DJ 51.
Pg 134. "'Wilt thou stand here with mother and mo, to-morrow noon-tide?' inquiered Pearl. 'Nay; not so my little Pearl!'"
In this story, Dimmesdale is looked at as the good guy in this book, and when compared to Chillingworth he is, but wouldn't the good guy do anything he can to support his child? This is an example of how Dimmesdale's fear and guilt make him very cowardly. Pearl wants nothing more than to be a family, but Dimmesdale is to afraid of what other people will think to do anything about it. He definitely doesn't follow transcendentalism like Hester and Pearl. He would rather please other people than himself, even though it is not what he wants.
DJ 52.
Pg 134. "'At the great judgement day!' whispered the minister..."
Here Dimmesdale is telling Pearl that he will only stand with her at the end of the world. Never will he ever stand with his family until he is about to die. This is another example of his guilty conscience making him cowardly and dis-likeable. But, Pearl is not a child of the Lord, she is that of nature. Therefor, there is no judgement day for Pearl, so for her, its like he'll never stand with them. He does end of confessing, but then drops dead.
DJ 53.
Pg 137. "'Who is this man Hester?' gasped Mr. Dimmesdale, overcome with terror, 'I shiver at him! Doust thou know the man? I hate him, Hester!'"
Chillingworth shows up at the scene when Dimmesdale, Hester, and Pearl are having their moment. At this point in the novel even just Chillingworth's presence is evil. So mush so that Dimmesdale says he hates him, when he doesn't when know who's there. It's ironic that Dimmesdale says he hates him because he is a man of god and Chillingworth is now a man of the Devil. There is an interesting contrast between the character, but they both can be characterized and bad.
DJ 54.
Pg 139. "Little accustomed, in her long seclusion from society, to measure her ideas of right and wrong by any standard external herself."
At this point in the book Hester has become to at peace with herself that she no longer cares or is familiar with how other people think or care what other people think. This connects to the Book Walden because Thoreau goes out into the wilderness to reconnect with himself and go to the beat of his own drum. This is exactly what Hester learns to do and find inner peace. She learns to forgive herself and live life to the fullest, which directly relates to transcendentalism.
DJ 55.
Pg 140. "It is to the credit of human nature, that except where its selfishness is brought into play, it love more readily than it hates. Hatred, by gradual and quiet process, will even be transformed to love, unless the change be impeded by a continually new irritation of the original feeling of hostility."
Here, Hawthorne talks about how human nature is programmed to love. This plays into the idea that Pearl loves her mother more than anything, no matter what the other people say. Even Hester learns to love herself even after the sin she commits. However, if one dwells on the negative, it will change them for the worse. This is what happened to Chillingworth. He say Pearl and Hester everyday and was reminded of how his wife betrayed him. This is was turns him into a Devil like figure.
Tuesday, November 26, 2013
DJs 46-50
DJ 46.
Pg 103. "Even thus early had the child saved her from Satan's snare."
The is an example of how Pearl saved Hester from Chillingworth and evil in general. This was one of the first times that Chillingworth looks to torture Hester by suggesting that Pearl should be taken from her. Pearl is the reason that Hester lives and she also saved her from evil in general.
DJ 47.
The Leech
The title of this chapter is interesting because it is all about Chillingworth and leeches were used in medical practice, but also leeches are blood sucker. This related to Chillingworth because he devotes his life to torturing the people who hurt him and sucking the happiness out of them.
DJ 48.
Pg 121. "Had a man seen old Roger Chillingworth, at that moment of his ecstasy, he would have no need to ask how Satan comports himself, when a precious human soul is lost to heaven, and won into his kingdom."
This is the moment that Chillingworth finds out that Dimmesdale the Hester's baby daddy. In this moment, Chillingworth truly devotes his life to evil and give his soul over to the devil. Chillingworth's jealousy and guilt have turned him into an evil guy. He is jealous that his wife cheated on him but he also feel guilty because he left his wife alone for two year which drove her to cheat. At this point, there is no turning back for Chillingworth.
DJ 49.
Pg 125. "...when poor Mr. Dimmesdale was thinking about his grave, he questioned with himself whether the grass would ever grow on it, because an accursed thing must there be buried."
This is an example of Dimmesdale's private guilt and the fact that he can't forgive himself. He can't sleep at night because of his guilt and often thinks of his sins. Because of the guilt and self loathing that he feels, Dimmesdale can never forgive himself and in destroys him from the inside. For this reason private guilt is more harmful then public because Dimmesdale has to keep this struggle to himself which later leads him to his death.
DJ 50.
Pg 130. "And thus, while standing on the scaffold, in this vain show of expiation, Mr. Dimmesdale was overcome with a great horror of mind, as if the universe were gazing at a scarlet token on his naked breast, right over his heart."
This is where Dimmesdale really starts to loose it. He is so filled with guilt that he as wondered down to the scaffold, where Hester and Pearl were first subjected to public humiliation, and is really feeling the guilt. This fact that he has gone down to the scaffold is interesting because it is the first public place that Hester and Pearl are punished. He feels that he needs to join them, but he can't because he is afraid of the public reaction. He is such a respected community member and he is scared of the back lash he would receive from his peers. That is the main reason he won't confess.
Pg 103. "Even thus early had the child saved her from Satan's snare."
The is an example of how Pearl saved Hester from Chillingworth and evil in general. This was one of the first times that Chillingworth looks to torture Hester by suggesting that Pearl should be taken from her. Pearl is the reason that Hester lives and she also saved her from evil in general.
DJ 47.
The Leech
The title of this chapter is interesting because it is all about Chillingworth and leeches were used in medical practice, but also leeches are blood sucker. This related to Chillingworth because he devotes his life to torturing the people who hurt him and sucking the happiness out of them.
DJ 48.
Pg 121. "Had a man seen old Roger Chillingworth, at that moment of his ecstasy, he would have no need to ask how Satan comports himself, when a precious human soul is lost to heaven, and won into his kingdom."
This is the moment that Chillingworth finds out that Dimmesdale the Hester's baby daddy. In this moment, Chillingworth truly devotes his life to evil and give his soul over to the devil. Chillingworth's jealousy and guilt have turned him into an evil guy. He is jealous that his wife cheated on him but he also feel guilty because he left his wife alone for two year which drove her to cheat. At this point, there is no turning back for Chillingworth.
DJ 49.
Pg 125. "...when poor Mr. Dimmesdale was thinking about his grave, he questioned with himself whether the grass would ever grow on it, because an accursed thing must there be buried."
This is an example of Dimmesdale's private guilt and the fact that he can't forgive himself. He can't sleep at night because of his guilt and often thinks of his sins. Because of the guilt and self loathing that he feels, Dimmesdale can never forgive himself and in destroys him from the inside. For this reason private guilt is more harmful then public because Dimmesdale has to keep this struggle to himself which later leads him to his death.
DJ 50.
