"The chain that bound her here was of iron links, and galling to her inmost soul, but could never be broken" (74).
Again, this is reminiscent of The Crucible. In Salem, they had a ritual where sins could not be washed away and here is the same kind of idea. It has been made clear here and many other times that Hester will be forever bound to the sin she committed. It is even compared to the chains that constrained her while in prison. In a figurative sense, she is still tied down but not physically - her soul feels restrained. Fully aware that her sin will never be forgiven, it is unclear as to why Hester gives to the poor. She obviously recieves no recognition for it and the poor people don't even appreciate her kindness. I believe this is potentially her way of receiving absolution from God himself, after all he sees everything.
"Her own dress was of the coarsest materials and the most sombre hue; with only that one ornament - the scarlet letter" (77).
In the beginning of the novel, the townspeople sat there and criticized Hester for her overly decorative letter on her chest. They ignorantly believed that she was simply proud to wear the scarlet letter on her bosom. However, we see here that was not the case at all. Her dress is described as coarse and horrible, the least she can do to make herself a little more presentable is by making the letter beautiful. She deserves that much. It is unfortunate though that the one thing that is actually beautiful and stands out is that letter. Therefore, that is all she is known for and will ever be known for: "over her grave, the infamy that she must carry thither would be her only monument" (73).
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Scarlet Letter; Pg. 56-72
"the stranger had bent his eyes on Hester Prynne. It was carelessly at first, like a man chiefly accustomed to look inward, and to whom external matters are of little value and import, unless they bear relation to something within his mind" (57).
It is pretty obvious that this 'stranger' is Hester's baby daddy. He is purposely referred to as a stranger because noone in town knows who Hester's baby daddy is, except Hester. Apparently, Hester is acquainted with this stranger and this quote has made clear that their bond is tied internally. This makes perfect sense since they must continue to conceal his identity. As for his initial glance at Hester as if he did not know her, he is simply playing the part. He would raise suspicion among the townspeople because he was unknown to everyone else so if he acknowledged her anymore than he did, people would probably suspect that he was her child's father.
"'Wondrous strength and generosity of a woman's heart! She [Hester] will not speak!'" (64).
At first, it was unclear as to why Hester was concealing the name of her baby daddy. She is facing humiliating punishment and her strength is shown through her fortitude. She is able to endure these conditions all by herself despite the fact that someone else was involved in her sin-doing. She is also generous, because she chooses not to give the person's name ultimately saving them from punishment. Her ability to do this shows that she has much character. I think her strength and generosity comes from her belief that she can only speak on her sins, similar to John Proctor. They even offer to eradicate the scarlet letter from her bosom but she refuses, because she knows that she is not free from sin. She understands what she has done is wrong which is why she is willing to bear the consequences alone.
It is pretty obvious that this 'stranger' is Hester's baby daddy. He is purposely referred to as a stranger because noone in town knows who Hester's baby daddy is, except Hester. Apparently, Hester is acquainted with this stranger and this quote has made clear that their bond is tied internally. This makes perfect sense since they must continue to conceal his identity. As for his initial glance at Hester as if he did not know her, he is simply playing the part. He would raise suspicion among the townspeople because he was unknown to everyone else so if he acknowledged her anymore than he did, people would probably suspect that he was her child's father.
"'Wondrous strength and generosity of a woman's heart! She [Hester] will not speak!'" (64).
At first, it was unclear as to why Hester was concealing the name of her baby daddy. She is facing humiliating punishment and her strength is shown through her fortitude. She is able to endure these conditions all by herself despite the fact that someone else was involved in her sin-doing. She is also generous, because she chooses not to give the person's name ultimately saving them from punishment. Her ability to do this shows that she has much character. I think her strength and generosity comes from her belief that she can only speak on her sins, similar to John Proctor. They even offer to eradicate the scarlet letter from her bosom but she refuses, because she knows that she is not free from sin. She understands what she has done is wrong which is why she is willing to bear the consequences alone.
