quot;
The Blithedale Romance&
quot;, considered one of Hawthorne'
s major novels, explores the limitations of human nature set against an experiment in communal living. From mesmerism to illicit love, &
quot;
The Blithedale Romance&
quot; represents one of Hawthorne'
s best and most sharply etched works, one that Henry James called his &
quot;
brightest&
quot; and &
quot;
liveliest&
quot; novel.