Pg 130. "And thus, while standing on the scaffold, in this vain show of expiation, Mr. Dimmesdale was overcome with a great horror of mind, as if the universe were gazing at a scarlet token on his naked breast, right over his heart."
This is where Dimmesdale really starts to loose it. He is so filled with guilt that he as wondered down to the scaffold, where Hester and Pearl were first subjected to public humiliation, and is really feeling the guilt. This fact that he has gone down to the scaffold is interesting because it is the first public place that Hester and Pearl are punished. He feels that he needs to join them, but he can't because he is afraid of the public reaction. He is such a respected community member and he is scared of the back lash he would receive from his peers. That is the main reason he won't confess.
Monday, November 25, 2013
DJs 41-45
DJ 41.
Pg 98. "'this badge hath taught me, -- it daily teaches me, -- it is teaching me at this moment, -- lessons whereof my child may be the wiser and better, albeit they can profit nothing to myself.'"
This is an example of how Hester uses the letter as a lesson to Pearl and how she learns from it everyday. Hester uses the letter as a constructive tool for Pearl, but first she needed to forgive herself. After Hester forgives herself, she then can turn the letter into a good thing for herself and Pearl.
DJ 42.
Pg 99. "...the child finally announced that she has not been made at all, but had been plucked by her mother off the bush of wild roses that grew by the prison-door."
This relates to the idea that Pearl is the only thing that Hester has to live for. There is also the fact that the roses symbolize forgiveness, and Pearl never looked at Hester as a sinner and thinks that the letter is just part of who her mom is. Hester never had to seek forgiveness from Pearl, but she also pushes Hester to live her life with pride. It is interesting that Hawthorne makes sure to mention the prison because that symbolizes society's punishment for Hester, and instead succumbing to self pity, she picked the rose that is Pearl and lives life to its fullest, like the transcendentalists.
DJ 43.
Pg 99. "--how much uglier they were, -- how his dark complexion seemed to had grown duskier, and hid figure more misshapen, -- since the days when she had familiarly known him."
This is a description of how Chillingworth has changed already from before he made it his duty to torture Dimmesdale. Chillingworth, like Dimmesdale, can't forgive himself, and it destroys him, not to the point of death, but his soul becomes evil. He makes his life revolve around finding and torturing the man who is the father of Pearl. This turns his into a Devil like feature and this is the first time that he really starts turning evil.
DJ 44.
Pg 100. "'He gave her, in requital of all things else, which ye had taken from me. She is my happiness! -- she is my torture, none the less!..."
This is an example of how Pearl is what Hester lives for. Pearl is a daily reminder of Hester's sin, but Hester learns to forgive herself, and lives life changing the meaning of the letter. If not for Pearl, Hester wouldn't be the same woman, and she would definitely not grown as a person as much as Pearl inspired her.
DJ 45.
Pg 101. "'... a deed of sin, and made of no account the distinction between unhallowed lust and holy love? This child of its father's guilt and its mother's shame hath come from the hand of God, to work in many ways upon her heart..'"
Here, Dimmesdale talks about Hester's argument for keeping Pearl. This is very ironic because he talks about the fathers guilt and God making the calls here. Because he is the father, he is guilty and doesn't want Hester to go through anymore pain. This is also a foreshadow because Dimmesdale is punished by God and himself until he falls apart.
Pg 98. "'this badge hath taught me, -- it daily teaches me, -- it is teaching me at this moment, -- lessons whereof my child may be the wiser and better, albeit they can profit nothing to myself.'"
This is an example of how Hester uses the letter as a lesson to Pearl and how she learns from it everyday. Hester uses the letter as a constructive tool for Pearl, but first she needed to forgive herself. After Hester forgives herself, she then can turn the letter into a good thing for herself and Pearl.
DJ 42.
Pg 99. "...the child finally announced that she has not been made at all, but had been plucked by her mother off the bush of wild roses that grew by the prison-door."
This relates to the idea that Pearl is the only thing that Hester has to live for. There is also the fact that the roses symbolize forgiveness, and Pearl never looked at Hester as a sinner and thinks that the letter is just part of who her mom is. Hester never had to seek forgiveness from Pearl, but she also pushes Hester to live her life with pride. It is interesting that Hawthorne makes sure to mention the prison because that symbolizes society's punishment for Hester, and instead succumbing to self pity, she picked the rose that is Pearl and lives life to its fullest, like the transcendentalists.
DJ 43.
Pg 99. "--how much uglier they were, -- how his dark complexion seemed to had grown duskier, and hid figure more misshapen, -- since the days when she had familiarly known him."
This is a description of how Chillingworth has changed already from before he made it his duty to torture Dimmesdale. Chillingworth, like Dimmesdale, can't forgive himself, and it destroys him, not to the point of death, but his soul becomes evil. He makes his life revolve around finding and torturing the man who is the father of Pearl. This turns his into a Devil like feature and this is the first time that he really starts turning evil.
DJ 44.
Pg 100. "'He gave her, in requital of all things else, which ye had taken from me. She is my happiness! -- she is my torture, none the less!..."
This is an example of how Pearl is what Hester lives for. Pearl is a daily reminder of Hester's sin, but Hester learns to forgive herself, and lives life changing the meaning of the letter. If not for Pearl, Hester wouldn't be the same woman, and she would definitely not grown as a person as much as Pearl inspired her.
DJ 45.
Pg 101. "'... a deed of sin, and made of no account the distinction between unhallowed lust and holy love? This child of its father's guilt and its mother's shame hath come from the hand of God, to work in many ways upon her heart..'"
Here, Dimmesdale talks about Hester's argument for keeping Pearl. This is very ironic because he talks about the fathers guilt and God making the calls here. Because he is the father, he is guilty and doesn't want Hester to go through anymore pain. This is also a foreshadow because Dimmesdale is punished by God and himself until he falls apart.
DJs 36-40
DJ 36.
The Governor's mansion
The governor's mansion is very luxurious. The house itself is very extravagant and the things that are in it are even more so. He has art and armor all around even has a seven year slave to answer the door. He also has cups that have the remnants of ale in them. All of the items are luxury and there for sinful. But because he is a man of high power, it not a big deal. This plays into hypocrisy which raises the questions, what is sin? When is sin punishable?
DJ 37.
Pg 94. "Hester looked, by way of humoring the child; and she saw that, owing to the peculiar effect of this convex mirror, the scarlet letter was represented in exaggerated and gigantic proportions, so as to be greatly the most prominent feature of her appearance. In truth, she seemed absolutely hidden behind it."
Mirror are thought to reflect people's true personalities and their sins. In this scene, when Hester looks into the reflection and all that she sees is the scarlet letter, it represents how society views her and her sin. The fact that it's size is larger in the reflection represents the idea that society has blown her situation out of proportion. Although if Hester forgives herself, it won't matter what society thinks, which toes into transcendentalism
DJ 38.
Pg 95. "Pearl, seeing the rose-bush, began to cry for a red rose, and would not be pacified."
