Final answer:
The main theme of 'The Golden Touch' by Nathaniel Hawthorne is the danger of greed and the more significant value of human relationships and nature over material wealth. This is demonstrated through Midas's realization of the consequences of his wish and the repetitive action of turning things to gold, leading to tragedy.
Step-by-step explanation:
The theme of the “Golden Touch” by Nathaniel Hawthorne revolves around the dangers of greed and the realization that human affections and the natural world hold greater value than material wealth. Midas, the protagonist, is granted the ability to turn everything he touches into gold, which he initially sees as a blessing. However, this gift quickly becomes a curse when he inadvertently turns his beloved daughter into a golden statue, illuminating the story's theme.
To ascertain how the theme shines through in the story, one must observe Midas's growing realization of the consequences of his wish. This change in his perception and the eventual reversal of his fortune drive home the idea that greed and materialism can lead to personal devastation. The repetition of Midas's actions, turning objects into gold, despite the increasing evidence that it is not in his best interest, emphasizes this theme.
Other themes present in the story include the transformation of relationships and the folly of human desires. To explore the central theme further, one could potentially write an essay using other stories such as 'The Necklace' by Guy de Maupassant, 'A Christmas Carol' by Charles Dickens, and 'King Midas and the Golden Touch' from Greek mythology.