The House of the Seven Gables · Chapter
Alice Pyncheon explained
This chapter recounts the story of Gervayse Pyncheon's negotiation with Matthew Maule, the carpenter, over a lost document essential to the Pyncheon family's Eastern land claim.
What happens
This chapter recounts the story of Gervayse Pyncheon's negotiation with Matthew Maule, the carpenter, over a lost document essential to the Pyncheon family's Eastern land claim. Maule agrees to help in exchange for the House of the Seven Gables, but also demands a private conversation with Alice Pyncheon, Gervayse's daughter. The chapter explores themes of inherited guilt, family pride, and the supernatural legacy of the Maule and Pyncheon feud.
Themes in this chapter
Inherited Sin and Guilt
The Maule family's legacy of witchcraft and the Pyncheon family's curse are central to the negotiation, with the ghostly portrait symbolizing the enduring guilt of Colonel Pyncheon's actions.
Class and Social Decline
Gervayse Pyncheon, despite his pride, is forced to bargain with a carpenter, highlighting the decline of the Pyncheon family's fortunes and the blurring of class lines.
The Past vs. the Present
The chapter contrasts the old Colonel's era with Gervayse's modern ambitions, as the past's sins and secrets (the lost document, the wizard's curse) directly shape the present negotiation.
Characters to notice
- Matthew Maule
The carpenter and grandson of the executed wizard; he negotiates with Gervayse Pyncheon for the House of the Seven Gables and requests a talk with Alice.
- Alice Pyncheon
The fair and proud daughter of Gervayse Pyncheon, recently returned from Italy; she becomes a pawn in her father's dealings with Maule.
- Colonel Pyncheon
The deceased founder of the house; his portrait is said to frown and gesture in disapproval during the negotiation.
- Scipio
The black servant who delivers the message from Gervayse Pyncheon to Matthew Maule.
Key passages
““Give up this house!” exclaimed Mr. Pyncheon, in amazement at the proposal. “Were I to do so, my grandfather would not rest quiet in his grave!” “He never has, if all stories are true,” remarked the carpenter composedly.”
Gervayse Pyncheon is shocked at the idea of surrendering the house, fearing it would disturb his grandfather's rest. Maule calmly replies that the Colonel's ghost has never been at peace anyway.
This exchange highlights the supernatural legacy and the Pyncheon family's haunted history.
““I consent to your proposition, Maule!” cried he. “Put me in possession of the document essential to establish my rights, and the House of the Seven Gables is your own!””
Gervayse Pyncheon agrees to Maule's terms, offering the house in exchange for the lost document that would secure his Eastern land claim.
This marks the pivotal bargain that sets the stage for Alice's involvement and the unfolding tragedy.