Monday, January 25, 2010
Scarlet Letter Ch. 1-2
"'They should have put the brand of a hot iron on Hester Prynne's forehead'" (49).
It has been made clear just how much these people obsess over other people's lives, specifically their faults. The townspeople gathered around the prison anticipating the release of Hester Prynn. This comment indirectly speaks for the majority of the townspeople: they strongly believe that one's shameful acts should be made known to everybody. It is very similar to the ritual of the townspeople in 'The Crucible'. Here, a woman suggests that a permanent mark on Hester's forehead is better than a letter embroidered on her shirt that can be hidden. However, her suggestion proves to be unnecessary as the birth of her baby stands as proof to her shameful acts. Therefore, this woman's comment simply demonstrates her lack of compassion.
"Those who had before known her ... were astonished, and even startled to perceive how her (Prynn's) beauty shone out, and made a halo of the misfortune and ignoming in which she was enveloped" (51).
Through Hawthorne's detailed and thorough descriptions, we see that these townspeople value appearance, particularly women. Hawthorne goes on describing ideal women in that town, therefore women's appearance obviously play some kind of role in this setting. This description above also shows that she was not that attractive as she was before prison. Here, she is described as extremely beautiful compared to how they remembered her from before. Then again, maybe they're eyes are playing tricks on them - she is walking out of an ugly and deplorable prison that probably makes her look more beautiful than she actually is.
It has been made clear just how much these people obsess over other people's lives, specifically their faults. The townspeople gathered around the prison anticipating the release of Hester Prynn. This comment indirectly speaks for the majority of the townspeople: they strongly believe that one's shameful acts should be made known to everybody. It is very similar to the ritual of the townspeople in 'The Crucible'. Here, a woman suggests that a permanent mark on Hester's forehead is better than a letter embroidered on her shirt that can be hidden. However, her suggestion proves to be unnecessary as the birth of her baby stands as proof to her shameful acts. Therefore, this woman's comment simply demonstrates her lack of compassion.
"Those who had before known her ... were astonished, and even startled to perceive how her (Prynn's) beauty shone out, and made a halo of the misfortune and ignoming in which she was enveloped" (51).
Through Hawthorne's detailed and thorough descriptions, we see that these townspeople value appearance, particularly women. Hawthorne goes on describing ideal women in that town, therefore women's appearance obviously play some kind of role in this setting. This description above also shows that she was not that attractive as she was before prison. Here, she is described as extremely beautiful compared to how they remembered her from before. Then again, maybe they're eyes are playing tricks on them - she is walking out of an ugly and deplorable prison that probably makes her look more beautiful than she actually is.
Monday, January 4, 2010
Crucible Essay
Abigail Williams: The Evil Genius
In most stories, a villain is incorporated to provide conflict, usually for the hero. There are essentially two types of villains that utilize different methods to achieve what they desire. The first type of villain is the simple-minded scoundrel who is pure evil. They are usually not very powerful and are easily defeated. In contrast, the other villain, otherwise known as an evil genius, is much more intelligent and clever. This villain uses their wit to con those around them and is typically successful in their endeavors. In the play, The Crucible, an evil genius is efficiently depicted throughout the novel. Abigail Williams is a manipulative young lady, driven by jealousy, who wreaks havoc throughout the town of Salem. After being rejected by her love interest, John Proctor, Abigail seeks revenge. Able to reach a position of power while also maintaining a good image, Abigail manipulates her way into being the most powerful, yet terrifying girl in town. Abigail Williams proves to be the most detestable character for her ability to appear innocent and harmless while ultimately destroying the lives of the people around her.
