The House of the Seven Gables Gender Quotes

How we cite our quotes: Citations follow this format: (Chapter.Paragraph)

Quote #10

It will be far otherwise than as you forebode. The world owes all its onward impulses to men ill at ease. The happy man inevitably confines himself within ancient limits. I have a presentiment that, hereafter, it will be my lot to set out trees, to make fences, – perhaps, even, in due time, to build a house for another generation, – in a word, to conform myself to laws and the peaceful practice of society. Your poise will be more powerful than any oscillating tendency of mine. (20.35)

Mr. Holgrave promises that if he and Phoebe are happily married, it will become his purpose to "set out trees, to make fences...[and] to build a house for another generation." What do you make of Mr. Holgrave's sudden reversal at the end of the novel? What does he suggest marriage does to a man?