True to its roots as a Gothic novel, the atmosphere of The House of the Seven Gables broods with ambiguity and fear, with this uncertainty culminating in moments of heightened suspense. ... Though this is a crucial moment that alters the course of the novel, all we are given is that "She thrust herself past Clifford, and disappeared into the room, but almost immediately returned, with a cry choking in her throat" (250). ... However, later in the novel after Hepzibah discovers Judge Jaffrey dead, she senses that a "stifling atmosphere of dread fill[s] the house with a death-smell...

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