The House of the Seven Gables: Chapter 11 Summary & Analysis

Phoebe decides that it would be beneficial for Clifford to have some variation in his routine, so they sit together at a large, arched window on the second floor, overlooking the street. Clifford remains mostly obscured by a curtain while watching passersby. Things like omnibuses and trains seem strange to him, but he loves seeing the antiquated merchants’ carts jingling down Pyncheon Street.

One day, an Italian boy with a barrel organ stops underneath the Pyncheon Elm and begins playing melodies. A monkey sits on his shoulder and, when the boy stops playing, jumps down to beg for coins from passersby. Clifford enjoys the performance but cries at the sight of the monkey, seeing a kind of symbolic ugliness in its greed.

Another day, a political parade passes by, and Clifford is so emotionally overwhelmed by the display that he puts his foot on the windowsill, as if to step outside. Phoebe and Hepzibah, terrified, hold him back. Even Clifford is unsure whether he was moved by some strange fear or by the desire to join the crowd. He seems to need a shock of some sort.

One Sunday morning, Clifford is moved by the sunshine, the sound of the church bells tolling across the city, and the sight of Phoebe walking off to church with a wave and a warm smile. He tells Hepzibah that if he were to go to church, he feels as if he could pray once again, surrounded by so many other souls. Seeing the look on his face, Hepzibah decides that they should go to church together, even though she herself has not gone for many years.

Hepzibah and Clifford dress in their faded, moldy churchgoing clothes and head out the door. As soon as they cross the threshold, the warmth of the day seems to vanish, and they both feel exposed before the world. Clifford sadly observes that they are like ghosts who do not belong among other human beings; they do not have the right to go anywhere except for this cursed old house. They retreat back into the gloomy house.

Clifford is not constantly gloomy, however. In some ways, he is like a child, not having to worry about the future or providing for his own needs. He dreams often of his boyhood and youth and somewhat lingers in these dreams throughout his days. Feeling so close to childhood himself, he loves watching children out the window, and one day he is inspired to stand at the window blowing soap-bubbles as he’d once loved doing. Many people stop to watch, including Judge Pyncheon, who happens to be passing by. He sarcastically says, “Aha, Cousin Clifford! […] Still blowing soap bubbles!” Seeing him, Clifford is overcome with dread.