Was David a young man or an old man at the time of this story David swan a fantasy?

In "David Swan," a short story by Nathaniel Hawthorne, David is portrayed as a young man. His age is suggested by his naivety and youthful optimism as he embarks on a journey. The story emphasizes his innocence and the fleeting nature of life, characteristics often associated with youth rather than old age. Thus, David is depicted as a young man at the time of the story.