Mr. Pynchon Character Analysis in Hope Leslie

Mr. Pynchon is one of the town magistrates of the frontier village of Springfield, Massachusetts. He is strict in his application of the law—such as when he sentences Nelema to death for supposed witchcraft—yet has a merciful heart, letting Hope slide even though he suspects she was involved in Nelema’s escape from jail. Mr. Pynchon does rebuke Hope for her boldness in speech and gets Mr. Fletcher to send her to Boston, where she’ll be more strictly watched.

Mr. Pynchon Character Timeline in Hope Leslie

The timeline below shows where the character Mr. Pynchon appears in Hope Leslie. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.

Violence and Historical Memory Theme Icon

...blast is heard in the village, and Digby is soon spurring his horse toward Bethel. Mr. Pynchon , the village magistrate, soon follows with armed men. At Bethel, meanwhile, Mononotto urges his... (full context)

When Mr. Pynchon observes the scene at Bethel, he imagines the potential fate of the entire colony. He... (full context)

Just as Mr. Pynchon is mounting his horse, he sees Mr. Fletcher’s party approaching. Two American Indians are carrying... (full context)

The next morning, Mr. Pynchon returns with a group of sympathetic neighbors. They are alarmed to learn that Mr. Fletcher... (full context)

Religious Conflict and Tolerance Theme Icon

...the past seven years. Hope, too, is forced to testify, but she maintains Nelema’s innocence. Mr. Pynchon rebukes her, calling her “forward” for giving her opinion. Nelema is pronounced worthy of death,... (full context)

...after a church meeting, so she stays at the Pynchons’ house. During supper, she notices Mr. Pynchon filling a bountiful plate and sending it downstairs with a servant, along with a key.... (full context)

...the rest of Springfield, that she had no idea what had happened to Nelema. Only Mr. Pynchon suspected her—and, being a merciful man deep down, he said nothing except to Mr. Fletcher,... (full context)