speed or convenience but about faith and perseverance. The allegory suggests that the pursuit of progress can be a distraction from what truly matters in life.
In conclusion, “The Celestial Railroad” is a powerful allegory that raises important themes regarding faith, modernity, and progress. The story warns against the temptation of shortcuts and the illusion of progress, emphasizing instead the importance of perseverance and faith in the journey towards salvation.
Literary Devices and Techniques
Symbolism
Hawthorne’s “The Celestial Railroad” is an allegory that makes use of various symbols to represent abstract concepts. For instance, the train represents the modernization of religion, while the conductor represents the church leader. The narrator’s journey through the train stations represents the various stages of spiritual development. The different characters that the narrator meets on the train symbolize the different religious beliefs and practices.
Imagery
The story makes use of vivid imagery to create a fantastical world that reflects the narrator’s spiritual journey. The train stations are described in detail, and the various characters that the narrator meets are also vividly depicted. The imagery creates a dreamlike atmosphere that enhances the allegorical nature of the story.
Narrative Structure
The story is structured like a traditional allegory. The narrator undertakes a journey that represents his spiritual development. The journey is divided into various stages, each of which represents a different aspect of spiritual growth. The use of a train as a means of transportation creates a sense of urgency and momentum that drives the story forward.
Overall, Hawthorne’s use of literary devices and techniques in “The Celestial Railroad” creates a rich and complex allegory that explores the nature of religious belief and spiritual growth.
Historical and Cultural Context
Religious Landscape of the 19th Century
During the 19th century, America was a melting pot of different religious beliefs. Christianity was the dominant religion, and there were many different denominations, including Protestantism, Catholicism, and Unitarianism. The Second Great Awakening, which occurred from the late 18th century to the mid-19th century, saw a rise in evangelicalism and the formation of new religious movements, such as the Mormons.
Industrial Revolution and Its Impact
The Industrial Revolution brought about significant changes in American society during the 19th century. The introduction of new technologies, such as the steam engine and the railroad, transformed the way people lived and worked. The growth of industry and commerce led to the rise of the middle class, and many people moved from rural areas to cities in search of work.
The Celestial Railroad, written by Nathaniel Hawthorne in 1843, was influenced by the religious and cultural context of the time. The story is a satirical allegory that parodies John Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress and critiques the attempts of religion to make the journey to heaven easier. The story also reflects the impact of the Industrial Revolution on American society, as the railroad is portrayed as a symbol of progress and modernity.
Comparative Studies
Similarities to ‘The Pilgrim’s Progress’
Hawthorne’s “The Celestial Railroad” is a satirical allegory that alludes to John Bunyan’s “The Pilgrim’s Progress” in order to satirize what Hawthorne saw as the attempts of religion in his own time to make the journey to heaven too easy. The protagonist of “The Celestial Railroad” is named Christian, which is also the name of the protagonist in “The Pilgrim’s Progress.” Both stories follow the journey of a character named Christian, who must overcome obstacles and face temptations in order to reach his destination.
Influence on Later Literature
“The Celestial Railroad” has had a significant influence on later literature. The story has been referenced in a number of works, including C.S. Lewis’s “The Great Divorce,” which also deals with the theme of the journey to heaven. The story has also been cited as an influence on the works of authors such as Herman Melville and Edgar Allan Poe.
Overall, “The Celestial Railroad” remains a significant work of American literature, and its influence can still be felt today.
Reception and Critical Analysis
Contemporary Reception
Upon its publication, “The Celestial Railroad” was met with mixed reviews. Some critics praised Hawthorne’s use of allegory to critique organized religion, while others found the story to be too heavy-handed in its criticism. Many readers also noted the similarities between “The Celestial Railroad” and John Bunyan’s “The Pilgrim’s Progress,” which was a widely popular religious allegory at the time.
Despite the mixed reception, “The Celestial Railroad” remained popular among readers and was frequently included in anthologies of Hawthorne’s work. It continues to be studied and analyzed by scholars and readers alike.
Modern Interpretations
In modern times, “The Celestial Railroad” has been interpreted in a variety of ways. Some scholars focus on the story’s critique of organized religion, while others see it as a commentary on the dangers of modernization and industrialization. Additionally, some readers have interpreted the story as a critique of American society and its obsession with progress and material wealth.
Regardless of the specific interpretation, “The Celestial Railroad” remains a powerful allegory that continues to resonate with readers today. Its themes of spiritual awakening, temptation, and redemption are timeless and continue to be explored in literature and popular culture.