For this post, I'd like you to select a passage from chapters 1-8 that you find particularly interesting and/or important. Think especially about passages that connect with character development.
Begin the post with the passage and citation
Then analyze the heck out of it!
Things to consider (you don't need to answer all of these questions...just stuff to get you thinking):
What is its overall meaning? What's the significance of some of the words/phrases within the passage? Is there anything symbolic? Anything stylistically interesting? What does it reveal about plot, conflict, characters? Is there any possible symbolism? Any connections with things that have already happened?
Do NOT analyze a passage that has already been done! Feel free, though, to respond to any of your peers' ideas.
Remember to sign your name.
"We could hardly do otherwise than pluck one of its flowers and present it to the reader. It may serve, let us hope, to symbolize some sweet moral blossom, that may be found along the track, or relieve the darkening close of a tale of human frailty and sorrow" (34).
ReplyDeleteI found this quote about the rose-bush outside of the prison interesting because it reminded me of the very romantic theme of nature. The quote explains how nature serves as a source of hope in the novel when all is lost. Just the fact that the beautiful rose-bush was growing next to the dark and depressing prison shows the appearance of nature in seemingly hopeless situations. Also the author hints that in the future of the novel that nature may relieve the pain of a frail and sorrow human being. Just like in other Romantic novels such as Faust and Frankenstein, nature will serve as a retreat. I predict this "frail" human being the author is referring to may be Hester as she has just become isolated from society. She and her daughter will probably have even tougher challenges to face in the future than being set upon the scaffold. Hester who must wear the scarlet A for the rest of her life, and her child who is the literal product of her crime.
-Anna D
Excellent connections with Romantic themes.
Delete“I have thought of death,” said she,- “Have wished for it,- would even have prayed for it, were it fit that such as I should pray for anything. Yet, if death be in this cup, I bid thee think again, ere thou beholdest me quaff it. See! It is even now at my lips” (50)
ReplyDeleteHester is first confronted by her disgruntled husband when he visits her in her prison cell in order to give her a medicinal substance. The interaction between Hester and her husband reveals many significant character traits of both individuals at a deeper level than the events before. This confrontation shows that although Hester is treated like an evil of society, Chillingworth is arguably the more sinister character at this point in time. Hester expresses a strong sense of guilt and regret for her actions, and although she had commit sinful action, it becomes apparent that at heart, she truly is a decent person. Despite her sin, she is a loving an kind individual, which is illustrated when she nourishes her daughter, and refuses to confess her lovers identity in order to spare him of public criticism and humiliation. Chillingworth on the other hand could be viewed as a more malicious individual in comparison to Hester, even though it is not apparent that he has never acted against the rules of society. His conversation with Hester reveals that he pleasures himself in knowing his wife’s current circumstances. The fact that he finds joy in his wife’s misery shows that even though Hester is viewed as an outcast to society, Chillingworth is an impurity, and an imperfection as well. As he implies that he plans to seek revenge and find her lover, again he shows that he is a more sinister person at heart. Hester is only labeled an evil to society because of her one mistake when deep down, she truly is more pure then Chillingworth.
-Ethan McRae
Great point about the contrasts between the two characters and which embodies goodness and evil.
Delete“But there is a fatality, a feeling so irresistible and inevitable that it has the force of doom, which almost invariably compels human beings to linger around and haunt, ghost-like, the spot where some great and marked event has given color to their lifetime; and still the more irresistibly, the darker the tinge that saddens it.…The chain that bound her here was of iron links, and galling to her inmost soul, but could never be broken” (54-55).
ReplyDeleteThis quote is about how Hester decides to not run away from her home to escape her shame, but to stay and endure her punishment. I think that her decision can be viewed two separate ways. She can be seen as brave for stepping up and accepting her punishment, or as weak because she doesn’t have the courage to leave. Hester feels the guilt of her mistake perhaps more than she should because she believes that no one else has done anything as wrong as she has. Her self-loathing leads her to believe that she deserves to feel like less than others for the entirety of her life. I think that by staying, Hester greatly deprives herself of any type of meaningful or happy existence. Hester seems to have been stripped of the will she used to possess. Now it is as though her identity has not only been stained, but removed. She’s simply living in a shell of a body because of her sin. She is no longer seen as a person, only a blemish and she comes to believe this as well. I think what truly binds Hester to her home is not her sin, but Pearl. Pearl gives her life “color” but also erases any trace of the person that Hester used to be, forcing her to walk around town as a stranger. I thought it was interesting that there’s only one “chain” that keeps Hester in place, not multiple. I think can be attributed to her transformation to a “ghost”. Everything that once defined her is gone; her own will and personality have vanished. Now she is left with only one thing: Pearl. In Frankenstein, the “iron links” chained both Victor and the Creature to each other. Similarly, I think Pearl will come to redefine Hester. What I wonder is whether Pearl will redeem Hester, or come to make her even more despised.
