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Holgrave mentions that it would have been better had Hepzibah and Clifford immediately made the Judge’s death public, since the circumstances so strongly resemble the death of Clifford’s uncle Jaffrey Pyncheon, for which Clifford was blamed. Holgrave adds that Clifford was blamed largely due to the efforts of the Judge.
Chapter 12: The Daguerreotypist. Phoebe has now been at the Pyncheon house for a month. Since she is young and hungry for company of her own age, she becomes friends with Holgrave, the daguerreotypist. Their conversations are especially important to Phoebe, who craves a break from the dour company of Clifford and Hepzibah.
Phoebe tells him nothing. Judge Jaffrey Pyncheon enters the store and introduces himself to Phoebe. Judge Jaffrey attempts to kiss her (he appears to have no malicious intent) but Phoebe draws back from him. His face hardens at her refusal, and Phoebe realizes that this is the stern man in Holgrave's daguerreotype.
Phoebe plans to return to the country in a few days. Holgrave tells Phoebe that Hepzibah and Clifford both exist by Phoebe, who tells Holgrave that he talks as if the old house were a theater. Holgrave says that Judge Pyncheon still keeps his eye on Clifford, but his motives remain a mystery. He wonders what Jaffrey has to fear from Clifford.
Summary. Analysis. Judge Pyncheon ’s sudden death creates a sensation. Yet, as is the case with most people, the community reconciles itself to his loss quickly, especially once it’s confirmed that his death appears to have been natural. Rumors still persist—rumors tracing back to Uncle Jaffrey ’s death 30 years ago.
After all, he really enjoys observing people. One of the first things Phoebe notices about him is that he is a "calm and cool [...] observer" (12.8). Mr. Holgrave doesn't show his feelings particularly easily, but his sharp eye takes in everything around him. Mr. Holgrave rents a room from Hepzibah and looks after her garden.
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Feb 26, 2023 · His ability to read Jaffrey suggests Holgrave's artistic perception. When Holgrave recites the story of Alice Pyncheon to Phoebe, he also reveals that he has the Maule gift of mesmerism. Hawthorne suggests, however, that Holgrave's ability to mesmerize Phoebe may come from his artistry with words rather than a supernatural power.
