A STUDY ON SOCIAL CONFLICTS AS THE RESULT OF THE CHARACTERS’ GREED IN NATHANIEL HAWTHORNE’S THE HOUSE OF THE SEVEN GABLES

Abstract

ocial conflicts are the main problems undergone by some characters in the novel. The three social conflicts are available in the novel. All of them are caused by the greed and lead into chaotic situations. The purpose of this study is to analyze the three social conflicts experienced by the Pyncheon and the Maule’s families. It is also to analyze the role of both the descendants in giving the contribution to the end of the social conflicts. The analysis is conducted by using inductive method to make a precise and chronological analysis. It also uses sociological and psychological approaches in examining the thesis. The analysis reveals that the first conflict happens between the Colonel Pyncheon and Matthew Maule as the result of the Colonel’s greed. The second occurs between Gervayse Pyncheon and Matthew Maule as the result of the Gervayse’s greed and the last is the social conflict between Judge Jaffrey Pyncheon and Hepzibah Pyncheon as the result of the Judge’s greed. Furthermore, it also reveals the role of both the Pyncheon’s and the Maule’s descendants in giving the contribution to the end of the social conflicts in which they have the ability to control one’s self and to love where they bring the greed and revenge away and puts love above everything so that the social conflicts disappear and an orderly situation is restored. The descendants who can create the peaceful condition are Hepzibah Pyncheon, Clifford Pyncheon, Phoebe Pyncheon and Holgrave.