In the beginning of the story, there was a rose bush described in from of the jail door. One of the symbols that the rose represented was forgiveness. This scene describing Pearl begging for the rose also is Pearl begging for forgiveness. Pearl's actions are a reflection of the letter and how Hester acts, so Pearl asking for forgiveness is probably a reflection of Hester want to self forgiveness.
DJ 39.
Pg 97. "It was understood that this learned man was the physician as well as friend of the young minister, whose health had severely suffered, of late..."
The failure of the minister's health is from a mixture of two things. His inability to forgive himself, and because of the guilt that he feels for making Hester raise their child alone. Because Dimmsedale can't confess or relieve his conscience of his sin, he isn't able to forgive himself, and that destroys him. He also has to deal with his private guilt by himself because he can't talk to anyone about his sin. The combination of these two emotions kill Dimmesdale.
DJ 40.
Pg 97. "'I am mother's child.' answered the scarlet vision, 'and my name is Pearl!'"
This plays into the theme that Pearl is a child of nature. The wording here can be taken as she is perhaps a child of mother nature. And of course, pearls come from nature. This reinforces the idea that Pearl is not a child from a Puritan society, but from nature instead.
The Governor's mansion
The governor's mansion is very luxurious. The house itself is very extravagant and the things that are in it are even more so. He has art and armor all around even has a seven year slave to answer the door. He also has cups that have the remnants of ale in them. All of the items are luxury and there for sinful. But because he is a man of high power, it not a big deal. This plays into hypocrisy which raises the questions, what is sin? When is sin punishable?
DJ 37.
Pg 94. "Hester looked, by way of humoring the child; and she saw that, owing to the peculiar effect of this convex mirror, the scarlet letter was represented in exaggerated and gigantic proportions, so as to be greatly the most prominent feature of her appearance. In truth, she seemed absolutely hidden behind it."
Mirror are thought to reflect people's true personalities and their sins. In this scene, when Hester looks into the reflection and all that she sees is the scarlet letter, it represents how society views her and her sin. The fact that it's size is larger in the reflection represents the idea that society has blown her situation out of proportion. Although if Hester forgives herself, it won't matter what society thinks, which toes into transcendentalism
DJ 38.
Pg 95. "Pearl, seeing the rose-bush, began to cry for a red rose, and would not be pacified."
In the beginning of the story, there was a rose bush described in from of the jail door. One of the symbols that the rose represented was forgiveness. This scene describing Pearl begging for the rose also is Pearl begging for forgiveness. Pearl's actions are a reflection of the letter and how Hester acts, so Pearl asking for forgiveness is probably a reflection of Hester want to self forgiveness.
DJ 39.
Pg 97. "It was understood that this learned man was the physician as well as friend of the young minister, whose health had severely suffered, of late..."
The failure of the minister's health is from a mixture of two things. His inability to forgive himself, and because of the guilt that he feels for making Hester raise their child alone. Because Dimmsedale can't confess or relieve his conscience of his sin, he isn't able to forgive himself, and that destroys him. He also has to deal with his private guilt by himself because he can't talk to anyone about his sin. The combination of these two emotions kill Dimmesdale.
DJ 40.
Pg 97. "'I am mother's child.' answered the scarlet vision, 'and my name is Pearl!'"
This plays into the theme that Pearl is a child of nature. The wording here can be taken as she is perhaps a child of mother nature. And of course, pearls come from nature. This reinforces the idea that Pearl is not a child from a Puritan society, but from nature instead.
Friday, November 22, 2013
DJs 31-35
DJ 31
Pg 88. "... she put up her small forefinger, and touched the scarlet letter. 'He did not send me!' she cried, positively. 'I have no Heavenly Father!'"
This is a conversation that Hester and Pearl are having about where Pearl came from. When Hester told that her Heavenly Father sent Pearl, he instantly knew that she shouldn't have said that. Because Pearl is born of sin, she has no Heavenly Father. Pearl catches Hester in her lie and calls her out on it. Again, Pearl is keeping Hester in reality.This also reinforces the idea that Pearl is a child of nature.
DJ 32
Pg 90. "We have spoken of Pearl's rich and luxuriant beauty; a beauty that shone with deep and vivid tints; a bright complexion, eyes possessing intensity both of depth and glow..."
Hawthorne's description of Pearl is here resembles light. This relates to the light vs dark theme because she was the light that was shed on Hester's situation. Pearl is the only reason that Hester has to live and she also makes Hester face her sin in order to forgive herself. Though most people wouldn't live the way Hester and Pearl do, they live their life how they see fit regardless. This connects to transcendentalism because they are staying true to their personal law.
DJ 33
Pg 90. "But it was a remarkable attribute of this garb, and indeed, of the child's whole appearance, that it irresistibly and inevitably reminded the beholder of the token which Hester Prynne was doomed to wear upon her bosom. It was the scarlet letter in another form; the scarlet endowed with life!"
Here, Hawthorne is talking about how Pearls clothing and appearance resembles the scarlet letter. But it doesn't only pertain to her clothes. Pearl actions and emotions also reflect the letter and how Hester acts in relation to her situation. In the beginning of the story, Pearl is out of control and more free spirited. This is when Hester still is trying to come to terms with the letter and her situation. As the book continues, as Hester changes the meaning of the letter and she forgives herself, Pearl becomes more well mannered, but still has her nature spirit.
DJ 34
Pg 90. "The mother herself -- as if the red ignominy were so deeply scorched into her brain, that all her conceptions assumed its form -- had carefully wrought out the similitude; lavishing many hours of morbid ingenuity, to create an analogy between the object of her affection, and the emblem of her guilt and torture."
This is talking about the torture and the pain that Hester still feels about her situation. Although Pearl keeps her loving life, Hester gets caught up in the pain and still hasn't fully forgiven herself. It is important for Hester to forgive herself because she won't be able to move on with her life happily. This connects to transcendentalism because she needs to accept herself for who she is, no matter what anyone else thinks. The word scorched also connects to her sin because the letter burns with flames from hell.
DJ 35
Pg 92. "'No, my little Pearl!' said her mother. 'Thou must gather thine own sunshine. I have none to give thee!'"
This connects to the idea that Pearl is the only thing that Hester has left to live for. The sunshine here is happiness. Hester has none left to give, so Pearl must go out and find her own. Sunshine makes things grow, just like happiness. With Pearl being happy, Hester then can also feel satisfaction with life. When Pearl is happy, it reflects onto Hester.
Pg 88. "... she put up her small forefinger, and touched the scarlet letter. 'He did not send me!' she cried, positively. 'I have no Heavenly Father!'"
This is a conversation that Hester and Pearl are having about where Pearl came from. When Hester told that her Heavenly Father sent Pearl, he instantly knew that she shouldn't have said that. Because Pearl is born of sin, she has no Heavenly Father. Pearl catches Hester in her lie and calls her out on it. Again, Pearl is keeping Hester in reality.This also reinforces the idea that Pearl is a child of nature.
