Rappaccini’s Daughter, Nathaniel Hawthorne: Summary & Analysis

Rappaccini’s Daughter, Nathaniel Hawthorne: Summary & Analysis

'Rappaccini's Daughter' is a captivating short story written by Nathaniel Hawthorne, first published in December 1844 in the United States Magazine and Democratic Review. The narrative centers around an Italian medical researcher, Dr. Giacomo Rappaccini, who tends to a garden filled with poisonous plants. Unbeknownst to him, his daughter, Beatrice, has become immune to the toxins but is toxic to others who come into contact with her. Plot Summary of 'Rappaccini's Daughter' The story follows Giovanni Guasconti, a young man from southern Italy, who travels to Padua to pursue his studies at the university. He rents a room in a house where he can observe the neighboring garden, belonging to Dr. Rappaccini, a physician and scientist known for his unique plants used in medicinal concoctions. Giovanni becomes infatuated with Beatrice, Rappaccini's beautiful daughter, whom he witnesses assisting her father in the garden. Giovanni notices Rappaccini's cautious appr…