The House of the Seven Gables by Nathaniel Hawthorne is a classic novel that has been widely read and studied since its publication in 1851. The novel is set in mid-19th-century Salem, Massachusetts, and revolves around the Pyncheon family and their ancestral home, which is believed to be cursed. The story explores themes of guilt, retribution, and atonement, and is colored with suggestions of the supernatural and Gothic elements.
The novel has been interpreted in many ways, with some critics seeing it as a straightforward Gothic tale, while others view it as an allegory. An allegory is a story that uses symbolism to convey a deeper meaning or message. In the case of The House of the Seven Gables, some scholars have argued that the novel is an allegory for the history of America, with the Pyncheon family representing the ruling class and their greed and arrogance leading to their downfall. Others have suggested that the novel is an allegory for the human condition, with the house representing the human soul and the curse symbolizing the burden of guilt that we all carry.
Historical Context of “The House of the Seven Gables”
“The House of the Seven Gables” is a novel by Nathaniel Hawthorne, published in 1851. The book is set in Salem, Massachusetts, in the mid-19th century and is a study of hereditary sin, based on the legend of a curse pronounced on Hawthorne’s own family by a woman condemned to death during the infamous Salem witch trials.
The Salem Witch Trials of 1692 loom large over “The House of the Seven Gables,” as they did over Hawthorne’s own life. The Trials began after two little girls accused three women (a slave, a beggar, and a poor elderly woman) of supernaturally afflicting them with strange fits. The accusations led to a wave of hysteria that resulted in the executions of 20 people and the imprisonment of many more.
Hawthorne’s novel explores the themes of guilt, retribution, and atonement, and colors the tale with suggestions of the supernatural and the gothic. It is a work of allegory, with the titular house representing the Pyncheon family’s dark past and the curse that has haunted them for generations. The novel’s characters are all haunted by their own pasts and by the sins of their ancestors, and the story is a meditation on the weight of history and the possibility of redemption.
Overview of Allegory in Literature
Allegory is a literary device that uses symbolic characters, events, and objects to represent abstract ideas and concepts. It is a form of storytelling that is often used to convey moral or political messages. Allegories have been used throughout history in various forms of literature, including fables, myths, and parables.
In an allegory, the characters and events are not meant to be taken literally. Instead, they are meant to represent something else. For example, in George Orwell’s Animal Farm, the animals represent different classes of people, and the events in the story represent the Russian Revolution and the rise of Stalinism.
Allegories can be used to convey complex ideas in a simple and accessible way. They can also be used to criticize social and political systems, as well as to promote certain values and beliefs. Overall, allegories are a powerful tool for writers to convey their messages and ideas to readers in a memorable and impactful way.
Main Allegories in ‘The House of the Seven Gables’
The House Itself
The house in the novel is a representation of the Pyncheon family’s history and the curse that accompanies it. The house is described as being old and decaying, with a dark and oppressive atmosphere. It is a symbol of the family’s past, which is full of secrets and guilt. The house also represents the idea that the sins of the past can haunt the present.
The Pyncheon Family
The Pyncheon family is a representation of the corrupting influence of wealth and power. The family’s history is full of greed, murder, and betrayal. The characters in the novel are all affected by the sins of their ancestors, and they struggle to escape the curse that has been placed on their family.
The Garden
The garden in the novel is a symbol of the possibility of redemption and renewal. The garden is described as being overgrown and neglected, but it is also full of life and potential. The character Phoebe, who represents goodness and purity, is able to bring life back to the garden, symbolizing the possibility of redemption for the Pyncheon family.
The Portrait of Colonel Pyncheon
The portrait of Colonel Pyncheon is a representation of the corrupting influence of power. The portrait is described as being imposing and intimidating, and it is a reminder of the family’s past. The characters in the novel are all affected by the portrait, and they are constantly reminded of the sins of their ancestors. The portrait also represents the idea that power can corrupt even the most virtuous of individuals.
Character Analysis and Allegorical Roles
Hepzibah Pyncheon
Hepzibah Pyncheon is the central character and the owner of the House of the Seven Gables. She is described as an old and impoverished spinster who is forced to open a shop in order to support herself and her brother, Clifford. Hepzibah represents the past and the decay of the aristocracy. She is a symbol of the old Puritan values and the decline of the Pyncheon family. Her shop represents the new capitalist values that are taking over the old aristocracy.
Clifford Pyncheon
Clifford Pyncheon, Hepzibah’s brother, is a tragic character who has been imprisoned for 30 years for a crime he did not commit. He represents the innocent victim of the Pyncheon family’s greed and ambition. Clifford is a symbol of the repressed past and the desire to break free from it. His release from prison represents the possibility of redemption and renewal.
Judge Jaffrey Pyncheon
Judge Jaffrey Pyncheon is the villain of the story. He is a greedy and corrupt man who is obsessed with the Pyncheon family’s wealth and power. He represents the new capitalist values and the corruption that comes with it. Judge Pyncheon is a symbol of the decay and corruption of the Pyncheon family and the new society that is taking over the old aristocracy.