-Lauren McKie
Beautifully written and excellent insights about the duality of Hester's characters and the dual nature of Pearl's impact on Hester's life.
Delete"When the young woman--the mother of this child--stood fully revealed before the crowd, it seemed to be her first impulse to clasp the infant closely to her bosom; not so much by an impulse of motherly affection, as that she might thereby conceal a certain token, which was wrought or fastened into her dress. In a moment, however, wisely judging that one token of her shame would but poorly serve to hide another..." (36-37).
ReplyDeleteHester's emergence onto the scene is the reader's first exposition to the story's main character. However, this passage does not stand to characterize a specific character, so much as it identifies the ethics of society at the time. The fact that Hester does not think to clutch the infant in an effort to protect it from the sunlight and the crowd, but rather to hide her scarlet letter that is on her dress, signifies the importance of morals in society. Hester impulsively regards the infant as nothing more than an object with which she can hide a "token" of her shame, but then comes to the realization that the infant itself is a token as well. A mother holding her infant child should be regarded as a glorious image that stands to show love and affection, however, Hester, because of the unacceptable conception of that child, is unable to view her infant in a loving manner, and can only see it as a living symbol of the sin she has committed. Similar to society in today's world, a child conceived as a result of marital adultery would not socially be viewed as moral or acceptable, and the adulterer/adulteress would likely be shunned by peers. However, it is certainly not a crime punishable by a sentence in to prison. This passage that lays the foundation for what society is like holds great significance in the development of the plot, as clearly the events that take place in the story are going to be influenced by the strong Puritan upholding of religious morals and laws. The fact that a mother cannot view her child as more than a symbol for a sin demonstrates how society regards morals and values as more significant aspects than the relationship of mother and child.
Ben Macchi
Great choice of passage & ideas. I think the following chapters you read reveal that Hester does indeed love her child, but the relationship and her emotions are incredibly complex, for many of the reasons you've indicated.
Delete"Her Pearl!- For so she had called her; not as a name expressive of her aspect, which had nothing of the calm, white, unimpassioned lustre that would be indicated by the comparison. But she named the infant "pearl" as being of great price,- purchased with all she had,- her mother's only treasure!" pg. 61
ReplyDeleteThis quote shows what Pearl really meant to Hester, Although she was a treasure, she did not come without sacrifice. Hester was shunned for this child, but at the same time, Pearl was all she had. I also found it significant that the author pointed out that she was not physically like a pearl, as she was not "white". White is the color of innocence and purity, which the child does not possess. Since she was born out of wedlock, she is not pure and her actions are not often innocent. The description also mentions that she is not calm, which is accurate. She is seen as possible a demon child for her fiery temper. This quote was important the the story because it highlighted pearls role in the book, and helped represent how Hester felt about her child.
Megan Holmes
Good choice and nice look at the color relations and her temperment. I always thought Pearl was an odd name for that girl.
Delete“Before this ugly edifice, and between it and the wheel-track of the street, was a grass-plot, much overgrown with burdock, pig-weed, apple-peru, and such unsightly vegetation, which evidently found something congenial in the soil that had so early borne the black flower of civilized society, a prison. But, on one side of the portal, and rooted almost at the threshold, was a wild rose-bush, covered, in this month of June, with its delicate gems, which might be imagined to offer their fragrance and fragile beauty to the prisoner as he went in, and to the condemned criminal as he came forth to his doom, in token that the deep heart of Nature could pity and be kind to him (33).”
