Happiness In Nathaniel Hawthorne's 'House Of Seven Gables'

Humankind naturally works to fulfill their own needs and desires. It is embedded in their nature. When they are able to overcome this instinct and sacrifice to serve others, they achieve a more fulfilled state of being. In House of Seven Gables, Nathaniel Hawthorne exposes that when individuals try to aid others selflessly they are happier than if they selfishly seek their own happiness. This is clearly portrayed through the character progression of Judge Jaffrey Pyncheon, Hepzibah, and Phoebe. Judge Pyncheon lives his whole life believing the only way to achieve happiness is by trampling other individuals to reach the top of society, but he is never truly happy. One of the most important examples is the fact that he framed Clifford …show more content…
She is also the most concerned about the wellbeing of others. She is always looking for a way to brighten someone's day, and as a result, is successful in everything she puts her mind to. When she arrives at the house of seven gables she immediately goes to work cheering up the house and the lives of everyone around her. When she runs the shop for Hepzibah she rushes in and cries, “We need to renew our stock, Cousin Hepzibah” (74). Her success was a result of her positive attitude which made people want to buy things from her. On page 128, Hawthorne Reveals Phoebe’s distaste for Clifford’s strange manner, but on 129 he states that she still “gave him an affectionate regard, because he needed so much love”. Without any concern as to what secrets his past may hold, Phoebe befriends the mysterious Holgrave. Even when she discovers he is a Maule, her family’s enemy, she remains his friend. As a direct result, she discovers the whereabouts of the deed to the land that her family has been striving to acquire since the death of their ancestor Colonel Pyncheon. She clearly shows the happiness and prosperity that comes from being kind to

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Happiness In Nathaniel Hawthorne's 'House Of Seven Gables'

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