Upon the commencement of the play, Abigail adamantly denies calling spirits in the forest to avoid the wrath of her uncle. She successfully convinces him, however, it is later revealed that Abigail “drank a charm to kill John Proctor’s wife” (Miller 19). Fueled by jealousy, Abigail seeks to satiate her feelings of envy by eliminating Elizabeth Proctor or anyone in her way. With the assistance of the girls in the village, Abigail drank chicken blood and danced for the Devil to replace Elizabeth as John Proctor’s wife. Abigail does not stop there; to further ensure that the girls will remain quiet, she threatens them: “Let either of you breathe a word, or the edge of a word, about other things, and I will bring a pointy reckoning that will shudder you … and I can make you wish you had never seen the sun go down!” (20). As a result of the girls’ fearfulness, Abigail is able to preserve her good image. Abigail efficiently exercises her power over the girls and in time, she achieves much more than she bargained for. Surprisingly, Abigail transitions from having power over her girlfriends to having power over the whole village and its residents.
Abigail’s good image begins to tarnish as people in the village began to suspect that she sold herself to the Devil. In response, Abigail exclaims “I never sold myself! I’m a good girl! I’m a proper girl!” (43). Abigail attempts to play the innocent card, but when she fails, she opts to place the blame on Tituba. Considering the fact that Tituba was an inferior black servant, convincing the court that Tituba forced her to drink blood and call on the Devil would be fairly easy for the manipulative Abigail. Again, Abigail fails; her plan to sabotage Tituba backfires as Tituba is dubbed “God’s instrument … to discover the Devil’s agents” (46). Realizing the only way to save herself is by confessing, Abigail immediately switches up her story. She manages to avoid the wrath of the court when she “rises as though inspired, and cries out … I want the light of God, I want the sweet love of Jesus! I danced for the Devil; I saw him; I wrote in his book; I go back to Jesus; I kiss His hand” (48). Because of the court’s obsession with being infallible, Abigail goes on unscathed despite her confession. She successfully manipulates her way into the trust of the court and uses that opportunity to decide the fates of the villagers. Along with Tituba, Abigail and her girlfriends are dubbed ‘God’s instrument’ to discover the Devil’s allies. A mere accusation from Abigail is enough to have someone convicted for witchcraft. In the snap of a finger, Abigail goes from being a potential witch to the most powerful girl of the town. Despite her heinous actions, Abigail continues to maintain a good image in the eyes of the court making her the most detestable character in the play.
Abigail is given the power to send even the most well-respected inhabitants to jail. Because of her manipulative ways, the court is blinded by her innocent appearance. Even when the court attempts to further investigate her claims, she finds a way to evade their imposing questions: “I have been hurt … I have been near to murdered everyday because I done my duty pointing out the Devil’s people – and this is my reward? To be mistrusted, denied, questioned” (108). Abigail’s statement causes the court to pity her instead of finding the answers to all their necessary questions. Therefore, the court continues to falsely believe that Abigail is simply a harmless young girl chosen to aid them in their mission. As the court continues to listen to Abigail, the more innocent lives are taken. Though Abigail is the most evil character, it is extremely frustrating that she is the one person able to avoid being condemned.
As an evil genius, Abigail Williams satiated her feelings of envy and also became the most powerful girl in town. It is unbelievable that a person filled with such evil and inhumane qualities can be looked to as holy. When people began to question her innocence, Abigail managed to regain the court’s trust instantly. She easily turned the spotlight from being on her to someone else just by pretending to feel cursed. Because of her ability to avoid condemnation, Abigail Williams is the ultimate con artist and the most detestable character.
In most stories, a villain is incorporated to provide conflict, usually for the hero. There are essentially two types of villains that utilize different methods to achieve what they desire. The first type of villain is the simple-minded scoundrel who is pure evil. They are usually not very powerful and are easily defeated. In contrast, the other villain, otherwise known as an evil genius, is much more intelligent and clever. This villain uses their wit to con those around them and is typically successful in their endeavors. In the play, The Crucible, an evil genius is efficiently depicted throughout the novel. Abigail Williams is a manipulative young lady, driven by jealousy, who wreaks havoc throughout the town of Salem. After being rejected by her love interest, John Proctor, Abigail seeks revenge. Able to reach a position of power while also maintaining a good image, Abigail manipulates her way into being the most powerful, yet terrifying girl in town. Abigail Williams proves to be the most detestable character for her ability to appear innocent and harmless while ultimately destroying the lives of the people around her.