ReplyDeleteThis quote explains that in front of the prison there was a grassy unattractive area with overgrown plants and weeds. This foreshadows the harshness of the prison, and that it is not a favorable place to be. The author calls it the “black flower” of civilized society. I found this interesting because a flower usually represents something good and happy. But, the color black signifies evil or something dark and gloomy. By calling it the black flower is shows that something good may happen because of the prison. The author used the flower for a reason to signify that there has to be some good within the dark prison. The author also writes about the rose bush and how it is beautiful. The rose bush also signifies some good in the harsh prison. The rose bush may be a sign that when one exits the prison good things may happen, and that not all bad things will come from being imprisoned. The author also writes that the rose bush may be there because of pity, and that it is as if nature feels bad for the criminals, offering something good as they are entering something bad. It also shows the good in the evil around them.
-Kerry Luiso
Good choice of passage and look at the meaning of flowers. Seeing that you have read seven additional chapters, what does further reading reveal abotu this, one of the first passages, in the novel? How are vegetation and flowers (especially roses) important later?
Delete“And never had Hester Prynne appeared more lady-like, in the antique interpretation of the term, than as she issued from the prison. Those who had before known her, had expected to behold her dimmed and obscured by a disastrous cloud, were astonished, and even startled, to perceive how her beauty shone out, and made a halo of the misfortune and ignominy in which she was enveloped.” (37)
ReplyDeleteThis quote explains that unlike the people in her town, Hester Prynne accepts the adultery crime that she has committed. The people who knew her before this act expected her to hide from what she had done but instead, she is described as having her beauty shining out. In this town, creating a sin is meant to be publicly punished to encourage people not to follow the same act. Hester knows she is the scapegoat of the town and does not let that stop her from being true to herself. Although the people of her town describe her as having committed a sin, she accepts it as part of herself and along with that, she accepts her new child she has to care for. She also embroiders what is suppose to be her symbol of shame - the “A” - to show that she is not embarrassed of the sin she has committed. I think this quote is important to the book because it shows that unlike most of the people during this time period, Hester goes against the norms of the town and does solely what she believes in.
-Katie Crowley
Yes, she is an amazingly strong person! Look at some of the language / imagery Hawthorne uses in your passage.
Delete"Could they be other than the insidious whispers of the bad angel, who would fain have persuaded the struggling woman, as yet only half his victim, that were outward guise of purity was but a lie, and that, if truth were everywhere to be shown, a scarlet letter would blaze forth on many a bosom besides Hester Prynne's?" (Pg 59)
ReplyDeleteThe narrator is expressing their belief of the hypocrisy among the judgmental puritans. The quote attacks the townspeople naming their so-called purity, "a lie." They feel as though they can judge Hester for her sin because it has become known to the public, however they neglect to feel guilty for their own sins because they are kept internally. Their purity is a simple facade, masked by their puritan values. The townsfolk show no sympathy to Hester even though they all carry sins within them. Hester is struggling to stay afloat in her puritan world after her secret is brought to light. And although many of the townspeople probably have had a similar experience, they refuse to show compassion for the woman because they are afraid they will be publicly labeled as sinners too.
-Kate Massucco
Great choice of passage and discussion of the hypocrisy that is woven throughout the text. There are many lies and liars. What do you think of the firm belief of the "bad angel" (and the Black Man in the forest, for that matter)?
Delete“Once, this freakish, elvish cast came into the child’s eyes, while Hester was looking at her own image in them, as mothers are fond of doing; and suddenly, - for women in solitude, and with troubled hearts, are pestered with unaccountable delusions,- she fancied that she beheld, not her own miniature portrait, but another face in the small black mirror of Pearl’s eye.” (pg. 66)
ReplyDeleteThis passage shows how Hester sees a bit of herself in Pearl. Pearl is made out to be this evil demon by the town’s people because she was brought in to the world in a sinful way. Hester looks into Pearls eyes and sees her own reflection but along with herself she sees sin and all the problems that they are facing by seeing Pearl as well. Pearl is always looking at the Scarlet Letter and wondering about it but Hester will not tell her about it. Hester sees Pearl as a “miniature portrait” but with an evil twist in her. As if she was possessed by something. She is feeling guilty when she looks at Pearl because it is almost as if she has already lost innocence by the way she was conceived. The “black mirror of Pearl’s eye” symbolizes the dark reflection that Hester sees in her. She is always to carry the burden of Hester’s sin.
Erin Chute
Great choice of passage- reflections are incredibly symbolic in this book. Whose face (beyond her own) do you think she sees in "the small black mirror of Pearl's ey"?
