My Kinsman, Major Molineux

Nathaniel Hawthorne's story, "My Kinsman, Major Molineux", is set shortly before the American Revolution. The main character is a young man, Robin, who is traveling to the city to 'rise in the world', with the help of his uncle. Robin's journey into the city takes place at night, and Robin immediately seeks his kinsman by asking some of the residents. The story develops the events that lead Robin to discover why he is treated with …

…have a clearer understanding of Robin's mistakes and the lessons he will inevitably have to learn. Using the theme of youthful initiation, the reader is able to recognize the lessons that Robin must learn, and have a greater insight to Robin's character. Since the reader has presumably experienced the same type of youthful initiation as Robin, this process allows them to recognize the follies of young Robin and the theme of the story very easily.