Upon the commencement of the play, Abigail adamantly denies calling spirits in the forest to avoid the wrath of her uncle. She successfully convinces him, however, it is later revealed that Abigail “drank a charm to kill John Proctor’s wife” (Miller 19). Fueled by jealousy, Abigail seeks to satiate her feelings of envy by eliminating Elizabeth Proctor or anyone in her way. With the assistance of the girls in the village, Abigail drank chicken blood and danced for the Devil to replace Elizabeth as John Proctor’s wife. Abigail does not stop there; to further ensure that the girls will remain quiet, she threatens them: “Let either of you breathe a word, or the edge of a word, about other things, and I will bring a pointy reckoning that will shudder you … and I can make you wish you had never seen the sun go down!” (20). As a result of the girls’ fearfulness, Abigail is able to preserve her good image. Abigail efficiently exercises her power over the girls and in time, she achieves much more than she bargained for. Surprisingly, Abigail transitions from having power over her girlfriends to having power over the whole village and its residents.
Abigail’s good image begins to tarnish as people in the village began to suspect that she sold herself to the Devil. In response, Abigail exclaims “I never sold myself! I’m a good girl! I’m a proper girl!” (43). Abigail attempts to play the innocent card, but when she fails, she opts to place the blame on Tituba. Considering the fact that Tituba was an inferior black servant, convincing the court that Tituba forced her to drink blood and call on the Devil would be fairly easy for the manipulative Abigail. Again, Abigail fails; her plan to sabotage Tituba backfires as Tituba is dubbed “God’s instrument … to discover the Devil’s agents” (46). Realizing the only way to save herself is by confessing, Abigail immediately switches up her story. She manages to avoid the wrath of the court when she “rises as though inspired, and cries out … I want the light of God, I want the sweet love of Jesus! I danced for the Devil; I saw him; I wrote in his book; I go back to Jesus; I kiss His hand” (48). Because of the court’s obsession with being infallible, Abigail goes on unscathed despite her confession. She successfully manipulates her way into the trust of the court and uses that opportunity to decide the fates of the villagers. Along with Tituba, Abigail and her girlfriends are dubbed ‘God’s instrument’ to discover the Devil’s allies. A mere accusation from Abigail is enough to have someone convicted for witchcraft. In the snap of a finger, Abigail goes from being a potential witch to the most powerful girl of the town. Despite her heinous actions, Abigail continues to maintain a good image in the eyes of the court making her the most detestable character in the play.
Abigail is given the power to send even the most well-respected inhabitants to jail. Because of her manipulative ways, the court is blinded by her innocent appearance. Even when the court attempts to further investigate her claims, she finds a way to evade their imposing questions: “I have been hurt … I have been near to murdered everyday because I done my duty pointing out the Devil’s people – and this is my reward? To be mistrusted, denied, questioned” (108). Abigail’s statement causes the court to pity her instead of finding the answers to all their necessary questions. Therefore, the court continues to falsely believe that Abigail is simply a harmless young girl chosen to aid them in their mission. As the court continues to listen to Abigail, the more innocent lives are taken. Though Abigail is the most evil character, it is extremely frustrating that she is the one person able to avoid being condemned.
As an evil genius, Abigail Williams satiated her feelings of envy and also became the most powerful girl in town. It is unbelievable that a person filled with such evil and inhumane qualities can be looked to as holy. When people began to question her innocence, Abigail managed to regain the court’s trust instantly. She easily turned the spotlight from being on her to someone else just by pretending to feel cursed. Because of her ability to avoid condemnation, Abigail Williams is the ultimate con artist and the most detestable character.
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