<p>Nathaniel Hawthorne's 'An Old Woman's Tale', excerpted from 'The Doliver Romance and Other Pieces: Tales and Sketches', is a profound exploration of the intricacy of human nature and the supernatural. Hawthorne's deft use of allegory and symbolism within the didactic narrative sheds light on the darker corners of humanity and society. Written with the characteristic Gothic romanticism of his period, Hawthorne's literary style is rife with sent...