The Nature of Light, Part 2

NATURE (THE GARDEN)

So, the first theme I noticed was the depiction of Phoebe as light. The second one I’m choosing to follow is Hawthorne’s use of nature (specifically the Pyncheon garden)—in which Phoebe is referenced as a flower.

The garden is comprised of three parts: the flowers (duh), Maule’s well (which is supposedly cursed), and the chickens (yes, I said chickens).

The first look at the Pyncheon garden is a bleak one. Weeds, which Hawthorne likens to the transferred vices of society, overrun the once glorious garden. The few flowers in bloom are fighting against both the weeds and mold. A small well, filled troubled water flowing over colorful rocks, creates images that a man could obsess over for a lifetime. While the water looks pure and inviting, may the reader and Phoebe beware: the water is cursed by Matthew Maule himself. Finally, the garden houses a line of chickens as aristocratic and old as the Pyncheon family itself. The chickens, humorously referred to as Chaucer’s Chanticleer and wives, are a measly, dying breed.

The garden—like Hepzibah, the old house, and the Pyncheon family—has fallen into disrepair and decay. The flowers are molding, the water is bewitched, and the chickens are as pitiful as their mistress.

That is, until Phoebe arrives.

Truly, Phoebe represents light, but she also represents the life-giving power of nature. As she leans out the window on the first morning of her stay at the House of Seven Gables, Phoebe’s sweet breath livens the roses blooming outside her window. One sweet breath and the garden’s flowers are ready to awaken from their long, moldy slumber.

When Phoebe finally makes her way to the garden she mourns at the condition of the garden—mold and weeds overrun the once beautiful garden, but she is confident the garden can be returned to its former glory. As she continues to explore the garden, she meets Chanticleer, his wives, and the little chicken. Disturbed by their looks, Phoebe runs inside to fetch the fowls some food. When she returns, she is surprised to find Hepzibah’s tenant, Holgrave, at work in the garden. He expresses his wonder at the chickens taking to the young Pyncheon, “the fowls know you to be a Pyncheon!” he remarks. “The secret is,” said Phoebe, smiling, “that I have learned how to talk with hens and chickens.”—Practical-minded Phoebe will make no allowance for the affection of the chickens except her rural upbringing. She doesn’t know that Hawthorne uses her presence to give the garden new life—but Holgrave does.

Hawthorne continues to shroud Maule’s well with mystery. Phoebe recognizes the cursed bubbling water only as a pool of water surrounded by mossy rocks. As Holgrave departs he sends Phoebe a warning:

“Be careful not to drink at Maule’s well. Neither drink nor bathe your face in it!”
“Maule’s well!” answered Phoebe. “Is that it with the rim of mossy stones? I have no thought of drinking there, --but why not?”
“Oh,” rejoined the daguerreotypist, “because, like an old lady’s cup of tea, it is water bewitched!”

(514)