The House of the Seven Gables is Nathanial Hawthorne’s sophomore novel. Although not quite as popular as his first, The Scarlet Letter, this book contains a plot rich with love, magic, mystery. It revolves around the ongoing feud of two mid nineteenth century families, one personifying wealth and greed, the other the embodiment of mysticism. While not particularly long, chapter 14, titled “Phoebe’s Good-bye” is exceptionally vivid. It contains a turning point crucial to the integrity of Phoebe and Holgrave’s relationship, as well as the storyline. Additionally, demonstrates the way in which the Seven Gables has changed Phoebe. Finally, reminds the audience of the incredible temptation and influence of power.
The chapter opens just as Holgrave …show more content…
Prior to leaving, she bids farewell to Hepzibah, Clifford, and Uncle Venner. In their goodbyes, each of them mentions that they have noticed a change in Phoebe. First, Hepzibah relates to Phoebe that “you do not smile so naturally as when you came to us!” Hepzibah evidently noticed the strain living in the Seven Gables put on Phoebe. Between work in the little shop, the responsibility of lightening Clifford’s spirit, and dealing with the cloudy disposition of Judge Pyncheon Phoebe has changed. Hepzibah later relates that she hopes the time away will allow her to return to her prior carefree spirit. Afterward, Clifford closely inspects Phoebe and concludes that, “when I first saw you, you were the prettiest little maiden in the world; and now you have deepened into beauty. Girlhood has passed into womanhood.” Clifford, a sybarite and always appreciative of Phoebe’s physical beauty, has taken notice of Phoebe’s apparent maturation during her short stay in their company. Finally, Uncle Venner comments, “my years have been a great many, and your life is but just beginning; and yet, you are somehow as familiar to me as if I had found you at my mother 's door, and you had blossomed, like a running vine, all along my pathway since.” It is evident that the characters close to Phoebe have all recognized her change since …show more content…
As recounted earlier, Phoebe begins the chapter under a trance inadvertently set by Holgrave’s storytelling. Although tempted, Holgrave refrains from exercising this power over her. While he may control her much like Matthew Maule did Alice Pyncheon, Holgrave releases her from his spell. This is a major turning point. Hawthorne is explicit in mentioning that, “to a disposition like Holgrave 's, at once speculative and active, there is no temptation so great as the opportunity of acquiring empire over the human spirit.” Holgrave’s decision is a turning point for a few of reasons. For one, it shows his strong feelings for her. Exerting power over Phoebe is an incredibly enticing prospect however, Holgrave shows incredible restraint in refraining. His feelings for her are supported later in the chapter. Under the moonlight, Holgrave confesses, “I never watched the coming of so beautiful an eve, and never felt anything so very much like happiness as at this moment.” This statement alone is incredibly sweet. Still, we must remember that this came from Holgrave, a mysterious and stoic character. For him to admit this feeling of joy he has while simply standing outside with Phoebe is
The chapter opens just as Holgrave …show more content…
Prior to leaving, she bids farewell to Hepzibah, Clifford, and Uncle Venner. In their goodbyes, each of them mentions that they have noticed a change in Phoebe. First, Hepzibah relates to Phoebe that “you do not smile so naturally as when you came to us!” Hepzibah evidently noticed the strain living in the Seven Gables put on Phoebe. Between work in the little shop, the responsibility of lightening Clifford’s spirit, and dealing with the cloudy disposition of Judge Pyncheon Phoebe has changed. Hepzibah later relates that she hopes the time away will allow her to return to her prior carefree spirit. Afterward, Clifford closely inspects Phoebe and concludes that, “when I first saw you, you were the prettiest little maiden in the world; and now you have deepened into beauty. Girlhood has passed into womanhood.” Clifford, a sybarite and always appreciative of Phoebe’s physical beauty, has taken notice of Phoebe’s apparent maturation during her short stay in their company. Finally, Uncle Venner comments, “my years have been a great many, and your life is but just beginning; and yet, you are somehow as familiar to me as if I had found you at my mother 's door, and you had blossomed, like a running vine, all along my pathway since.” It is evident that the characters close to Phoebe have all recognized her change since …show more content…
As recounted earlier, Phoebe begins the chapter under a trance inadvertently set by Holgrave’s storytelling. Although tempted, Holgrave refrains from exercising this power over her. While he may control her much like Matthew Maule did Alice Pyncheon, Holgrave releases her from his spell. This is a major turning point. Hawthorne is explicit in mentioning that, “to a disposition like Holgrave 's, at once speculative and active, there is no temptation so great as the opportunity of acquiring empire over the human spirit.” Holgrave’s decision is a turning point for a few of reasons. For one, it shows his strong feelings for her. Exerting power over Phoebe is an incredibly enticing prospect however, Holgrave shows incredible restraint in refraining. His feelings for her are supported later in the chapter. Under the moonlight, Holgrave confesses, “I never watched the coming of so beautiful an eve, and never felt anything so very much like happiness as at this moment.” This statement alone is incredibly sweet. Still, we must remember that this came from Holgrave, a mysterious and stoic character. For him to admit this feeling of joy he has while simply standing outside with Phoebe is