Final answer:
In Nathaniel Hawthorne's short story "Dr. Heidegger's Experiment," the main characters are analyzed and their traits are listed. The main characters exhibit traits that highlight their flaws and contribute to the story's theme of immutable human nature. Dr. Heidegger acts as a guide, while the guests represent greed, excess, corruption, and vanity. Their return to past follies during the experiment illustrates the permanence of their character traits. Examples and evidence from the story are provided to support the analysis.
Step-by-step explanation:
In Nathaniel Hawthorne's short story "Dr. Heidegger's Experiment," there are four main characters: Dr. Heidegger, Mr. Medbourne, Colonel Killigrew, and Mr. Gascoigne. The traits of these characters can be analyzed as follows:
- Dr. Heidegger is portrayed as curious, wise, and manipulative.
- Mr. Medbourne is depicted as greedy, materialistic, and foolish.
- Colonel Killigrew is characterized as vain, frivolous, and pleasure-seeking.
- Lastly, Mr. Gascoigne is presented as ambitious, corrupt, and deceitful.
For example, the trait of curiosity is evident in Dr. Heidegger's character when he conducts the experiment, seeking to test the effects of the Fountain of Youth water. This can be seen in the following quote: "'Friends, you are welcome to your mirth, but I find it a serious matter after all. And I feel, too,—yes, gentlemen, I feel as if I could pass my hand right through your unsubstantial bodies, and mingle with the quicksand of the fountain.'" This highlights Dr. Heidegger's curiosity and desire to discover the truth about the water's powers.
In conclusion, the characters in "Dr. Heidegger's Experiment" have distinct traits that shape their personalities and actions throughout the story. These traits are supported by evidence from the text, providing a deeper understanding of the characters and their motivations.