Delete“It was my folly, and thy weakness. I,--a man of thought,--the book-worm of great libraries,--a man already in decay, having given my best years to feed the hungry dream of knowledge,--what had I to do with youth and beauty like thine own! Misshapen from my birth-hour, how could I delude myself with the idea that intellectual gifts might veil physical deformity in a young girl's fantasy!” (51)
ReplyDeleteWhen reading this I was struck with the image of Hephaestus and Aphrodite. Aphrodite, the goddess of love, often is portrayed as adulterous and having several affairs. Her husband Hephaestus, the crippled blacksmith god, was promised Aphrodite. She was put into their marriage against her will and because of this repeatedly cheated on her husband with Ares the handsome god of war. Hephaestus repeatedly traps them and makes a public spectacle of their affairs I think it is a great comparison of Hester and Rogers relationship. Roger talks in this quote saying “how could I delude myself with the idea that intellectual gifts might veil physical deformity in a young girl's fantasy!” Hephaestus often made Aphrodite jewelry in a way to try and make her happy. Roger had believed that his knowledge might keep her faithful. Now after being proven otherwise he, like Hephaestus seeks revenge and wants to punish his unloving wife.
Justin Stott
Interesting mythological parallel. It also makes me think of Faust with Gretchen. Do you agree that, as Chillingworh says, that he is also part to blame for Hester's wrongdoing?
Delete“Speak, woman!” said another voice, coldly and sternly, proceeding from the crowd about the scaffold. “Speak; and give your child a father!”
ReplyDelete“I will not speak!” answered Hester, turning pale as death, but responding to his voice, which she too surely recognized. “And my child must seek a Heavenly Father; she shall never know an earthly one!” (p. 47)
There are several things about this passage that I found intriguing. First was Hester’s refusal to reveal the name of Pearl’s father. Had she done so, the man might have taken some of the blame for adultery, as the focus of the townspeople would have most likely shifted to him. But Hester, realizing her own mistakes and accepting the consequences of them, keeps his identity a secret. For me, this draws a strong parallel to another Romantic work, Faust. Like Hester, Gretchen in Faust takes the fall for all of her actions until the very end. Though Faust at the end calls for her to escape her fate with him, she refuses, instead choosing to face her punishment. Hester refuses to reveal the identity of her lover, also choosing to accept her fate.
Additionally, the presence of religion in the passage gives insight into the role religion played in early Puritan society. Though Hester had committed a sin according to the townspeople, she still felt strongly towards God. Hester had defied most of the traditional societal roles, having committed adultery and bearing an illegitimate child. However, religion remained prevalent in her life. Perhaps Hester announcing the need for Pearl to seek a Heavenly Father secretly shows her own desires, as she herself might feel the need to pray for her future. Hester knew that God might be forgiving of her, willing to look over her mistakes and instead focus on her character. Unlike the cruel society and men of the town, who ridicule Hester for her “A”, God remains fair and pure. Hester’s desire for Pearl to “seek a Heavenly Father” can reflect the values on which she wants to instill upon her daughter. She wants Pearl’s character to remain holy, even though she was born from a sin.
-Danny Fier
Excellent insights! I liek the Faust / Gretchen parallels, and I find your discussion of Hester's values really interesting.
Delete"Throughout all, however, there was a trait of passion, a certain depth of hue, which she never lost; and if, in any of her changes, she had grown fainter or paler, she would have ceased to be herself;--it would have been no longer Pearl!" (pg. 62)
ReplyDeleteThis quote jumped out to me with a bunch of deeper meaning and character comparison throughout the entire quote. First of all, I think that Pearl and Hester Prynne are very much the same people and we see this throughout the quote. It says that if Pearl would become different in anyway whether physically, mentally or psychologically she would change her whole persona. This transformation would, in turn, transform Pearl into a different being. Hester Prynne is dealing with the same type of struggle of not trying to change any part about her life in order to stay the person that she is. Earlier in the novel, when Hester Prynne decides it is best for her to stay in Boston it shows she is not afraid of facing the people that despise her or people that feel she shouldn't live there anymore. this shows the strength that she and her counterpart, Pearl have while facing the tough times that come their way. Also, the quote talks about Pearl having a certain trait of passion. Now, it is unknown what this passion actually is, however I think she has a passion for anything that she does, anything that her mother loves to do. Pearl and Hester Prynne share a bond with this emphasis on passion which Hester has for creating textile works and Pearl has for defiance and creating mischief. They are so similar, yet sometimes it seems that Hester Prynne loses sight of what she is or what she used to be when she worries about Pearl. I think that if she eventually fully loses sight of who she is and what she stands for she will break down and cease to be herself maybe even dragging Pearl down with her.
