Gothic History and Reforms in The House of the Seven Gables

초록

This article analyzes Nathaniel Hawthorne’s Gothic novel, The House of the Seven Gables, and its portrayal of the intricate interplay between inherited blood lineage and individual struggles for change. While exploring the negative consequences of past transgressions on future generations, the novel primarily focuses on how each generation has the power to shape its own destiny despite the constraints of the family curse. Indeed, Gothic history in the fiction revolves around a historical compromise and a dialectical understanding of family lines, highlighting both continuity and variation. While Hawthorne establishes the historical continuity through similarities observed between characters like Colonel Pyncheon and Judge Pyncheon, the author’s main concern lies with the efforts made by certain descendants of the Pyncheons and Maules who strive to disentangle themselves from the burdensome legacy. Consequently, the bloodlines of these two feuding families possess a complex history, with successive generations displaying diverse character traits as they grapple with individual transformation. In consequence, Hawthorne values a balance between competing historical forces, including human struggle and Providence, reform and tradition, and progressive optimism and critical skepticism. The author’s emphasis on the importance of navigating the historical juncture where the dark legacy and emergent values converge is showcased through his characters’ personal narratives of growth, where individuals pave the way for a brighter future, despite the presence of numerous setbacks and obstacles. Ultimately, Hawthorne’s romance suggests that the family curse can be lifted through individual initiatives and historical dialectics, highlighting the potential for new and meaningful ways to overcome the impact of past wrongs on future generations.

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