DJ 32
Pg 90. "We have spoken of Pearl's rich and luxuriant beauty; a beauty that shone with deep and vivid tints; a bright complexion, eyes possessing intensity both of depth and glow..."
Hawthorne's description of Pearl is here resembles light. This relates to the light vs dark theme because she was the light that was shed on Hester's situation. Pearl is the only reason that Hester has to live and she also makes Hester face her sin in order to forgive herself. Though most people wouldn't live the way Hester and Pearl do, they live their life how they see fit regardless. This connects to transcendentalism because they are staying true to their personal law.
DJ 33
Pg 90. "But it was a remarkable attribute of this garb, and indeed, of the child's whole appearance, that it irresistibly and inevitably reminded the beholder of the token which Hester Prynne was doomed to wear upon her bosom. It was the scarlet letter in another form; the scarlet endowed with life!"
Here, Hawthorne is talking about how Pearls clothing and appearance resembles the scarlet letter. But it doesn't only pertain to her clothes. Pearl actions and emotions also reflect the letter and how Hester acts in relation to her situation. In the beginning of the story, Pearl is out of control and more free spirited. This is when Hester still is trying to come to terms with the letter and her situation. As the book continues, as Hester changes the meaning of the letter and she forgives herself, Pearl becomes more well mannered, but still has her nature spirit.
DJ 34
Pg 90. "The mother herself -- as if the red ignominy were so deeply scorched into her brain, that all her conceptions assumed its form -- had carefully wrought out the similitude; lavishing many hours of morbid ingenuity, to create an analogy between the object of her affection, and the emblem of her guilt and torture."
This is talking about the torture and the pain that Hester still feels about her situation. Although Pearl keeps her loving life, Hester gets caught up in the pain and still hasn't fully forgiven herself. It is important for Hester to forgive herself because she won't be able to move on with her life happily. This connects to transcendentalism because she needs to accept herself for who she is, no matter what anyone else thinks. The word scorched also connects to her sin because the letter burns with flames from hell.
DJ 35
Pg 92. "'No, my little Pearl!' said her mother. 'Thou must gather thine own sunshine. I have none to give thee!'"
This connects to the idea that Pearl is the only thing that Hester has left to live for. The sunshine here is happiness. Hester has none left to give, so Pearl must go out and find her own. Sunshine makes things grow, just like happiness. With Pearl being happy, Hester then can also feel satisfaction with life. When Pearl is happy, it reflects onto Hester.
Wednesday, November 20, 2013
DJs 26-30
DJ 26.
Pg 82. "They were now illuminated by the morning radiance of a young child's disposition, but later in the day of earthly existence, might be prolific of the storm and whirlwind."
This is an example of the theme light vs dark. Pearl has brought her dark situation into the light. Pearl is the one thing that Hester is proud of and she made it through her tough situation because of Pearl. Everything in Hester's life was much lighter when Pearl was born. But this is also a foreshadow that one day Pearl might create the perfect storm.
DJ 27.
Pg 82. " Hester Prynne, nevertheless, the lonely mother of this child, ran little risk of erring in the side of undue severity."
The language that Hawthorne uses is interesting because although Hester is alone in raising the child, she was not the only one who sinned to create the baby. This plays into Dimmesdales private guilt because he has left this woman and child all alone to fend for themselves and Hester to take the punishment all alone as well.
DJ 28.
Pg 83. "Beholding it, Hester was constrained to rush towards the child, -- to pursure the little elf in the flight which she invariably began, -- to snatch her to her bosom... as to assure herself that Pearl was flech and blood, and not utterly delusive."
This is an example of Hester still having to come to terms with her situation and that she now has a chilld, who she is some times scared of or how she'll turn out to be. There are times when Hester needs to ensure herself that everything is real and Pearl brings her back to reality. Also the use the of the word elf to describe Pearl reinforces the idea that she is a child that was born outside of Puritan society and that she is a child of nature.
DJ 29
Pg 84. "Pearl was a born outcast of the infantile world. An imp of evil, emblem and product of sin, had no right among christened infants."
This reinforces the theme exile. When Hester was release from prison she moved into a cabin that was on the edge of the forest. This made them outcasts from society which means that Pearl was accepted into society from the very beginning. Pearls personality also make her stick out like a sore thumb because her sprint it that of nature, not that of a Puritan society. Again, they way that Hawthorne describes Pearl reminds the audience that she was born outside of the Puritan society which adds to the exile theme.
DJ 30
Pg 86. "Week, it is true, would sometimes elapse. during which Pearl's gaze might never once be fixed upon the scarlet letter; but then, again, it would come at unawares, like a stroke of sudden death. and always with that peculiar smile, and odd expression of the eye."
This is an example of how Pearl would give Hester a reality check. The only way Hester is able to forgive herself for her sin is to come to terms with it, but forget about it. So just as Hester would start to push her sin out of mind, Pearl would remind her of it by asking questions and playing games with it. The letter is a reflection of both their personalities and Pearl never let Hester forget it.
Pg 82. "They were now illuminated by the morning radiance of a young child's disposition, but later in the day of earthly existence, might be prolific of the storm and whirlwind."
This is an example of the theme light vs dark. Pearl has brought her dark situation into the light. Pearl is the one thing that Hester is proud of and she made it through her tough situation because of Pearl. Everything in Hester's life was much lighter when Pearl was born. But this is also a foreshadow that one day Pearl might create the perfect storm.
DJ 27.
Pg 82. " Hester Prynne, nevertheless, the lonely mother of this child, ran little risk of erring in the side of undue severity."
The language that Hawthorne uses is interesting because although Hester is alone in raising the child, she was not the only one who sinned to create the baby. This plays into Dimmesdales private guilt because he has left this woman and child all alone to fend for themselves and Hester to take the punishment all alone as well.
DJ 28.
Pg 83. "Beholding it, Hester was constrained to rush towards the child, -- to pursure the little elf in the flight which she invariably began, -- to snatch her to her bosom... as to assure herself that Pearl was flech and blood, and not utterly delusive."
This is an example of Hester still having to come to terms with her situation and that she now has a chilld, who she is some times scared of or how she'll turn out to be. There are times when Hester needs to ensure herself that everything is real and Pearl brings her back to reality. Also the use the of the word elf to describe Pearl reinforces the idea that she is a child that was born outside of Puritan society and that she is a child of nature.
DJ 29
Pg 84. "Pearl was a born outcast of the infantile world. An imp of evil, emblem and product of sin, had no right among christened infants."
This reinforces the theme exile. When Hester was release from prison she moved into a cabin that was on the edge of the forest. This made them outcasts from society which means that Pearl was accepted into society from the very beginning. Pearls personality also make her stick out like a sore thumb because her sprint it that of nature, not that of a Puritan society. Again, they way that Hawthorne describes Pearl reminds the audience that she was born outside of the Puritan society which adds to the exile theme.
DJ 30
Pg 86. "Week, it is true, would sometimes elapse. during which Pearl's gaze might never once be fixed upon the scarlet letter; but then, again, it would come at unawares, like a stroke of sudden death. and always with that peculiar smile, and odd expression of the eye."
