The story is set in Rome and follows the lives of a group of American and European expatriates. It centers around three American artists-Hilda, Kenyon, and Miriam-along with an Italian, Donatello, who is the descendant of a noble family with a mysterious secret. The novel explores themes of art, morality, and the consequences of sin. The title "The Marble Faun" refers to a famous statue in Rome and symbolizes the artistic and moral dilemmas faced by the characters. Nathaniel Hawthorne is known for his exploration of moral and psychological themes in his works, and "The Marble Faun" is no exception. The novel is celebrated for its symbolism, its vivid descriptions of Rome, and its examination of the complexities of human nature. It is considered one of Hawthorne's major works and a classic of American literature.