My Kinsman, Major Molineux

by

Nathaniel Hawthorne

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The “Housekeeper” Character Analysis

In a rundown district near the harbor, Robin chances upon an open doorway where stands a pretty, seductive, and “saucy” woman dressed in a scarlet petticoat who greets Robin with flattery and claims that the Major is inside sleeping off a strong draught of liquor. Taking her on her word that she is Molineux’s housekeeper, Robin is almost pulled inside by the woman—who in reality is likely a prostitute—before a watchman appears and causes her to flee indoors. She reappears with the rest of the townspeople as part of the parade at the climax of the story, where she pinches Robin’s arm.

The “Housekeeper” Quotes in My Kinsman, Major Molineux

The My Kinsman, Major Molineux quotes below are all either spoken by The “Housekeeper” or refer to The “Housekeeper”. For each quote, you can also see the other characters and themes related to it (each theme is indicated by its own dot and icon, like this one:
Innocence vs. Corruption Theme Icon
).
My Kinsman, Major Molineux Quotes

“Nay, the Major has been a-bed this hour or more,” said the lady of the scarlet petticoat; “and it would be to little purpose to disturb him to-night, seeing his evening draught was of the strongest. But he is a kind-hearted man, and it would be as much as my life’s worth, to let a kinsman of his turn away from the door. You are the good old gentleman’s very picture, and I could swear that was his rainy-weather hat. Also, he has garments very much resembling those leather—But come in, I pray, for I bid you hearty welcome in his name.”

Related Characters: The “Housekeeper” (speaker), Robin , Major Molineux
Page Number: 38
Explanation and Analysis:
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The “Housekeeper” Quotes in My Kinsman, Major Molineux

The My Kinsman, Major Molineux quotes below are all either spoken by The “Housekeeper” or refer to The “Housekeeper”. For each quote, you can also see the other characters and themes related to it (each theme is indicated by its own dot and icon, like this one:
Innocence vs. Corruption Theme Icon
).
My Kinsman, Major Molineux Quotes

“Nay, the Major has been a-bed this hour or more,” said the lady of the scarlet petticoat; “and it would be to little purpose to disturb him to-night, seeing his evening draught was of the strongest. But he is a kind-hearted man, and it would be as much as my life’s worth, to let a kinsman of his turn away from the door. You are the good old gentleman’s very picture, and I could swear that was his rainy-weather hat. Also, he has garments very much resembling those leather—But come in, I pray, for I bid you hearty welcome in his name.”

Related Characters: The “Housekeeper” (speaker), Robin , Major Molineux
Page Number: 38
Explanation and Analysis: