Appearance vs. Reality in Sedgwick's Hope Leslie In her novel Hope Leslie, Catharine Maria Sedgwick supplants the importance of strict adherence to religious principles with the importance of human conscience and following your own heart. This central theme of the novel is suggested to the reader in the scene describing Sir Philip Gardiner, a character who completely challenges this ideal. Although he "had a certain upright and gallant bearing which marks a man of the world... his dress was rigorously Puritan" (124). In other words, even though his behavior is completely different from that of a Puritan, he adheres to the outward appearance of one. The scene describes in detail these signs and hints of his person which would indicate an attitude not befitting of a Puritan. His face suggested the “ravages of passions” while his constantly wandering eyes indicated a “restless mind” (124). The only signs of Sir Philip's "puritanism" are his pretenses and his dress, and these are enough to convince society that he is a religious man, a true "Quaker dandy" (125). Sir Philip is acclaimed as 'a devoted and approved member' of the congregation' (152). He is considered such an example of the Puritan faith that he is considered a more appropriate match for Hope than for Everell. While Sir Philip maintains the outward appearances of a Puritan, Everell, while his "Puritan principles [remain] uncorrupted...has little of the outward man of a 'pilgrim indeed'" (150). When Mr. Fletcher asks Winthrop the validity of Sir Philip's supposed credentials, Winthrop replies "that he thought the gentleman scarcely needed anything but what he brought in his speech and behavior" (155). While Sir Philip's principles are untested and Evere...is at the center of the card...like the other Puritans, Hope is able to follow her conscience and trust her heart. When Nelema is imprisoned for her unorthodox method of healing Cradock on Hope's behalf, Hope frees Nelema from the authorities. After Magawisca is captured due to a promised meeting between Faith and Hope, Hope finds a way to rescue Magawisca from prison. Although Hope loves her sister and wishes to keep her at home, she respects the sanctity of Faith's Christian bond with Oneco, though Catholic, and is happy for Faith when Oneco saves her. Hope transcends Puritan religion and embraces a universal religion, respecting the diverse relationships of others to God as holy. Hope, unlike her society, rejects strict adherence to religious principles and follows her heart. Works Cited Sedgwick, Catharine Maria. I hope Leslie. New Brunswick, NJ: Rutgers UP, 1995.