This is an example of how Pearl would give Hester a reality check. The only way Hester is able to forgive herself for her sin is to come to terms with it, but forget about it. So just as Hester would start to push her sin out of mind, Pearl would remind her of it by asking questions and playing games with it. The letter is a reflection of both their personalities and Pearl never let Hester forget it.
Tuesday, November 19, 2013
DJs 21-25
DJ 21.
Pearl
Pearl is Hester's daughter who is born out of sin. Because religion if a big part of society, Pearl was really born from nature because that is where she grew up and society didn't accept her. Pearls, in nature, start of a grain of sand and after a long time and a lot of pressure, they are turned into the beautiful gem. This relates to the book because Pearl did not come from a typical family. She was looked at from society like a little speck of dirt. But she turns out to be a nice little child. Pearls are also very precious and are a treasure. In the book, Pearl is Hester's only treasure in life.
DJ 22.
Pg 80. "We have as yet hardly spoken of the infant; that little creature, whose innocent life has sprung... of a guilty passion."
The language that Hawthorne uses in this statement alludes to the face that she is a child of nature. He uses the word sprung to indicant that she sprung up like a flower. It is also ironic that he chose to use the word innocent to describe her life because she was born out of sin and because sins are transferred from mother to daughter, she would already not be innocent. Also, the phrase 'guilty passion' it the description of Hester and Dimmesdale's relationship. They both felt guilty for sinning, but they are in love and passionate for each other.
DJ 23.
Pg 80. "Day after day, she looked fearfully into the child's expanding nature; ever dreading to detect some dark and wild peculiarity, that should correspond with the guiltiness to which she owed her being"
This is talking about how everyday Hester would look at Pearl and see her individuality peaking through. Her nature is different than most at that time because she was not raised with the normal society. She has her own personal laws that she followed. This relates to transcendentalism because also though Pearl may be fit in with the rest of the little kids, she is staying true to who she is. This sentence also relates to Hester's guilt and how she feels that because Pearl was born out of sin, she should reflect her mother actions in her personality. This guilt Hester feels more privately than publicly.
DJ 24.
Pg 81. "The child could not be made amendable to rules."
This is a foreshadow of how Pearl is going to grow up. She was born outside of the human laws and follows the laws of nature. During her childhood, she does things that aren't exactly 'normal', but she acts on what she wants to do rather than what people think is right. This also ties into transcendentalism.
DJ 25.
Pg 81. "The mother's impassioned state had been the medium through which were transmitted to the unborn infant... however white and clear originally, they had taken the deep stains of crimson and gold... the black shadow, the untempered light of the intervening substance."
This talking about how the scarlet letter has changed Pearl from a normal child to one that has been 'stained' with the red and gold from the letter. When something is described as stained that usually indicates that it is then ruined. At first, when Hester was still ashamed of herself and the letter, Pearl was more wild and strange. But as Hester and the letter change, so does Pearl. So people may have thought Pearl reflecting the letter would be a bad thing, but as Hester and the letter develop, so does Pearl.
Pearl
Pearl is Hester's daughter who is born out of sin. Because religion if a big part of society, Pearl was really born from nature because that is where she grew up and society didn't accept her. Pearls, in nature, start of a grain of sand and after a long time and a lot of pressure, they are turned into the beautiful gem. This relates to the book because Pearl did not come from a typical family. She was looked at from society like a little speck of dirt. But she turns out to be a nice little child. Pearls are also very precious and are a treasure. In the book, Pearl is Hester's only treasure in life.
DJ 22.
Pg 80. "We have as yet hardly spoken of the infant; that little creature, whose innocent life has sprung... of a guilty passion."
The language that Hawthorne uses in this statement alludes to the face that she is a child of nature. He uses the word sprung to indicant that she sprung up like a flower. It is also ironic that he chose to use the word innocent to describe her life because she was born out of sin and because sins are transferred from mother to daughter, she would already not be innocent. Also, the phrase 'guilty passion' it the description of Hester and Dimmesdale's relationship. They both felt guilty for sinning, but they are in love and passionate for each other.
DJ 23.
Pg 80. "Day after day, she looked fearfully into the child's expanding nature; ever dreading to detect some dark and wild peculiarity, that should correspond with the guiltiness to which she owed her being"
This is talking about how everyday Hester would look at Pearl and see her individuality peaking through. Her nature is different than most at that time because she was not raised with the normal society. She has her own personal laws that she followed. This relates to transcendentalism because also though Pearl may be fit in with the rest of the little kids, she is staying true to who she is. This sentence also relates to Hester's guilt and how she feels that because Pearl was born out of sin, she should reflect her mother actions in her personality. This guilt Hester feels more privately than publicly.
DJ 24.
Pg 81. "The child could not be made amendable to rules."
This is a foreshadow of how Pearl is going to grow up. She was born outside of the human laws and follows the laws of nature. During her childhood, she does things that aren't exactly 'normal', but she acts on what she wants to do rather than what people think is right. This also ties into transcendentalism.
DJ 25.
Pg 81. "The mother's impassioned state had been the medium through which were transmitted to the unborn infant... however white and clear originally, they had taken the deep stains of crimson and gold... the black shadow, the untempered light of the intervening substance."
This talking about how the scarlet letter has changed Pearl from a normal child to one that has been 'stained' with the red and gold from the letter. When something is described as stained that usually indicates that it is then ruined. At first, when Hester was still ashamed of herself and the letter, Pearl was more wild and strange. But as Hester and the letter change, so does Pearl. So people may have thought Pearl reflecting the letter would be a bad thing, but as Hester and the letter develop, so does Pearl.
Sunday, November 17, 2013
DJs 16-20
DJ 16
"Hester at Her Needle"
The title of this chapter represents the first change of the letter on her chest. She uses her needle to made beautiful embroideries. This is when the A stands for art. She also uses her needle to make clothing for the homeless and also make extravagant clothes for the men of high power in the society. The entire chapter is a symbol of her growth and how she adapts to her situation. Much like animals adapt to their surroundings when in nature, Hester had to change the meaning of the A in order for people to change they way people treat her, which she did in nature.
DJ 17
Pg 74. "Deep ruffs, painfully wrought bands, and gorgeously embroidered gloves..."
This is a description of the very luxurious items that Hester would make for the people in the society that were all demanded when there was a ceremony for any man reining high power. This is an example of the theme of hypocrisy. These items that the people of society are having her make are all considered luxurious, thus sinful. Even though Hester was ostracized for her being sinful by the same people who were requesting these items.
DJ 18
Pg 75. "But it is not recorded that, in a single instance, her skill was called in aid to embroider the white veil which was to cover the pure blushes of a bride."
Although many people hired Hester to make extravagant clothes for some occasions, making the veil for a bride wasn't one of them. The veils of a bride is meant to be a symbol of their purity and virginity. Because of the sin that Hester committed it would be inappropriate for her to make veils for bride, even though she aided in vanity. So it raises the question, what qualifies as sin? Only things that have to do with a woman's sexuality?
