... for the sins of their "father", while they are unknowingly renewing the curse by nurturing the ancestral greed that has passed through the generations. Thus the various themes of the novel reflect the central idea of continued sin through the greed and guilt of a declining family. ... by the Pyncheon family's greed. "Lust for wealth has held the Pyncheon" in its inflexible grasp". What Hawthorne saw handed down through the generations were not material unreality's such as gold and family position, but inescapable traits of character . Even in the modern times of the novel, ... personal...

• Word Count: 2711
• Approx Pages: 11
• Grade Level: High School