House of the Seven Gables (Calico Illustrated Classics Set 2)
Calico Illustrated Classics Series
What’s inside...
A prominent New England family suffering under a two-hundred-year-old curse is plagued by greed, vengeful acts, and violent death. Nathaniel Hawthorne's classic tale of family honor brings us the Pyncheon family. From the deception of the first Colonel Pyncheon to the evilness of the current Judge Pyncheon, the family's curses, troubles, and few happinesses are revealed. Follow all happenings of the family home in the Calico Illustrated Classics adaptation of Hawthorne's The House of the Seven Gables.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-10
Length
112 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Hepzibah Pyncheon
Phoebe Pyncheon
Holgrave
Clifford Pyncheon
Judge Jaffrey Pyncheon
Discussion points
Why do you think the characters in the story felt haunted by the house's history?
How does the story show the impact of guilt and forgiveness on a person's life?
What can we learn about honesty and integrity from the actions of the characters in the book?
How do you think the house itself is like another character in the story?
In what ways do the characters change from the beginning to the end of the book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Ask your child how they would feel if they were in the characters' shoes, to help them connect better with the story.
Discuss the historical setting of the book, exploring how life was different back then and what has changed.
Encourage your child to describe their favorite part of the book and why it stands out to them, to enhance their understanding and appreciation of storytelling.
Use the storyline to discuss broader themes like justice, redemption, and moral decisions, relating them to real-life situations your child might encounter.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of forgiveness
Explanation: In 'House of the Seven Gables,' the themes of guilt and redemption play a central role. The characters demonstrate the power of forgiving others to alleviate long-held family burdens.
Real-World Application: Children learn the emotional benefits of forgiving peers, which can help resolve conflicts and promote a supportive environment among friends.
Example Lesson: The impact of past on present
Explanation: The narrative explores how past deeds of ancestors affect the current generation. The Pyncheon family's history significantly influences the lives of the present family members, demonstrating the long-lasting effects of actions.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children to understand how their behaviors and decisions can affect themselves and others, emphasizing the importance of thoughtful decision-making.
Example Lesson: Perseverance in adversity
Explanation: The character Hepzibah struggles with adversity, yet shows resilience in face of hardship. This highlights the value of persevering even when circumstances are challenging.
Real-World Application: Children learn the virtue of patience and perseverance when faced with personal challenges, be it at school or in social settings, underscoring that hard work often leads to favorable outcomes.
Example Lesson: Generosity and its rewards
Explanation: Holgrave's actions in the book show how generosity can lead to mutual benefits for both the giver and receiver, promoting a message of altruism.
Real-World Application: Teaching children the value of sharing and being generous can help them build healthier relationships and foster a sense of community.