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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What did Maule do just before his death?
(a) He cursed the Pyncheon family.
(b) He poisoned his well.
(c) He spat up blood.
(d) He hypnotized his daughter.

2. What kind of clothes is Clifford wearing when readers first meet him?
(a) Pale and worn out.
(b) Dark and somber.
(c) Sharp and stylish.
(d) Colorful and elaborate.

3. Why were the Maules considered outcasts?
(a) They spent too much time with the natives.
(b) They were rumored to practice witchcraft.
(c) They lived outside of town.
(d) They were habitual criminals.

4. What does Phoebe discover Hepzibah doing one morning?
(a) Packing to move away.
(b) Preparing an elaborate meal.
(c) Digging through boxes in the attic.
(d) Planting new seeds in the garden.

5. What does Holgrave suggest about the Judge?
(a) He appeares capable of a great crime.
(b) He appeares pious and humble.
(c) He appeares cynical and jaded.
(d) He appeares charismatic and appealing.

6. What does Phoebe’s window look down on?
(a) The front walk.
(b) The street.
(c) The Elm.
(d) The garden.

7. How does Hepzibah feel after her first day running the shop?
(a) A little bit better.
(b) Much better.
(c) Much worse.
(d) About the same.

8. What does Hepzibah beg Phoebe to do when someone comes to the shop window?
(a) Avoid Holgrave.
(b) Hide in the garden.
(c) Be nothing but cheerful.
(d) Ignore the new guest.

9. Who arrives for a surprise visit at the House at the beginning of the novel?
(a) Cousin Phoebe.
(b) Hepzibah’s son.
(c) Alice Pyncheon.
(d) Matthew Maule.

10. Which of the following best describes Phoebe?
(a) Rustic and pretty.
(b) Mannered and aristocratic.
(c) Fashionable and arrogant.
(d) Disciplined and religious.

11. What did the Pyncheons lose that cost them a vast fortune?
(a) A safe full of money.
(b) The deed to a valuable property.
(c) A fleet of fishing boats.
(d) The House of Seven Gables.

12. Who passes by the shop but does not enter at the beginning of the novel?
(a) Clifford Pyncheon.
(b) The Judge.
(c) Nathaniel Hawthorne.
(d) Matthew Maule.

13. What does Hepzibah tell Phoebe about Holgrave?
(a) He once tried to set the house on fire.
(b) He associates with strange companions.
(c) He is law-abiding and respectful.
(d) He is shy and unobtrusive.

14. What is Hepzibah waiting for at the beginning of the novel?
(a) The arrival of someone very important to her.
(b) The flowers in the garden to bloom.
(c) Someone to make an offer to buy the House.
(d) A delivery that was three days late.

15. Who built the House of Seven Gables?
(a) Hawthorne's grandfather.
(b) Ned Higgins.
(c) Judge Pyncheon.
(d) Matthew Maule’s son.

Short Answer Questions

1. Which statement best describes how the relationship between Hepzibah and Phoebe unfolds?

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

3. What does the Judge attempt to do when he first meets Phoebe?

4. What was the symptom of this mysterious death that occurs when the Pyncheons move into the House?

5. How does Clifford react to the portrait of the Colonel?

(see the answer keys)

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