Themes In Nathaniel Hawthorne My Kinsman, Major Molineux?

In 1832, Nathaniel Hawthorne published “My Kinsman, Major Molineux.” The short story is an example of a fictional narrative set in a colonial port city. One of the major themes seen in the work is self-reliance, the ability to rely on one’s own efforts and abilities. The protagonist in the story, Robin, has just arrived in a colonial port city, seeking his kinsman, Major Molineux, an official in the Colonial government. The short story illustrates America, not only as the land of opportunity, but also as a land that is on the brink of war with England. Robin’s journey to be a self-reliant man undergoes a shocking revelation upon his arrival in the new town as he seeks his kinsman. Hawthorne’s depiction of Robin’s struggle to be a self-made

He is eager to start his new life as a city man who is self-reliant. His clothes consisted of a “coarse grey coat…in excellent repair; his under garments were durably constructed of leather…; and on his head was a three corner hat” (Hawthorne 374). All of his clothes, while obviously worn, have been well taken care of by his mother or sister. Robin presents as a young man who is eager to make his way into the world. The first perception of Robin is of a confident and self-reliant man who is about to come into his own. He depicts the image of a strong and self-reliant man, which is desirable to others. However, as Robin continues his journey through town to find his kinsman, he is presented with a dark and frightening picture of the town and the type of life he might lead without the guidance of his

Franklin believes to succeed, America needs young men who are able to work and apply themselves to the land to make a name for themselves. According to Franklin, only those who are willing to work and strive for a better life should come to America. Robin is an innocent young man, barely eighteen years old, who has left the stability of his country life, and is now, “as it should seem, upon his first visit into town” (Hawthorne 374). However, Robin arrives to town, believing he will be able to establish himself, not through his own hard work, but through his name via his kinsman, Major Molineux. Major Molineux is a British official who “inherited riches, and acquired civil and military rank,” through his service to the British crown (Hawthorne 382). Hawthorne’s depiction of Robin quickly departs from Franklin’s ideal at this point. Robin plans on seeking out Major Molineux and using his success to further his own goals in this new town. Robin believes through “his kinsman’s generous intentions, especially as he had seemed to be rather the favorite, and was thought to possess the necessary endowments” he will prosper without much effort on his own part (Hawthorne 382-383). He trusts because his kinsman is successful, he will be successful as well.