"(21) Hepzibah is the decline of the entire family. She is filled with light and dark. The symbol of light and dark represent good and evil. Hepzibah is in a world of isolation because she is afraid to break out and become part of the outside society. Her rigid frame and her permanent scowl on her face receive judgments from the town. Her appearance is a symbol of cruelty. Although she is gentle and kind, the town misunderstands her. The symbol of light and dark symbolize Hepzibah. Her heart is light and her appearance is dark. When Hepzibah opens her shop, her first customer is Holgrave, a descendent of Matthew Maule. He is the first to greet her on her first day. He resides in one of the gables as a tenant. He is also a daguerreotypist by profession. "I wish I were dead.With my father, my mother, and my sister! Yes, and with my brother, who had far better find me there than here! The world is too chill and hard-and I am too old, and too feeble, and too hopeless!"(31) When Holgrave speaks to Hepzibah, he consoles her and encourages her to enjoy her new beginning. He also lets her know that she should become one with humanity instead of isolating herself. Hepzibah's shop symbolizes the old aristocracy because it gives way to new times. Hepzibah should not be ashamed to be a shopkeeper. Many of the customers that she received on her first day were unkind and some were kind.
Before the day ends for Hepzibah, Judge Pyncheon appears. He is her cousin and he has inherited the house of the seven gables from his ancestors. Judge Pyncheon is a gentlemen with democratic inclinations. The symbolism of isolation towards Hepzibah shows when the mailman does not deliver her mail to her. "An elderly gentleman, large and portly, and of remarkably dignified demeanor." (41) When Hepzibah sees Judge Pyncheon, she feels hostility towards him. Judge Pyncheon is further involved with the community, whereas, Hepzibah is isolated from the community.
