1. Discuss the presence of decay and decaying things in The House of the Seven Gables. What does decay symbolize in the novel?

2. Can Clifford be considered a good person? How is his goodness or malice reflected in the way he treats Phoebe and Hepzibah?

3. Discuss the role of hypnotism and mesmerism in The House of the Seven Gables.

4. How is Phoebe different from all the other characters in the novel? Does she resemble any one character more than the others? If so, why?

5. Why does Hepzibah continue to refuse the Judge’s offers of financial help? Can these offers be viewed as genuine, or are there by ulterior motives?