Nathaniel Hawthorne’s "The Paradise of Children" is a charming and moralistic retelling of the classic Greek myth of Pandora's Box, found within his collection "A Wonder-Book for Girls and Boys." Hawthorne adapts the ancient tale for a young audience, transforming the grim original into a story about the perils of curiosity. In this version, the world is a perfect paradise where children never grow old and live without sorrow or toil. They are cared for by a kind figure named Epimetheus. Into this idyllic world comes a beautiful, bright-eyed little girl named Pandora, who brings with her a mysterious and intricately carved box. She is given one strict command: she must never, under any circumstances, open it. For a time, Pandora and Epimetheus are happy, but the forbidden box preys on Pandora's mind. A mischievous and whispering voice seems to emanate from within the box, tantalizing her. Despite Epimetheus's warnings, her overwhelming curiosity gets the better of her. When she finally lifts the lid, she unleashes not treasures, but all the evils of the world—sickness, envy, hatred, and sorrow—which fly out to plague humanity forever. Only one thing remains trapped inside when she slams the lid shut: Hope. Nathaniel Hawthorne uses this allegory to explore the innate nature of childhood curiosity and the introduction of hardship into the world, while ultimately offering the comforting, enduring promise that hope remains as a solace for mankind.

 Table of Contents:

- The Paradise of Children (Full Story)