1. The House Itself:
* Architectural Symbolism: The house, with its seven gables, crooked shape, and shadowy corners, embodies the weight of the past and the sins of its inhabitants. Its dark, oppressive nature creates a sense of claustrophobia and foreboding.
* Decay and Neglect: The dilapidated state of the house, with its cracked walls, overgrown gardens, and dusty rooms, reflects the moral decay and corruption within the Pyncheon family.
* Supernatural Associations: The house is rumored to be haunted by the ghost of Matthew Maule, who was unjustly hanged on the property. This adds a layer of supernatural dread to the atmosphere.
2. Nature Imagery:
* Dark and Gloomy Setting: Hawthorne uses evocative descriptions of the "black, brooding" house and the "dreary" landscape surrounding it to enhance the sense of gloom.
* Symbolism of Nature: The imagery of the "sombre" garden, the "dead" trees, and the "gloomy" sky reflects the darkness within the characters and their moral decay.
* Contrast with the Past: The once beautiful garden and the "fair" scenery are now neglected and overgrown, highlighting the decline of the family's fortune and their moral compass.
3. Character Portrayals:
* The Pyncheon Family: The Pyncheons are depicted as arrogant, greedy, and morally corrupt. Their actions are fueled by selfishness and a desire for power, creating a sense of unease and dread.
* The Ghost of Matthew Maule: His presence as a vengeful spirit underscores the cyclical nature of evil and the lasting consequences of past misdeeds.
4. Symbolism and Foreshadowing:
* The Rosebush: The lone rosebush growing outside the house represents hope and the possibility of redemption, but its withered state foreshadows the family's inevitable downfall.
* The Curse: The story is woven around the idea of a curse that haunts the Pyncheons. This curse, stemming from the injustice suffered by Matthew Maule, creates a sense of impending doom and reinforces the theme of evil's enduring legacy.
5. Language and Tone:
* Gothic Language: Hawthorne's use of dark, descriptive language and imagery contributes to the eerie and unsettling atmosphere.
* Suspenseful Tone: The story unfolds with a sense of suspense and anticipation, keeping the reader on edge as the characters navigate their troubled destinies.
Through these techniques, Hawthorne masterfully creates an atmosphere of evil that permeates the entire story, casting a dark shadow over the Pyncheon family and their haunted house. The reader is left with a sense of unease and a lingering awareness of the enduring power of the past and the consequences of injustice.