In an early moment of tension, Hepzibah is frightened by the shop bell which she perceives to be "betwitched", becoming fearful that she has "summoned up an evil spirit" (49)-yet we quickly discover that it is simply a sweet little urchin boy wanting to buy gingerbread. ... After all, the narrator has thus far acted as our guide throughout the novel, at times blatantly explicating the meaning of symbols for us-we have built up trust in his opinions, although moments of revoked explanation has left us wanting. ...

• Word Count: 1547
• Approx Pages: 6
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: Graduate