DJ 19
Pg 76. "It was not an age of delicacy... like a new anguish, by the rudest touch upon the tenderest spot."
This is a reinforcement of what the young gossip said earlier in the book. She stated that no matter what the public can see, Hester will always feel the pang of her sin. This shows the development of her self forgiveness. At this point in the story, she has not yet fully forgiven herself, but has made her situation better by doing better for society. So she is making due with her situation, but won't be fully happy until she forgives herself.
DJ 20
Pg 77. "Hester Prynne had always this dreadful agony in feeling a human eye upon the token; the spot never grew callous; it seemed, in the contrary, to grow more sensitive with daily torture."
This is an example of the daily struggle that Hester Prynne had with her public humiliation and guilt. Although she had to deal with it everyday, and some people would get used to the constant scrutiny, Hester never got used to the public struggle. But she, at least, didn't have the pressure of keeping a secret. Dimmesdale was under the pressure of keeping his secret everyday and it took a tole on his health, both mental and physical.
"Hester at Her Needle"
The title of this chapter represents the first change of the letter on her chest. She uses her needle to made beautiful embroideries. This is when the A stands for art. She also uses her needle to make clothing for the homeless and also make extravagant clothes for the men of high power in the society. The entire chapter is a symbol of her growth and how she adapts to her situation. Much like animals adapt to their surroundings when in nature, Hester had to change the meaning of the A in order for people to change they way people treat her, which she did in nature.
DJ 17
Pg 74. "Deep ruffs, painfully wrought bands, and gorgeously embroidered gloves..."
This is a description of the very luxurious items that Hester would make for the people in the society that were all demanded when there was a ceremony for any man reining high power. This is an example of the theme of hypocrisy. These items that the people of society are having her make are all considered luxurious, thus sinful. Even though Hester was ostracized for her being sinful by the same people who were requesting these items.
DJ 18
Pg 75. "But it is not recorded that, in a single instance, her skill was called in aid to embroider the white veil which was to cover the pure blushes of a bride."
Although many people hired Hester to make extravagant clothes for some occasions, making the veil for a bride wasn't one of them. The veils of a bride is meant to be a symbol of their purity and virginity. Because of the sin that Hester committed it would be inappropriate for her to make veils for bride, even though she aided in vanity. So it raises the question, what qualifies as sin? Only things that have to do with a woman's sexuality?
DJ 19
Pg 76. "It was not an age of delicacy... like a new anguish, by the rudest touch upon the tenderest spot."
This is a reinforcement of what the young gossip said earlier in the book. She stated that no matter what the public can see, Hester will always feel the pang of her sin. This shows the development of her self forgiveness. At this point in the story, she has not yet fully forgiven herself, but has made her situation better by doing better for society. So she is making due with her situation, but won't be fully happy until she forgives herself.
DJ 20
Pg 77. "Hester Prynne had always this dreadful agony in feeling a human eye upon the token; the spot never grew callous; it seemed, in the contrary, to grow more sensitive with daily torture."
This is an example of the daily struggle that Hester Prynne had with her public humiliation and guilt. Although she had to deal with it everyday, and some people would get used to the constant scrutiny, Hester never got used to the public struggle. But she, at least, didn't have the pressure of keeping a secret. Dimmesdale was under the pressure of keeping his secret everyday and it took a tole on his health, both mental and physical.
DJs 11-15
DJ 11.
Pg 67. "I know not Lethe nor Nepenthe... but I have learned many new secrets in the wilderness..."
Lethe was a drug that the dead was supposed to drink before being reincarnated in order for them to forget about their past life. This is symbolic of Hester's situation because she would probably like to forget her life at this point. Nepenthe is thought to be a drug used by the ancient Greeks to banish pain and sorrow ans make productive thought. This is also symbolic of Hester's situation because she is going to have a difficult time doing those things on her own. The drug are also things that aren't normal in a Puritan society, but like Chillingsworth. The represent the alchemy that he practiced, which also are not accepted in a Puritan society. The fact that Chillingsworth found his secrets in the woods also reinforces the theme the importance of nature.
DJ 12.
Pg 67. "As he spoke, he laid his forefinger seemed to scorch into Hester's breast, as if it had been red-hot."
As Chillingsworth touches Hester, it is described as red-hot. This represents that fact that Chillingsworth is evil and the flames from hell go through him to burn Hester. The reason for his turning evil is from jealousy, rage, and guilt. He is jealous of the fact that his wife was sleeping around with someone who wasn't him, angry that Hester would betray him in a way like that, and is felt guilty that he wasn't around for two years and left Hester to be lonely.
DJ 13.
Private Guilt vs. Public Guilt
The theme private guilt vs public guilt is represented mainly between Dimmesdale and Hester. Hester's guilt was made public when she was standing on the scaffold for the premiere of her scarlet letter. She learns how to cope with her guilt and turn it good. Dimmesdale's guilt is private. Hester and him are the only ones who know of his sin and he doesn't know how to deal with it. He is afraid that if he confesses, then the people the look up to him will no longer respect him. His guilt eventually leads to his death.
DJ 14.
Pg 72. "Thus the young and pure be taught to look at her, with the scarlet letter flaming on her breast,..."
This is a connection with the idea that the scarlet letter is connected with hell. Hester is forced to wear the scarlet letter on her chest because of her sin. The letter is described as flaming not only because it is the color red but also because it burns with the flames from hell, which is people go after death to pay for their sins.
DJ 15.
Pg 72. "... where the wildness of her nature might assimilate itself with a people whose customs and life were alien from the law that has condemned her..."
This is a foreshadow to what Pearl is going to be like. She has a wild nature that is not socially acceptable. Her internal law is one that nature and the wilderness has put in her. This can also be connected to Emerson because although not people wouldn't approve of what she believes in, she doesn't what she wants anyway.
Pg 67. "I know not Lethe nor Nepenthe... but I have learned many new secrets in the wilderness..."
Lethe was a drug that the dead was supposed to drink before being reincarnated in order for them to forget about their past life. This is symbolic of Hester's situation because she would probably like to forget her life at this point. Nepenthe is thought to be a drug used by the ancient Greeks to banish pain and sorrow ans make productive thought. This is also symbolic of Hester's situation because she is going to have a difficult time doing those things on her own. The drug are also things that aren't normal in a Puritan society, but like Chillingsworth. The represent the alchemy that he practiced, which also are not accepted in a Puritan society. The fact that Chillingsworth found his secrets in the woods also reinforces the theme the importance of nature.
DJ 12.
Pg 67. "As he spoke, he laid his forefinger seemed to scorch into Hester's breast, as if it had been red-hot."
As Chillingsworth touches Hester, it is described as red-hot. This represents that fact that Chillingsworth is evil and the flames from hell go through him to burn Hester. The reason for his turning evil is from jealousy, rage, and guilt. He is jealous of the fact that his wife was sleeping around with someone who wasn't him, angry that Hester would betray him in a way like that, and is felt guilty that he wasn't around for two years and left Hester to be lonely.
