In Nathaniel Hawthorne's "The Toll Gatherer's Day," part of the anthology "Twice Told Tales," the author masterfully weaves a tale that delves into the complexities of morality, human nature, and societal obligation. With his characteristic blend of allegory and realism, Hawthorne paints a vivid portrait of a toll gatherer, a figure emblematic of both duty and isolation. The writing is imbued with...