The Great Stone Face is a classic allegorical tale, divided into two parts, by the American writer Nathaniel Hawthorne. It tells the story of Ernest, a humble and kind man who spends his entire life waiting for the prophecy of the Great Stone Face to come true – that a man resembling the majestic stone formation would appear and become the greatest and noblest person of his time. The story deeply explores themes of destiny, prophecy, and the profound meaning of self-fulfillment.

The story is built around an old prophecy in the valley: that one day, a man would appear bearing an exact resemblance to the Great Stone Face, a natural rock formation on the mountainside that looked like a benevolent human face. This man would be the greatest and noblest person of his time. The entire community, and especially young Ernest, grows up with this prophecy as a part of their collective destiny. Ernest's unwavering faith in this prophecy becomes a guiding force in his life.

Throughout his life, Ernest observes several prominent figures who return to the valley, hoping one of them might be the prophesied individual: Mr. Gathergold, a wealthy merchant; Old Blood-and-Thunder, a famous general; and Old Stony Phiz, a celebrated orator and politician. Though admired for their accomplishments, Ernest finds that none reflect the nurturing qualities of the Great Stone Face.

The core message of the story lies in Ernest's own journey. While constantly looking for the fulfiller outside himself, Ernest lives a life of quiet dignity, hard work, kindness, wisdom, and genuine humility. He cultivates the very virtues that the Great Stone Face embodies. He listens to the voice of the mountains, communes with nature, and offers comfort and wisdom to those around him.

In the climax, when a renowned poet recognizes Ernest's true resemblance to the Great Stone Face and points it out to the gathered crowd, Ernest finally realizes the prophecy has been fulfilled through him. His destiny was not to find the person, but to become the person. This is the essence of self-fulfillment: true greatness is achieved not by seeking external recognition or by matching some external ideal, but by cultivating one's inner character and virtues through consistent, noble living.

Ernest undergoes a unique form of character growth. Instead of changing dramatically, he consistently develops and deepens his inherent goodness, simplicity, and wisdom throughout his life. He remains true to his core values, constantly meditating on the noble qualities of the Great Stone Face. The Great Stone Face itself symbolizes ideal human qualities: benevolence, wisdom, serenity, and greatness of character.

The poet symbolizes someone with keen insight and spiritual vision, capable of recognizing true greatness where others might only see a simple, ordinary man. He is the one who sees Ernest's inner radiance and points it out, serving as a catalyst for the community's realization.

The story ultimately teaches us that true greatness is not about fame, wealth, or power, but about the purity of heart, selfless service, and the cultivation of noble virtues, which, in turn, can fulfill one's true destiny.