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Colonel Pyncheon gets Matthew Maule Killed
Colonel Pyncheon accuses Matthew Maule of witchcraft in order to take his land and build his own mansion in it's place. This is significant as this is the reason why the Maule's and Pyncheon's are rivals. "Old Matthew Maule, in a word, was executed for the crime of witchcraft" - Page 9 -
Colonel Pyncheon is Found Dead
The village is invited to Pyncheon's mansion, but Colonel Pyncheon is not out to show the village around. He is then found dead in his room with blood on his beard and shirt. "There was an unnatural distortion in the fixedness of Colonel Pyncheon's stare; that there was blood in his ruff, and that his hoary beard was saturated with it." - Page 12 -
Hepzibah Pyncheon Opens Up Her Store
To save herself from a financial crisis, Hepzibah convinces herself that she must open up a store. This shows the personality of Hepzibah in which she is really shy. "She might have held back a little longer; but another circumstance, not yet hinted at, had somewhat hastened her decision." - Page 24 -
Phoebe Pyncheon Comes to the Pyncheon Mansion
Phoebe Pyncheon comes to live with Hepzibah Pyncheon in the house. This is significant because Phoebe becomes what seems to be the main character in the book and provides some happiness in Hepzibah's life. "First giving a sharp rap of the old iron knocker, he left his passenger and her luggage at the door-step, and departed." - Page 40 -
Phoebe Helps Hepzibah with the Store
Phoebe shows Hepzibah how to be a gracious and happy shop-keeper. Hepzibah doesn't change her personality, but just allows Phoebe to run the shop instead. This is significant as it shows how useful Phoebe is around the house. "Phoebe, smiling, and yet with a gentle kind of dignity, 'and I mean to earn my bread.'" - Page 43 -
Clifford Pyncheon Arrives at the Mansion
Clifford Pyncheon arrives at the Pyncheon mansion from his stay in prison for 30 years. He is quite strange, and doesn't even look at Hepzibah in the eyes even though she is his sister. His arrival leads to many consequences in the future. "'There is nothing but love here, Clifford,' she added-'nothing but love! You are at home!'" - Page 60 -
Judge Pyncheon Visits the Mansion
Judge Pyncheon visits the Pyncheon Mansion and notices that Hepzibah is going through financial troubles. He offers money to Hepzibah, but she refuses. The Judge then hears the voice of Clifford and tries to burst into the house. This suggests that there is a feud between Judge Pyncheon and his cousins. "'Woman!' broke forth the Judge, giving way to his resentment, 'what is the meaning of all this?'" - Page 72 -
Clifford Almost Commits Suicide
After having a bad day, Phoebe decides to take Clifford to the window overlooking the road. Clifford notices an organ grinder and his disturbing monkey. After seeing this, Clifford gets closer and closer to the window, as if he were about to jump out of it. Phoebe and Hepzibah prevent him from jumping out though. This shows the depressing setting of the Pyncheon Mansion. "Had Clifford attained the balcony, he would probably have leaped into the street." - Page 89 -
Phoebe Leaves the Pyncheon Mansion
Phoebe leaves the house for a short time. Her absence makes the house seem more depressing than it already is. Her youthfulness and happiness has disappeared from the house, and many events happen during her absence... "'Good-bye, then,' said Phoebe frankly, 'I do not mean to be angry a great while, and should be sorry to have you think so.'" - Page 118 -
Judge Pyncheon Dies
Judge Pyncheon comes to the house and tells Hepzibah that he needs to see Clifford. After being threatened with being thrown in an asylum, Clifford reluctantly comes down to talk with the Judge. After some time, Clifford comes back to Hepzibah telling her that the Judge died. The Judge sat in the parlor, deceased. "The alternative to his confinement, probably for the remainder of his life, in a public asylum for persons in his unfortunate state of mind." - Page 126 -
Clifford and Hepzibah Run Away
Clifford and Hepzibah run away from the house of the seven gables and board a train. Clifford continually states that it is better to travel than stay in the same place as the dead Judge Pyncheon. This shows how much the house has changed since Phoebe left. "Without question or delay,- ... -Clifford impelled her to the cars, and assisted her to enter." - Page 137 -
Everyone is Reunited at Judge Pyncheon's Old House
At the end of the story, Hepzibah, Phoebe, Clifford, Holgrave, and Uncle Venner all come to Judge Pyncheon's previous home. They decide that it would be a fitting place for everyone to live, and they end up living happily ever after in a new home. "The country-house is certainly a very fine one, so far as the plan goes." - Page 169