Nolan Kessinger
Great insights. Yes, Hester and Pearl share many similarities, an dit's great that you picked up on one of the major thematic elements of the text: characters' attempts to stay true to themselves despite transformations that are (sometimes) beyond their power.
Delete"Thus the young and pure would be taught to look at her, with the scarlet letter flaming on her breast,—at her, the child of honorable parents,—at her, the mother of a babe, that would hereafter be a woman, —at her, who had once been innocent, —as the figure, the body, the reality of sin."(54)
ReplyDeleteThis quote exemplified the emphasis on sin in the Puritan community, as it seems that everything simply relates back to it. While the majority of this passage is spent describing the punishment that Hester is receiving through the scarlet letter, the end of the passage returns the focus to sin. Due to the prominence of sin in Puritan communities, law was based off of god's word deriving from the bible. Since Hester broke the law of god by committing adultery, her sin would be harshly punished. As well mentioned was the reality of the situation Hester had inserted herself into. Her actions had implications that would significantly affect the lives of others as shown by mentioning she was, "the mother of a babe". Pearl too was affected as she was forced to stay with her mother in isolation, causing her to have an unorthodox childhood compared to the other Puritan children. Overall, this passage emphasizes the impact of sin in the community.
Michael Schaefer
Good discussion of sin. What do you make of Hawthorne's use of repetition in the passage? His description of the terrer as "flaming"?
Delete“Thus the young and pure would be taught to look at her, with the scarlet letter flaming on her breast,—at her, the child of honorable parents,—at her, the mother of a babe, that would hereafter be a woman, —at her, who had once been innocent, —as the figure, the body, the reality of sin. And over her grave, the infamy that she must carry thither would be her only monument” (54)
ReplyDeleteThe narrator explains in this quote how others will now look at Hester. Due to her adultery, the Puritans will teach their “young and pure” to see Hester as only a sinner. This shows the judgemental parts of their society, and they do not believe in second chances for a sinner. The scarlet letter will be seen by the townspeople as “flaming on her breast” and flames and fire are often symbolize the devil and sin. The narrator explains that Hester was once innocent, but now she will be guilty for the rest of her life, and in her afterlife. Also, Hester’s “only monument” when she is dead is her adultery.
Julia Hadden
Fine discussion of the quote & I'm glad you discussed the "flaming" letter. So what do you make of all of this? What are teh implications of some of your observations? Also, be sure not to repeat passages already analyzed...Michael posted the same passage a half hour before you.
Delete“She fancied… another face in the small black mirror of Pearl’s eye. It was a face, fiend-like, full of smiling malice… It was as if an evil spirit possessed the child, and had just then peeped forth in mockery,” (Hawthorne 66)
ReplyDeleteand
“Pearl was born an outcast of the infantile world. An imp of evil, emblem and product of sin,” (Hawthorne 64).
What interests me about the theme of Pearl is how often Hawthrone brings up how Pearl is possibly evil. On many occasions Pearl would do something completely un childlike and mean, such as point out the scarlet letter on Hester and mock her. In the first quote, it seems as if Pearl is possesed by the devil, to punish Hester for her sin. It makes me wonder, if the devil is in the child, could that represent that all good things are evil? Or Bad things are disguised as innocent? Maybe that no one is truly innocent? In the second quote Pearl is shown as also being affected by Hester’s punishment. This seems to rub salt in Hester’s wounds even more on top of her own punishment, that her one daughter whom she loves is outcasted. However, maybe that is for good reason if Pearl is really possessed… Pearl is said to be “an imp of evil,” possibly representing the devil. She is also characterized as an emblem, or object of sin. That being that she is also the product of sin so she is also the physical representation of the sin of adultery. Pearl is just as much of a companion of Hester as she is a constant reminder of her sins and that she is possessed by the devil because she was created in sin.
