View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Which statement best describes the Pyncheons in the years after losing their fortune?
(a) They became very religious and charitable.
(b) They rebuilt their fortune with grit and determination.
(c) They moved to Maine and started new lives.
(d) They descended into corruption and avarice.

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

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

4. What has Hepzibah refused to accept?
(a) A gift from Holgrave.
(b) Disrespect from Ned Higgins.
(c) Financial support from the Judge.
(d) Advice from Uncle Venner.

5. How does Hepzibah feel towards the Judge at the beginning of the book?
(a) She hates him.
(b) She relies on him.
(c) She loves him.
(d) She pities him.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Phoebe find in the garden?

2. What does Hepzibah decide about her surprise guest at the beginning of the novel?

3. What does Hepzibah do after she opens the shop for the day at the beginning of the novel?

4. What does Ned Higgins want to buy?

5. What is Holgrave’s occupation?

Short Essay Questions

1. What were the Maules like as a family?

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

3. Who is Hepzibah Pyncheon and why does she run a shop out of the house?

4. What does the Judge try to do?

5. Who built the House of the Seven Gables? Why is this ironic?

6. After the Colonel's death, what happened to the Pyncheon family?

7. Who is Phoebe and how does Hepzibah react to her arrival?

8. What did Maule do right before he died?

9. What do Hepzibah's feelings towards the Judge seem to be?

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

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 747 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample