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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Phoebe do that cheers Clifford the most?

2. What does Clifford claim he saw in the well?

3. What does Holgrave offer to Phoebe?

4. What is Holgrave writing?

5. Who did some construction work on the house the day the Colonel died?

Short Essay Questions

1. Maule agreed to help Gervais under two conditions. What were they?

2. Describe Matthew Maule's demeanor when he came to the house.

3. What was the impact of Maule's hypnotism on Alice?

4. What does the Judge want from Clifford?

5. Describe Holgrave's attitudes towards society and tradition.

6. What childish impulse does Clifford give in to and who witnesses it?

7. Why was the Judge finally successful at getting a meeting with Clifford?

8. What does Hepzibah find in the parlor?

9. How does the author build suspense as Hepzibah waits while the Judge meets with Clifford?

10. How was young Matthew Maule already connected to the story of the House?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Write an essay that explores character changes throughout the novel. Which characters undergo important changes and are these changes a function of direct or indirect characterization? Why are these character shifts important? How do they help develop themes or motifs in the novel?

Essay Topic 2

Write an essay that explores the importance of Maule’s curse. How is the curse fulfilled throughout the story? Is the curse real or do its apparent victims bring their misfortune upon themselves?

Essay Topic 3

Write an essay that explains the significance of the romance between Phoebe and Holgrave. How does Hawthorne foreshadow its development? Why is it important? How does their union resolve the “curse” of the House of Seven Gables?

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