Colleen Kasprzak
Colleen- a classmate analyzed the same quote 13 hours earlier. Part of the assignment is that you must select a passage that has not yet been analyzed. That being said, you bring up some great questions about good, evil, and innocence. Is pointing out the letter evil, or is it simple innocent curiosity? Yes, Pearl is a bizarre blend of innocence & knowledge and the passages concerning her reveal as much about the characters who think of her in various ways as they reveal about Pearl herself.
DeleteI am concerned...there appear to be 10 missing posts?
ReplyDelete"Even if I imagine a scheme of vengeance, what could I do better for my object than to let thee live,--- than to give thee medicines against all harm and peril of life,---so that this burning shame may still blaze upon thy bosom?" (50)
ReplyDelete"Live, therefore, and bear about thy doom with thee, in the eyes of men and women,--- in the eyes of him whom thou didst call thy husband,--- in the eyes of yonder child! And that thou mayest live, take off this draught." (51)
These two quotes summarize the struggle that Hester has to live with day in and day out. Hester is cursed to wear the scarlet letter upon her breast for as long as she is remembered. She is mocked and ridiculed by all who know her name, and her only solace is her daughter, Pearl. So when she is offered medical attention, she believes that he doctor is trying to poison her. He however, points out that if he truly hated her, he would simply do as he was doing, and give the medicine she need so that she would continue living in agony. This highlights the truth about her punishment, that it is a fate worse then death because of the continued suffering and isolation she must endure. She shares a similar fate to that of the Frankenstein's monster, both doomed to live on the outskirts of mankind because of labels that have marked them as different. This also touches upon the theme of suffering that is present throughout the book by explaining Hester's plight to her.
-Alex VanAntwerp
Interesting comparison with the creature from Frankenstein. What do you make of Chillingworth from his offering and condemnation?
Delete“But the point which drew all eyes, and, as it were, transfigured the wearer, -so that both men and women, who had been familiarly acquainted with Hester Prynne, were now impressed as if they beheld her for the first time,- was that Scarlet Letter, so fantastically embroidered and illuminated upon her bosom. It had the effect of a spell, taking her out of the ordinary relations with humanity, and inclosing her in a sphere by herself.” pg 37
ReplyDeleteAs Hester walks out of the prison and faces the angry crowd full of her neighbors, they are shocked by how nice she looks. The townspeople expected Hester to look ashamed, and likely did not expect her to look so put together. The care and attention to detail that she put into her appearance for this shameful event shows that Hester is a strong, confident character. It offers an insight into her personality, suggesting that she has not lost her dignity, and still wants to show the town that she is resilient despite the circumstances. I think that Hester may be trying to convey that in spite of her actions, she is not a terrible person, and can take care of herself and be a good mother to her baby. This passage also reveals that despite the common hatred for Hester among the townspeople, they are still impressed by how well she presented herself, and by her perfect sewing skills. Possibly in the future, some of the townspeople will be more forgiving than others to Hester. I think the sentence, “It had the effect of a spell, taking her out of the ordinary relations with humanity” has a particular strong meaning because it shows that just the delicacy of the appearance of the scarlet letter on her clothing, makes some of the bystanders forget why they are so ashamed of her, and “incloses her in a sphere by herself” as if the letter isn’t a reminder of what she has done.
-Sophia Jessiman
"But, in that early severity of the Puritan character, an inference of this kind could not so indubitably be drawn. It might be that a sluggish bond-servant, or an dutiful child, whom his parents had given over to the civil authority, was to be corrected at the whipping-post." (34)
ReplyDeleteThis quote shows the history of the Puritan violence and values in the book. It discusses the harsh nature and attitudes against anyone the Puritans thought unclean or not keeping up to the standards of the times. I really like the tiny hint of foreshadowing in this passage about what harsh treatment lies ahead for the characters. I also feel that the child being punished and handed over to the law by the parents or a servant who didn't do his job to par are being shown as monsters to society and it's beliefs when in today's society the harshness of this punishment seems inhumane and they are the real monsters. This idea of who is the true monster was seen through out the romantic era and is also seen is more the this passage where Hawthorne goes on to describe the witch being torched for her different beliefs and this issue was also seen in the mariner where he turns to god to find peace for his sins and here the ones who fell to the hands of the Puritans were being punished and found no peace for the sins they were said to commit.