DJ 13.
Private Guilt vs. Public Guilt
The theme private guilt vs public guilt is represented mainly between Dimmesdale and Hester. Hester's guilt was made public when she was standing on the scaffold for the premiere of her scarlet letter. She learns how to cope with her guilt and turn it good. Dimmesdale's guilt is private. Hester and him are the only ones who know of his sin and he doesn't know how to deal with it. He is afraid that if he confesses, then the people the look up to him will no longer respect him. His guilt eventually leads to his death.
DJ 14.
Pg 72. "Thus the young and pure be taught to look at her, with the scarlet letter flaming on her breast,..."
This is a connection with the idea that the scarlet letter is connected with hell. Hester is forced to wear the scarlet letter on her chest because of her sin. The letter is described as flaming not only because it is the color red but also because it burns with the flames from hell, which is people go after death to pay for their sins.
DJ 15.
Pg 72. "... where the wildness of her nature might assimilate itself with a people whose customs and life were alien from the law that has condemned her..."
This is a foreshadow to what Pearl is going to be like. She has a wild nature that is not socially acceptable. Her internal law is one that nature and the wilderness has put in her. This can also be connected to Emerson because although not people wouldn't approve of what she believes in, she doesn't what she wants anyway.
Monday, November 11, 2013
DJs 6-10
DJ 6.
Pg 55. "She clutched the child so fiercely to her breast, that it sent forth a cry... Yes! -these were her realities, --all else had vanished."
When Hester is standing before the town, being harshly judged and ridiculed, she was having a hard time realizing the severe reality of her situation. The crying of the baby and the feeling of the scarlet letter on her clothes made her situation seem very real. The cry of the baby symbolizes Hester's realization of how difficult her life was about to become. Everything else in the world seemed to vanish as Hester took into account how torturous the rest of her life would be while everyone judged her for her sin. Above all she was ashamed of her actions that led Hester to conviction and in order to accept the challenges before her, she would need to seek forgiving from herself.
DJ 7.
Pg 56. "Very soon, however, his look became keen and penetrative. A writhing horror twisted itself across his features, like a snake gliding swiftly over them..."
This talks about the look of the stranger in the crowd that Hester sees when she is standing before the towns people. This is a foreshadow for the person the stranger, Chillingsworth, turns into when he gets caught up in trying to find out who the baby daddy is. A snake a common symbol for evil, and later in the novel, he is compared to be like the devil. Even in the very beginning, he had an evil presence about him that becomes more and more prominent as the novel continues.
DJ 8.
Pg 62. "What can thy silence do for him, except in temo him -- yea, compel him, as it were -- to add hypocrisy to sin?"
This is part of the speech the Reverend Mr. Dimmsdale gives Hester trying to convince her to release the name of her fellow sinner. The whole conversation is ironic because he is the fellow sinner and one who preaches about being faithful to God. Anyone is his situation would be a hypocrite, but especially him because he encourages other to be good Christians. As the novel develops Reverend Dimmsdale become for pale and ill, probably from the guilt of not only sinning, but allowing Hester to take full blame for this sin. Also for leaving her with full responsibility of the child. Dimmsdale also craves forgiveness, but not personal forgiving, but from God. His guilt is more private then Hester's, but he seems to suffer more then her.
DJ 9.
Hester Prynne
The name that Hawthorne gives the protagonist of this story is very symbolic, as is most of the names in this story. Her first name, Hester, is a Greek word meaning star. Stars are known for illuminating the sky or darkness. This fits into the theme light vs. dark. She has the ability to turn a punishment and a dark situation and bring it into the light to make it good. She took the representation of the letter A, which originally stood for adultery, and turned it into positive things that she later represented, like art or angle. The first part of her last name, Prynne, is Pry. She was the pry of a predatory society that pried into her personal life and made it a public humiliation. In the Puritan society, nothing was private and she was one of manly who suffered from it.
DJ 10.
Pg 66.
"Foolish Woman!... 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."
This is part of the conversation that Chillingsworth, Hester's husband that has been missing for two years, has with Hester about medicine for her, although he is talking about more than medicine. He is angry about the situation the Hester has put herself in and is disguising himself as a doctor, while he tries to find out who the baby daddy it. His tone in this conversation is very angry. He is mad that he never had the chance to be a good father for his and Hester child that they never had. He is jealous and angry which drives him to be a dark person that resembles the devil.
Pg 55. "She clutched the child so fiercely to her breast, that it sent forth a cry... Yes! -these were her realities, --all else had vanished."
When Hester is standing before the town, being harshly judged and ridiculed, she was having a hard time realizing the severe reality of her situation. The crying of the baby and the feeling of the scarlet letter on her clothes made her situation seem very real. The cry of the baby symbolizes Hester's realization of how difficult her life was about to become. Everything else in the world seemed to vanish as Hester took into account how torturous the rest of her life would be while everyone judged her for her sin. Above all she was ashamed of her actions that led Hester to conviction and in order to accept the challenges before her, she would need to seek forgiving from herself.
DJ 7.
Pg 56. "Very soon, however, his look became keen and penetrative. A writhing horror twisted itself across his features, like a snake gliding swiftly over them..."
This talks about the look of the stranger in the crowd that Hester sees when she is standing before the towns people. This is a foreshadow for the person the stranger, Chillingsworth, turns into when he gets caught up in trying to find out who the baby daddy is. A snake a common symbol for evil, and later in the novel, he is compared to be like the devil. Even in the very beginning, he had an evil presence about him that becomes more and more prominent as the novel continues.
DJ 8.
Pg 62. "What can thy silence do for him, except in temo him -- yea, compel him, as it were -- to add hypocrisy to sin?"
This is part of the speech the Reverend Mr. Dimmsdale gives Hester trying to convince her to release the name of her fellow sinner. The whole conversation is ironic because he is the fellow sinner and one who preaches about being faithful to God. Anyone is his situation would be a hypocrite, but especially him because he encourages other to be good Christians. As the novel develops Reverend Dimmsdale become for pale and ill, probably from the guilt of not only sinning, but allowing Hester to take full blame for this sin. Also for leaving her with full responsibility of the child. Dimmsdale also craves forgiveness, but not personal forgiving, but from God. His guilt is more private then Hester's, but he seems to suffer more then her.
DJ 9.
Hester Prynne
The name that Hawthorne gives the protagonist of this story is very symbolic, as is most of the names in this story. Her first name, Hester, is a Greek word meaning star. Stars are known for illuminating the sky or darkness. This fits into the theme light vs. dark. She has the ability to turn a punishment and a dark situation and bring it into the light to make it good. She took the representation of the letter A, which originally stood for adultery, and turned it into positive things that she later represented, like art or angle. The first part of her last name, Prynne, is Pry. She was the pry of a predatory society that pried into her personal life and made it a public humiliation. In the Puritan society, nothing was private and she was one of manly who suffered from it.
