'The House of the Seven Gables': Hawthorne's incorporation of scientific realism and technology relevant to the mid-nineteenth century (Nathaniel Hawthorne)

This paper asserts that although Hawthorne was intrigued enough by the innovations of the mid-1800's to incorporate them into The House of the Seven Gables, he subsequently chose to portray several characters that were associated with scientific realism as failures in order to vicariously express his personal anxiety toward technology. Holgrave's profession as a daguerreotypist and his role as a "self-reliant" man ultimately lead to failure because he exchanges his freedom as a photographer for the conventional lifestyle of hearth and home. The railroad pilgrimage taken by Clifford and Hepzibah explores the issue of technology's encroachment onto the pastoral way of life. In support of this theme Hawthorne portrays Clifford and Hepzibah as being so fearful of the outside world during their train ride that they opt to return to the Pyncheon mansion, even if it means possible incarceration for a crime they did not commit.