Nathaniel Hawthorne is known for playing characters whose past largely affects who they are and how they act in the future, and The Blithedale Romance is no exception . The interesting thing about The Blithedale Romance is that much of the characters' pasts are not known until later in the novel. However, once uncovered, it becomes clear how the characters' pasts shape who they are and what they choose to do. The most obvious recipients of this characterization are Zenobia and Priscilla. Zenobia's entire personality, seen both by herself and others, is largely due to anticipated inheritance. Priscilla, on the other hand, is constantly thrown into different situations, leaving her with little to no free will. These two characters have very different pasts, but are prisoners of their previous experiences. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay Throughout the novel, Zenobia is seen almost as a goddess. She is repeatedly described as ethereal. Granted, this description is normally given by Coverdale, so it's a bit biased. However, most people in the novel view Zenobia as a picture of perfection. This is partly due to the way she carries herself. She behaves almost as if she is separated from others in society. This is represented by the flower she always has in her hair. The flower represents his desire to differentiate himself from others in society. So she behaves in this way that causes others to see her the same way. This is depicted on page 189 which says: "In fact, her native power and influence, and the carefree purity of her nature seemed such, that whatever Zenobia did was generally recognized as right for her to do" ( 189). This brings us to the next question: what is the main reason for this perception? The answer is his anticipated wealth. This “anticipated wealth” is mentioned in chapter 22, in relation to Fauntleroy (or Mr.Moodie). This further explains Zenobia and Priscilla's relationship as well as Moodie's wealth. It is said that Moodie's wealth was meant to be passed down to Zenobia, a piece of evidence that shows us the reasoning behind the perception that Zenobia was wealthy. However, in chapter 25, we learn that Zenobia actually has no incoming wealth. This is where we see her become a prisoner of her past. His past and experiences depended greatly on his perception as a wealthy person. However, when it becomes apparent that she has no wealth, things begin to fall apart. Hollingsworth leaves her for Priscilla. Even his confidence, which was once his greatest asset, has been shaken. After finding out that Hollingsworth was leaving her, Zenobia said, "Why should he look for me?" What did I have to offer him? A miserable heart, battered and battered, spoiled long before he met me! (225). Throughout the novel, Zenobia demonstrates a sense of composure and confidence. However, when it is discovered that she has no wealth, all this disappears. She even goes so far as to remove the beloved flower from her hair. Coverdale describes this act as "the act of a queen, when bested in combat, disavowing herself, as if she found some sort of relief in humbling all her pride" (226). This perfectly describes Zenobia's disappearance after her past experiences fundamentally changed. This is solidified by his suicide. Priscilla is a second example of a character trapped in her past experiences. She is completely dependent on others and experiences.