DJ 10.
Pg 66.
"Foolish Woman!... 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."
This is part of the conversation that Chillingsworth, Hester's husband that has been missing for two years, has with Hester about medicine for her, although he is talking about more than medicine. He is angry about the situation the Hester has put herself in and is disguising himself as a doctor, while he tries to find out who the baby daddy it. His tone in this conversation is very angry. He is mad that he never had the chance to be a good father for his and Hester child that they never had. He is jealous and angry which drives him to be a dark person that resembles the devil.
Friday, November 8, 2013
Vocab 4
- Anathema
- N
- a person or thing detested or loathed
- The basketball games were an anathema to George because he enjoys a good chess match instead.
- Emolument
- N
- profit, salary, or fees from office or employment
- The babysitter made a large emolument because she charged excessive amount for her services.
- Mountebank
- N
- any charlatan or quack.The king in Huck Fin is a mountebank.
- Deleterious
- Adj
- injurious to health
- Some people thought that basketball was deleterious because of the other players playing to rough.
- Misanthropy
- N
- hatred, dislike, or distrust of humankind.Frank was the towns misanthropy after his wide died in a tragic drunk driving incident.
- Indefatigable
- Adj.
- incapable of being tired out
- The indefatigable toddler ran circles around her exhausted parents.
- Constrained
- Verb
- to repress or restrain
- The baby was constrained when her mother swaddled the child to soothe her.
- Amenable
- Adj
- ready or willing to answer, act, agree, or yield
- The amenable high school student only want to fit in and be cool.
- Averred
- Verd
- state or assert to be the case.
- The jury averred that they blood thrust murder was guilty.
- Heterodox
- Adj
- Holding unorthodox doctrines or opinion
- The resolution submitted to AASG by Kong was heterodox because their facts were missleading and incorrect.
Thursday, November 7, 2013
DJs 1-5
DJ 1. Pg 45. "But, on one side of the portal, the rooted almost at the threshold, was a wild rose bush... in token that the deep heart of Nature could pity and be kind to him."
This is the first example of the themes the importance of nature and forgiveness. The rose bush here is described in a way that is pure and beautiful, like nature itself. The prison door that is behind the rose bush is ugly and cruel, which was put there by society. So while nature is beautiful, society can be ugly and harsh. It also talks about how forgiving Nature is. No matter how bad a person was, before they were sentience to prison, they got a glimpse of the beauty that Nature had, and felt a little forgiveness and a little hope. This connects to Hesters situation where she needs forgiveness, and then moves close to the woods where she finds the means to move on and live a happy life.
DJ 2. Pg 46. "This rose-bush, by stange chance, has been kept alive in history... it had sprung up under the footsteps of the sainted Ann Hutchinson."
When Ann Hutchinson is mentioned, she symbolizes what Hester becomes when she comes to terms with her sin. Hutchinson created a religious discussion group the advocated 'covenant of grace'. Not only does Hester walk out of the jail for the first time with extreme grace, but she learns how to deal with her sins with grace.
DJ 3. Pg 47. "It might be that a sluggish bond-servant, or an undutiful child, whom his parents had given over civil authority, was to be corrected at the whipping post."
This is an example of how rigid and cruel that Puritan society was. They would take something that was the business of no one other than the family and make it a public event. It also sets up the mood for the story and for the society itself. This also is a foreshadow for the severity of Hesters punishment.
DJ 4. Pg 49. "'Let her cover the mark as she will, the pang of it will be always in her heart.'"
When the town gossips were talking about Hester's punishment most of the women were saying that is wasn't harsh enough, but the youngest woman in the crowd says that no matter the punishment society places upon her, she will be punishing herself more. This woman in the crowd shows forgiveness and compassion that most Puritans didn't show. She symbolizes Nature forgiveness.
DJ 5. Pg 49. "The door of the jail being flung open from within, there appeared, in the first place, like a black shadow emerging into the sunshine..."
When Hester first emerges from the prison, Hawthorne describes the scene as something coming into the light. This is symbolic in the way the Hester sin is coming into the light. This also allows Hester to make a dark situation, like the humiliation of her sin, and make something light out of it, like her beautiful daughter Pearl. In short it means that you can find ways to make a dark situation bright. But in order for Hester to full come to terms with her sun she will needs to forgive herself.
This is the first example of the themes the importance of nature and forgiveness. The rose bush here is described in a way that is pure and beautiful, like nature itself. The prison door that is behind the rose bush is ugly and cruel, which was put there by society. So while nature is beautiful, society can be ugly and harsh. It also talks about how forgiving Nature is. No matter how bad a person was, before they were sentience to prison, they got a glimpse of the beauty that Nature had, and felt a little forgiveness and a little hope. This connects to Hesters situation where she needs forgiveness, and then moves close to the woods where she finds the means to move on and live a happy life.
DJ 2. Pg 46. "This rose-bush, by stange chance, has been kept alive in history... it had sprung up under the footsteps of the sainted Ann Hutchinson."
When Ann Hutchinson is mentioned, she symbolizes what Hester becomes when she comes to terms with her sin. Hutchinson created a religious discussion group the advocated 'covenant of grace'. Not only does Hester walk out of the jail for the first time with extreme grace, but she learns how to deal with her sins with grace.
DJ 3. Pg 47. "It might be that a sluggish bond-servant, or an undutiful child, whom his parents had given over civil authority, was to be corrected at the whipping post."
This is an example of how rigid and cruel that Puritan society was. They would take something that was the business of no one other than the family and make it a public event. It also sets up the mood for the story and for the society itself. This also is a foreshadow for the severity of Hesters punishment.
DJ 4. Pg 49. "'Let her cover the mark as she will, the pang of it will be always in her heart.'"
When the town gossips were talking about Hester's punishment most of the women were saying that is wasn't harsh enough, but the youngest woman in the crowd says that no matter the punishment society places upon her, she will be punishing herself more. This woman in the crowd shows forgiveness and compassion that most Puritans didn't show. She symbolizes Nature forgiveness.
DJ 5. Pg 49. "The door of the jail being flung open from within, there appeared, in the first place, like a black shadow emerging into the sunshine..."
When Hester first emerges from the prison, Hawthorne describes the scene as something coming into the light. This is symbolic in the way the Hester sin is coming into the light. This also allows Hester to make a dark situation, like the humiliation of her sin, and make something light out of it, like her beautiful daughter Pearl. In short it means that you can find ways to make a dark situation bright. But in order for Hester to full come to terms with her sun she will needs to forgive herself.
Monday, November 4, 2013
The Scarlet Letter Chapter One
The rose bush that grows in front of the prison symbolizes beauty, kindness, and forgiveness. Hawthorne wrote, "...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 this doom, in token that the deep heart of Nature could pity and he kind him." This is saying that as a prisoner is walking into prison, he/she gets a last glimpse of forgiveness and kindness before they go to what some describe as hell. This also sets up the theme of forgiveness for the rest of the story.
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