The Great Stone Face: A Tale by Nathanial Hawthorne

Synopsis

This is an easy to read story, suitable both for adults and children, about the psychological and mystical workings of the human mind. The Great Stone Face (The Old Man of the Mountains) juts out from the White Mountains of New Hampshire and looms over a small village. An old prophecy states that "someone will be born hereabouts who will look just like the Great Stone Face, and he will be the noblest person of his time." Like many others, young Ernest watches the faces of returning famous men for signs of the gentle wisdom seen in the face.