You Take After Your Mother

In chapter 5 in The House of the Seven Gables, Pheobe makes herself at home in the house of the seven gables. Hepzibah didn't want Pheobe to stay in the house with her because she felt that the dreariness of the house would take away Pheobe's free and entergetic spirit. Hepzibah then changes her mind when she sees how respectful Pheobe is and Pheobe also gives Heozibah helpful tips on how to make the cent shop better.

When Hepzibah and Pheobe have tea that morning, Pheobe decides to clean off the dusty old China set and this when Hepzibah sees that Pheobe is helpful. Hepzibah is shocked that Pheobe was willing to clean off the dishes without even being asked. Hepzibah says to her, "But these things must have come to you with your mother's blood. I never knew a Pyncheon that had any turn for them!"(page 77). Hepzibah continues to say to Pheobe that she must have gotten all of her nice characteristics from her mother. I thought that it was nice of Hepzibah to complement her on such things but I was kind of angry that she was talking about her family so badly as well. I understand that you appreciate your cousin's help, but you don't have to put your family down at the same time.

Just when I felt that Hepzibah was a nice old lady, she says something that helps me to understand why people call her a mean old lady. After Pheobe has helped Hepzibah with her shop, and gives Hepzibah suggestions of goods to sell at the shop, Hepzibah claims that Pheobe isn't a lady. She also claims that she gets that from her mother, and that women from New England aren't usual ladies.

I felt shocked when I heard this come out of Hepzibah's mouth because a few pages before, she was giving Pheobe compliments, then ot of no where she says such a nasty thing like that. Now I see why people feel that Hepzibah is a mean old lady. How could you say that your cousin isn't a lady.