Holgrave
Holgrave is a young man who is a boarder at the House of the Seven Gables. He is a descendant of the Maule family, who were enemies of the Pyncheons. Holgrave represents the new generation that is rising to replace the old aristocracy. He is a symbol of the new democratic values that are replacing the old Puritan values.
Phoebe Pyncheon
Phoebe Pyncheon is a distant relative of the Pyncheon family who comes to live at the House of the Seven Gables. She is a young and innocent girl who represents the new generation that is rising to replace the old aristocracy. Phoebe is a symbol of the new democratic values that are replacing the old Puritan values. She is also a symbol of hope and redemption for the Pyncheon family.
Themes and Symbols in the Novel
Guilt and Atonement
The theme of guilt and atonement is central to “The House of the Seven Gables.” Hawthorne explores the idea that past sins and wrongdoings can have lasting consequences for future generations. The Pyncheon family’s history is tainted by the greed and cruelty of their ancestor, Colonel Pyncheon, who stole land from a poor farmer and built the titular house on it. The curse that the farmer placed on the Colonel and his descendants hangs over the family, leading to their downfall. The novel suggests that the only way to break the cycle of guilt and atonement is through confession and repentance.
The Past versus The Present
Another prominent theme in the novel is the tension between the past and the present. The Pyncheon family is obsessed with their lineage and the history of their house, but this fixation ultimately leads to their downfall. The character of Holgrave represents the opposite viewpoint, believing that progress and change are necessary for society to move forward. The novel suggests that a balance between the past and the present is necessary for a healthy society.
The Supernatural
The supernatural plays a significant role in the novel, with ghosts and curses haunting the Pyncheon family. The House of the Seven Gables itself is a symbol of the family’s cursed history, and its dark and mysterious atmosphere adds to the eerie tone of the novel. Hawthorne uses the supernatural elements to explore the idea of fate and the consequences of past actions. The novel suggests that the supernatural can be a manifestation of the guilt and fear that haunt us from the past.
Critical Reception and Interpretations
The House of the Seven Gables has been regarded as one of Nathaniel Hawthorne’s greatest works. Despite its weaknesses, the novel has been the subject of diverse critical studies that have explored its themes, symbolism, and allegory.
Some critics have interpreted the novel as a representation of the human soul and its struggle with guilt, sin, and redemption. They argue that the Pyncheon family represents the human condition, with its dark past, hidden secrets, and moral corruption. The house, in turn, symbolizes the human body, with its hidden chambers, secret passages, and haunted memories.
Other critics have focused on the novel’s political and social commentary, arguing that it reflects Hawthorne’s views on American society and its history. They point out that the novel is set in Salem, Massachusetts, the site of the infamous witch trials of 1692, and that it explores the themes of justice, revenge, and power.
Influence on American Literature and Culture
The House of the Seven Gables is one of the most important works of Nathaniel Hawthorne, and it has had a significant impact on American literature and culture. The novel’s intricate plot, vivid characters, and allegorical themes have inspired countless writers and artists over the years.
The novel’s exploration of the dark side of human nature and the consequences of sin and guilt has resonated with readers for generations. Hawthorne’s use of symbolism and allegory has also had a lasting impact on American literature, influencing writers such as Herman Melville and Edgar Allan Poe.
The House of the Seven Gables has also had an impact on American culture beyond the literary world. The novel’s setting, a Gothic mansion with a dark history, has become an iconic image in American popular culture. The novel has been adapted into several films, television shows, and plays, further cementing its place in American culture.
Comparisons to Other Works by Hawthorne
When compared to Nathaniel Hawthorne’s other works, The House of the Seven Gables stands out as a unique piece of literature. Despite being a work of fiction, the novel is based on the author’s own family history and the house that his family once owned. Hawthorne’s use of allegory is also prominent throughout the novel, which is a recurring theme in his writing.
One of the most significant similarities between The House of the Seven Gables and Hawthorne’s other works is his use of symbolism. Hawthorne often uses symbols to represent abstract concepts, and this is evident in both The Scarlet Letter and The House of the Seven Gables. For example, the house itself is a symbol of the Pyncheon family’s past and the sins of their ancestors. Similarly, the character of Hepzibah Pyncheon represents the decline of the aristocracy in America.
Another comparison that can be made is the use of supernatural elements in Hawthorne’s writing. Both The House of the Seven Gables and The Scarlet Letter feature characters who are haunted by their past and the ghosts of their ancestors. Hawthorne’s use of supernatural elements adds depth to his stories and makes them more engaging for readers.
Finally, Hawthorne’s writing often explores the theme of guilt and redemption. This is evident in The Scarlet Letter, where the character of Hester Prynne must grapple with her guilt and the consequences of her actions. In The House of the Seven Gables, the Pyncheon family must also come to terms with their past and find redemption for the sins of their ancestors.