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concern of the young girl.

Main Symbols:

The house Hawthorne with its seven gables, Hawthorne used as symbol of aristocratic pride. Imprisoned inside are Clifford and his sister Hepzibah. Clifford actually spent time in prison; yet his sister was likewise in a prison of her own making.

In the crumbling old house are objects that daily remind them of their ancestor, Colonel Pyncheon, portraits, chairs, other heirlooms.

A water well that once was a source of pride for the Maule family but was polluted when Matthew Pyncheon built his house near it, is an important symbol.

Style and structure:

In this last part of this analysis, the author of the analysis describes the language of the characters. He labels it as "formal, rhythmic and controlled."

He said the author Hawthorne used the mannerisms of the characters to show the greed of the judge, the self-confidence of the young man, and the simple, humble nature of the young girl, Phoebe.

The point of view is first-person and uses "I" and "We" to good advantage. As to what category, novel or romance, Hawthorne, in his preface decided to make a plea to the reader to see his work as one of art.

(Can we say, without fear of reprisal, that somehow the aristocratic air had somehow blown in his direction while he was proposing to tell his tale?)

Learn more about this author, EMoore.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

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