-Aleks Pond
"Hester Prynne's term of confinement was not at an end. Her prison-door was thrown open, and she ca,e forth into the sunshine, which, falling on all alike, seemed, to her sick and morbid heart, as if meant for no purpose than to revel the scarlet letter on her breast"(53).
ReplyDeleteAfter serving several months in prison, Hester has finally been released. However, on her way out the door, freedom and renewal are still far from a reality. She cannot help but feel as though now, outside the confinement of the prison walls, she must face the true punishments for her actions. Due to the severity of Puritan Law, it is no doubt that Hester will be discriminated and abhorred by practically all of New England. It is a depressing thought that a beautiful moment such as this return to sunlight and freedom be so painful and anxious for Hester. I found it interesting that Hester notes "for no other purpose to reveal the scarlet letter on her breast". This is strong evidence for the significance symbolism will play in this novel. The stitched letter on her shirt will shine upon the novels themes of sin, anguish, and subjection in all the scenes it is carried into. Hester's ability to overcome such hindrances literally attached to her body will be an interesting character development to spectate.
Max Michaud (i'm 17 now)
happy birthday?
Delete"The founders of a new colony, whatever Utopia of human virtue and happiness they might originally project, have invariably recognized it among their earliest practical necessities to allot a portion of the virgin soil as a cemetery, and another portion as the site of a prison.” (41).
ReplyDeleteThis quote foreshadowed what is to come in the book and touched upon the reality of society. Although us as humans wish for a perfect society we understand the fact that mistakes will happen and we will sin. The goal is to live in a perfect society but we know it won't happen so the prison and cemetery were some of the first things they made.
-olivia vinton
Fine choice of quote, but I expect much more depth of analysis. For example, look at phrasing and word choices.
Delete"But she, [Hester] - the naughty baggage, - little will she care what they put upon the bodice of her gown! Why, look you, she may cover it with a brooch, or such like heathenish adornment, and so walk the streets as brave as ever!"
ReplyDelete"Ah, but," interposed, more softly, a young wife, holding a child by the hand, "let her cover the mark as she will, the pang of it will be always in her heart." (36)
As soon as Hester walks out of the prison, she is taunted and judged by the crowd of people standing outside. The first person who speaks in the quote feels that the "A" embroidered on Hester's dress could easily be hidden from view. This angers her and, as I assume, most others in the crowd along with her, because they all want everyone who comes across Hester to immediately realize that she committed adultery.
Especially in this time period, adultery was one of the worst things that someone could do because most people were Christian, they did not believe in divorce, let alone cheating. Therefore, it was considered much more of a big deal than it would be today, which is why the whole community is aware of what she has done. Hester also must feel more blame from the community than in other adultery cases, since the community only has her to blame and not the father of the baby as well. On top of all of this, during this time period women were seen as being inferior to men, which could mean that she would receive more severe treatment from the community, as opposed to if she were a male in the same position.
The second person to speak in the quote is a woman who can understand Hester's situation on a slightly deeper level. She responds to the first woman by basically saying that it does not matter if the "A" is seen on Hester's dress or not, because Hester will still feel immense guilt and regret since everyone in the community already knows of what she did. The community’s judgments added to the personal guilt that Hester feels, will ensure that she never forgets her bad deed no matter what happens.
The second woman's comment could also be foreshadowing that Hester will struggle with feelings of guilt long after her initial confrontation with the community.
-Baelyn Duffy
""Foolish woman!" responded the physician,half coldly, half soothingly. "What would ail me to harm this misbegotten and miserable babe?" The medicine is potent for good; and were it my child,-yea, mine own ,as well as thine!-I could do no better for it"" (50).
ReplyDeleteThe description of the doctor is interesting. The contrasting cold and kind gives his character depth. I think that the doctor will be an extremely interesting character to observe throughout this book since he does not seem to hold the popular opinion about Hester, that she must be shunned. The idea that Hester believed the doctor would hurt Pearl proved that she feels betrayed from society. The interactions between Hester and the Doctor lead me to believe there will be a close relationship between the characters through out the novel. I am interested to see if either side of the doctor, harsh or soothing, prevails over the other through out the book or if he struggles on the fine line of good versus bad.
Sorry for the lateness. I had a hard time accessing the reading, but figured it out!
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