Literary Techniques In Entering The House Of The Seven Gables

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Entering The House Of The Seven Gables Nathaniel Hawthorne in The House Of The Seven Gables has expertly conveyed the theme of decay. Throughout this novel, the evil trapped in this country-side house can be seen not only the outside but the inside of others souls. Hawthorne grasps tone, conflict, as well as literary devices in order to achieve the theme of decay. Entering Hawthorne's grim country-side mansion, decay is lingering about. What showcases the authors fester is his choice of tone. Shown here “…cheerless, and dusky chamber, which had been untenanted so long…” (Hawthorne). This quote illustrates the outside of the mansion left to rot away as well as the guests stay. Furthermore, in this sorrowful tone, the author shows a very …show more content…

Hawthorne expertly incorporates literary devices as well as renders the theme of decay. The irony is one of these assets that play a principal role as to why the Pyncheons are slowly drowning in their own sorrows and paying their dues. As proven by the source that the Pyncheons “…victim of his treachery, Matthew Maule, cursed Pyncheon…and Pyncheon died unexpectedly” (Kelly King Howes). The irony that was taken place in this quotation was the fact that right after building the house Mr. Pyncheon mysteriously died. Which was probably what the wizard wanted so whoever lives there, which is the Pyncheons are cursed for their ancestor's omission. Moreover, the setting that was taken throughout the story helped the reader visualize and feel what the character was going through. The author describes that “…there was neither sunshine nor household fire in one nor the other…” (Hawthorne). This quote helps visualize as Phoebes extended visit at The House Of The Seven Gables lingers, her cheery hope and high self-esteem is crushed by the decay of her stay. The house which is the main source of their misery takes a huge toll on their life. So not only is the house rotting but so are they. The houses grim nature affects their personas and outlook towards life itself. The family has been cursed to live a life of misery and decay. The curse that has left a burden upon Mr. Pyncheons own blood was …show more content…

As shown by the source “The aspect of the venerable mansion has always affected me like a human countenance , bearing the traces not merely of outward storm and the sunshine, but expressive, also, of the long lapse of mortal life, and accompanying vicissitudes that have passed within” (Ticknor, Reed, and Fields). The mansion symbolizes all of the characters sins and the walls covered from their pasts mistakes. The mistakes of which brought darkness upon their lively hoods. Also in the quotation where it says “mortal life” which symbolizes how strong the curse is. It is also all of Mr. Pyncheons pride and greed which caused the evil up bringing upon this house. Which are also two of the seven deadly sins which the wizard was accused of witchcraft another sin major in the puritain era. Showing that everything that goes around will come back to haunt the family with an even harsher

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