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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Why is Holgrave at the house at the beginning of the novel?

2. What does Holgrave try to do at the beginning of the novel?

3. What does Holgrave suggest Phoebe do the first time he meets her?

4. Which statement best describes the Pyncheons in the years after losing their fortune?

5. Whom does Phoebe meet in the garden?

Short Essay Questions

1. Explain who Clifford is and describe his homecoming.

2. What tragedies soon afflicted the Pyncheon family?

3. Describe Phoebe's first encounter with the Judge.

4. Describe Phoebe's first visit to the garden.

5. Describe the events surrounding the murder that was committed 30 years before the start of the story.

6. How would you describe the House of Seven Gables?

7. What does the Judge try to do?

8. Describe the Puritan-era legal battle over the land the house sits on.

9. Describe Holgrave and Uncle Venner.

10. Describe some of the "eerie" qualities of the House.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Write an essay that explores the symbolic significance of specific objects in the novel. Include discussion of the portrait, the well and garden, the posies, the harpsichord, and the daguerreotypes. What do they symbolize and how do they support the novel’s themes?

Essay Topic 2

Write an essay exploring Hepzibah and Phoebe and their roles as women in their society. How do the expectations and customs of nineteenth century new England influence their options and choices? How do these factors influence the events of the novel?

Essay Topic 3

Write an essay that explains the significance of the romance between Phoebe and Holgrave. How does Hawthorne foreshadow its development? Why is it important? How does their union resolve the “curse” of the House of Seven Gables?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 953 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample