Class 8 English Notes Chapter 9 (The Great Stone Face-I) – Honeydew Book

Alright class, let's focus on Chapter 9, 'The Great Stone Face-I' from your Honeydew textbook. This story, written by Nathaniel Hawthorne, is not just a simple tale but carries deeper meanings, often relevant for comprehension sections in competitive exams. Pay close attention.

Chapter 9: The Great Stone Face – I

Author: Nathaniel Hawthorne

Setting:
The story is set in a picturesque valley in New England, USA. The most prominent feature of this valley is a remarkable work of nature – mountain rocks clustered together on a perpendicular cliff face, resembling a noble, kind human face when viewed from a distance. This natural formation is known as the Great Stone Face. It was believed to smile down upon the valley.

The Prophecy:
An old prophecy circulated among the valley's inhabitants. It foretold that, one day, a child born in the valley would become the greatest and noblest person of his time, and his face, in manhood, would bear an exact resemblance to the Great Stone Face.

Main Characters:

1. Ernest:

   • The protagonist of the story.
   • Introduced as a young, thoughtful, and kind-hearted boy living with his mother in the valley.
   • Deeply fascinated by the Great Stone Face and the prophecy associated with it.
   • He spends hours gazing at the Face, absorbing its perceived wisdom and kindness.
   • He is humble, hardworking, helpful, and grows into a wise, gentle, and respected man, though he remains simple and obscure.
   • He embodies the very qualities he admires in the Great Stone Face.

2. Ernest's Mother:

   • A kind woman who first tells young Ernest about the Great Stone Face and the prophecy.
   • She encourages his fascination and hopes he might live to see the prophecy fulfilled.

3. Mr. Gathergold:

   • A native of the valley who left in his youth and became an extremely wealthy merchant.
   • Rumours suggest he might be the man of the prophecy due to his immense success.
   • When he returns, old and yellow-skinned, his face is shrewd and wrinkled, bearing no resemblance to the noble features of the Great Stone Face.
   • Represents wealth as a measure of greatness, which the story ultimately dismisses.

4. Old Blood-and-Thunder:

   • Another native of the valley who became a famous and powerful military commander.
   • His military achievements lead people to believe he might be the fulfillment of the prophecy.
   • When he returns, his face is weathered, stern, and reflects his life of command and conflict, lacking the gentle wisdom of the Great Stone Face.
   • Represents power and military glory as a measure of greatness, also dismissed by the story.

Plot Summary:

1. Introduction to Ernest and the Prophecy: The story begins with young Ernest listening to his mother recount the legend of the Great Stone Face and the prophecy of a future great man resembling it.
2. Ernest's Fascination: Ernest is captivated by the Great Stone Face, seeing it as a kind, wise teacher. He spends his childhood and youth gazing at it, hoping to see the man of the prophecy.
3. The Arrival of Mr. Gathergold: News spreads that the wealthy Mr. Gathergold, a son of the valley, is returning and might be the prophesied one. Excitement builds, but upon his arrival, people (and Ernest) see that his shrewd, aged face bears no likeness to the Great Stone Face. Disappointment follows. Gathergold eventually loses his wealth and dies in obscurity.
4. The Arrival of Old Blood-and-Thunder: Years later, another native, a renowned general known as Old Blood-and-Thunder, gains fame. People again speculate he is the one. When he visits the valley, Ernest observes him but finds his face, though powerful, lacks the gentle wisdom and kindness of the Stone Face. Again, the valley is disappointed.
5. Ernest's Growth: Throughout these events, Ernest continues his simple, laborious, yet thoughtful life. He becomes known locally for his wisdom, kindness, and quiet contemplation. He often speaks to neighbours, sharing thoughts that seem inspired by the Great Stone Face itself. He grows old, his hair turns white, and wrinkles form on his face, but his expression remains gentle and wise. He himself doesn't realize that he is gradually embodying the qualities of the Face.
6. End of Part I: The first part concludes with Ernest as an old man, still waiting for the prophecy's fulfillment, unaware that he himself might be the closest embodiment of the Great Stone Face the valley has seen so far.

Themes:

1. True Nobility and Greatness: The story contrasts superficial measures of greatness (wealth, military power) with true greatness found in wisdom, kindness, humility, and a simple, virtuous life.
2. The Power of Ideals: The Great Stone Face serves as a constant, noble ideal. Ernest's lifelong contemplation of this ideal shapes his own character, demonstrating how focusing on noble thoughts can elevate a person.
3. Appearance vs. Reality: The story emphasizes that outward appearances (like wealth or fame) can be deceiving. True character lies within.
4. Patience and Faith: Ernest patiently waits his entire life, holding onto the faith that the prophecy will be fulfilled.
5. Influence of Nature: The natural formation (Great Stone Face) profoundly influences the protagonist and the community's beliefs.

Key Vocabulary:

• Prophecy: A prediction of what will happen in the future.
• Benign: Gentle and kindly.
• Pensive: Engaged in deep or serious thought.
• Semblance: The outward appearance or apparent form of something, especially when the reality is different.
• Renowned: Known or talked about by many people; famous.
• Obscure: Not discovered or known about; uncertain.
• Venerable: Accorded a great deal of respect, especially because of age, wisdom, or character.
• Shrewd: Having or showing sharp powers of judgment; astute.

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs):

1. What was the Great Stone Face?
   a) A statue carved by ancient people
   b) A natural formation of rocks on a mountainside resembling a human face
   c) A painting in the village church
   d) A famous waterfall in the valley

2. What was the old prophecy associated with the Great Stone Face?
   a) That the valley would become rich in gold.
   b) That a great leader resembling the Face would be born in the valley.
   c) That the Stone Face would crumble one day.
   d) That a great storm would destroy the valley.

3. Who first told Ernest about the prophecy?
   a) His father
   b) The village elder
   c) His mother
   d) His school teacher

4. Mr. Gathergold was believed by some to be the man of the prophecy because he was:
   a) Very wise
   b) A great soldier
   c) Extremely wealthy
   d) Very kind to the poor

5. Why were the people disappointed with Mr. Gathergold?
   a) He refused to share his wealth.
   b) He looked down upon the valley people.
   c) His face bore no resemblance to the Great Stone Face.
   d) He left the valley soon after arriving.

6. The second person thought to fulfill the prophecy was known as:
   a) Old Glory
   b) Old Blood-and-Thunder
   c) The Wise Commander
   d) General Gathergold

7. What quality did Old Blood-and-Thunder's face lack compared to the Great Stone Face?
   a) Strength and power
   b) Signs of age and experience
   c) Gentle wisdom and kindness
   d) A look of authority

8. Throughout his life, Ernest was known for being:
   a) Wealthy and influential
   b) Ambitious and adventurous
   c) Humble, thoughtful, and kind
   d) A great traveler

9. What does the word 'benign' mean in the context of the Great Stone Face's expression?
   a) Stern
   b) Angry
   c) Gentle and kind
   d) Sad

10. What is the central theme explored in 'The Great Stone Face-I'?
    a) The importance of becoming rich and famous.
    b) The idea that true greatness lies in character, not external achievements.
    c) The beauty of nature over man-made structures.
    d) The inevitability of prophecies coming true quickly.

Answer Key for MCQs:

1. b
2. b
3. c
4. c
5. c
6. b
7. c
8. c
9. c
10. b

Study these notes carefully. Understand the characters, the plot progression, and especially the underlying themes. This will be beneficial for your exam preparation. Good luck.