Summary of My Kinsman, Major Molineux
Nathaniel Hawthorne’s Story of a Country Bumpkin Visiting the City
Jan 31, 2009
Nathaniel Hawthorne’s short story, My Kinsman Major Molineux was first published in 1832. Hawthorne never considered it one of his better stories and it was not included in either of his first two story collections, however it was included The Snow-Image and Other Twice-Told Tales in 1851.
Introduction by Narrator
The narrator explains to the reader that the British appointed colonial governors. The result was that these governors were unpopular and seldom kept their position for a great length of time. The narrator informs the reader that these remarks should serve as adequate introduction to the events of the story he is about to tell, a story that occurred about a hundred years ago.
Introduction to Robin
At nine at night, Robin steps off the ferry and pays the ferryman, who quickly makes an ‘survey’ of the young man. He notices the shabby but well maintained clothes, the oak cudgel he carries, the slender wallet, and the good appearance of the young man’s features. He concludes that Robin is making his first visit to town
Robin Enters Town
Robin approaches town. His eagerness is out of proportion to the size of the town. He acts as if he is approaching London not a little New England colony. Robin only walks a short while when he realizes that he doesn’t know where his kinsman lives and that he ought to have asked the ferryman for directions. He resolves to ask the next person he meets the way to the home of his kinsman Major Molineux.
When he overtakes a well-dressed man he immediately asks about his kinsman. The gentleman angrily reproaches him and storms away. Robin doesn’t understand the man’s response and assumes that it reflects the man’s poor breeding.
Soon Robin notices the smell of tar and recognizes that he is near the business center of the town. However, because it is late the streets are empty and the shops are closed. Soon he approaches a tavern where people are eating and drinking. Robin realizes he is hungry but knows that he cannot afford to eat so he enters the tavern to ask after his kinsman. At first the innkeeper greets him warmly but when he asks for his kinsman, the innkeeper’s manner changes. He pretends to read a warrant for a man fitting Robin’s description with a one-pound reward for the capture of this man. He encourages Robin to ‘trudge.’
Robin’s Wanderings
Robin continues to wander town, hoping to find his kinsman. As time passes, he becomes hungry and desperate. A woman wearing a scarlet petticoat tries to lure Robin into her establishment by saying that she is Major Molineux’s housekeeper but she flees when the watchman happens to pass their way.
Robin seizes the opportunity to yell his question after the watchman but all he hears is the watchman’s laughter disappearing in the distance and the laugh of the woman above him. At this point, poor Robin’s religious upbringing as the son of a clergyman saves him and he flees from the woman wearing red. Throughout his wanderings, it becomes increasingly evident that Robin doesn’t understand the behavior of city folk.
Church and Devils
Robin soon finds himself outside the door of a church. As he passes through the shadow of the church’s steeple, he encounters a stranger. Robin blocks the man’s way, holds his cudgel in readiness and asks once again about his kinsman. The man threatens to strike Robin down if he doesn’t let him pass but Robin’s only response is to ask once again after his kinsman. The stranger reveals his face, which Robin recognizes as one of the men from the inn, however the man is now painted as if a devil – red on one side and black on the other. However, he does answer Robin’s question and tells him to “Watch here an hour, and Major Molineux will pass by.”
Robin resolves to wait in front of the church. As he waits and observes his surroundings, he begins to be aware of a distant noise of murmuring. As Robin waits, tired and disheartened, he fondly remembers his home and the activities of his Christian family. Soon he hears approaching footsteps. Robin calls out to the stranger and asks his question. The stranger responds to Robin’s inquiry pleasantly and volunteers to sit and wait with Robin to see his kinsman.
Robin’s History
As Robin shares his story with his newly found friend. He explains that he is the son of a clergyman and the Major Molineux is his father’s cousin. A few years prior to the story, his kinsman had visited the family. Having no children of his own he volunteered to help one of his cousin’s children get on in life. Robin—being the second son, with no prospects on the farm, and having the reputation of being shrewd—was chosen.
He goes tells his friend about his series of strange encounters. As they talked the distant shouting grew louder and seemed to draw nearer.
Major Molineux
Hawthorne provides detailed description of the riotous crowd that approaches the waiting men. Finally near the end of the parade, Robin sees his kinsman tarred, feathered, and being carried on a cart. The cart halts in front of Robin and he observes that the various individuals he met that night are present at the lynching and are laughing. Soon, to his bewilderment, he finds that he too is laughing. In fact, he laughs the loudest.
Departure
The parade resumes and after it is gone; Robin’s friend asks him if he is dreaming. Robin responds that he should like to go to the ferry and return home. However, the man refuses saying that Robin should stay in town a few more days. If after learning more about city life, he chooses to leave then he will help him. However, he feels that Robin can do well without the aid of his kinsman Major Molineux.
Read more about Nathaniel Hawthorne at Suite101.
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