"Pearl put up her mouth, and kissed the scarlet letter too!" (190).
Although Pearl does not know what the scarlet letter represents, her kiss to the letter demonstrates her attraction to evil. The scarlet letter is ultimately an embodiment of sin and evil and here Pearl is kissing it. It is scary that Pearl has become accustom to the letter to the point where she throws a fit when her mother takes it off: "[she] suddenly burst into a fit of passion, gesticulating violently and throwing her small figure into the most extravagant contortions. She accompanied this wild outbreak with piercing shrieks" (189). Most kids have temper tantrums because they want candy but Pearl is crying out because her mother removes the dreadful letter. Pearl's reaction shows that this letter, unfortunately, defines her as a person.
"He seemed to stand apart, and eye this former self with scornful, pitying, but half-envious curiosity. That self was gone. Another man had returned out of the forest: a wiser one, with a knowledge of hidden mysteries" (200).
Apparently, Dimmesdale ha smade a transformation and i think Hester has everything to do with it. Throughout the time he spent with CHillingworth, Dimmesdale seemed to be more miserable than ever the more time he spent with Chillingworth. Since Hester told him of Chillingworth's plan, Dimmesdale has become alert and wiser and now knows what to expect from his worst enemy. I think this will improve his attitude a lot more in the future.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Scarlet Letter; Pg. 158-185
"She took her mother's hand in both her own, and gazed into her eyes with an earnestness that was seldom seen in her wild and capricious character. The thought occurred to Hester that the child might really be seeking to approach her with childlike confidence" (162).
As the novel continues, more of Pearl's diabolical traits are shown. She is also a smart girl for her age as she has observed the actions of Dimmesdale and connected it to her mother's scarlet letter. It is reminiscent of Chillingworth and his quest to discover Dimmesdale's secret, it seems as though Pearl would like to expose him. Above, Pearl's manipulative skills are demonstrated. She purposely puts her hand in her mothers and looks into her mother's eyes in a way that she has never done before. The color of Pearl's eyes are commented on often and they are not a pleasant color, therefore her efforts to appeal to her mother is her way to gain information. She is almost successful, because right after Hester simply thinks Pearl is just being a curious child who wouldn't say anything. However, it is more likely that Pearl is simply out to get Dimmesdale and Hester later realized that because she did not tell Pearl.
"'Truth was the one virtue which I might have held fast, and did hold fast, through all extremity; save when thy good, - thy life, - thy fame, - were put in question! Then I consented to deception'" (175).
Though Hester blatantly professed that she was still in love with Dimmesdale, it was apparent long before. The theme of Hester's honesty is prevalent throughout the book except for when it comes to Dimmesdale. The only lie she is held accountable for is protecting Dimmesdale by keeping his name a secret. Other than that, she has been pretty honest more specifically with her sins. Another lie that we have recently come across is the lie that Hester told her daughter. Again, the lie was told to protect Dimmesdale. After Pearl's insistent questions regarding the scarlet letter, Hester was forced to answer her daughter untruthfully for the sake of Dimmesdale. It is obvious that she is in love with Dimmesdale, she has made clear above that honesty is a virtue and something that she vales yet she is willing to throw it out the window when it comes to Dimmesdale. However, I believe she is coming to terms with her dishonesty and realizes that honesty is always the best policy.
As the novel continues, more of Pearl's diabolical traits are shown. She is also a smart girl for her age as she has observed the actions of Dimmesdale and connected it to her mother's scarlet letter. It is reminiscent of Chillingworth and his quest to discover Dimmesdale's secret, it seems as though Pearl would like to expose him. Above, Pearl's manipulative skills are demonstrated. She purposely puts her hand in her mothers and looks into her mother's eyes in a way that she has never done before. The color of Pearl's eyes are commented on often and they are not a pleasant color, therefore her efforts to appeal to her mother is her way to gain information. She is almost successful, because right after Hester simply thinks Pearl is just being a curious child who wouldn't say anything. However, it is more likely that Pearl is simply out to get Dimmesdale and Hester later realized that because she did not tell Pearl.
"'Truth was the one virtue which I might have held fast, and did hold fast, through all extremity; save when thy good, - thy life, - thy fame, - were put in question! Then I consented to deception'" (175).
Though Hester blatantly professed that she was still in love with Dimmesdale, it was apparent long before. The theme of Hester's honesty is prevalent throughout the book except for when it comes to Dimmesdale. The only lie she is held accountable for is protecting Dimmesdale by keeping his name a secret. Other than that, she has been pretty honest more specifically with her sins. Another lie that we have recently come across is the lie that Hester told her daughter. Again, the lie was told to protect Dimmesdale. After Pearl's insistent questions regarding the scarlet letter, Hester was forced to answer her daughter untruthfully for the sake of Dimmesdale. It is obvious that she is in love with Dimmesdale, she has made clear above that honesty is a virtue and something that she vales yet she is willing to throw it out the window when it comes to Dimmesdale. However, I believe she is coming to terms with her dishonesty and realizes that honesty is always the best policy.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Scarlet Letter; Pg. 144-158
"there seemed to be no longer anything in Hester's face for Love to dwell upon; nothing in Hester's form, though majestic and statue-like, that Passion would ever dream of clasping in its embrace; nothing in Hester's bosom, to make it ever again the pillow of Affection" (148).
This is the root of all Hester's problems. Her beauty is thoroughly described throughout the novel, this being one of them, and it is the reason that she had an affair with Dimmesdale. It is obvious that these words capitalized mean more than just emotions, they are emphasized to demonstrate their representation for something greater aka Dimmesdale. As mentioned before and here as well, Hester is very beautiful. As to her unpleasant photo on the front of the book, this is probably because her hair is tied up and hidden under a hat. She is described as having "rich and luxariant hair" that no longer "gushed into the sunshine" (148). I believe Hester has also realized that her beauty is partially responsible for her sin. This is another way that she punishes herself on top of the ridicule she recieves everyday. She is making an effort to conceal all the things that brought her into a life of shame.
"The child's own nature had something wrong in it ... and often impelled Hester to ask, in bitterness of heart, whether it were for ill or good that the poor little creature had been born at all" (150).
The chances of Pearl's birth being for anything good are slim to none. In the beginning, we made the parallel between Hester Prynn and The Virgin Mary. What separates the two is the way they're children were conceived. Mary was known for her sacred and holy birth of Jesus while Hester's birth of Pearl was more scandalous and done out of sin. The outcome of Jesus' birth was to save the world, therefore one must ask - Is Pearl's birth a warning for her destruction of the world? It almost seems ridiculous or unlikely but Pearl has already acted in some ways that point to her diabolical character: "Pearl mumbled something into [Dimmesdale's] ear, taht sounded, indeed like human language, but was only gibberish ... it was in a tongue unknown to the erdite clergyman" (142). People possessed by the devil are known to speak in tongue, I'm not jumping to conclusions here but I do believe this is foreshadowing to events that may come. Pearl may not have been born to destroy the world but maybe to carry out the work of Chillingworth and see to it that DImmesdale will receive much more punishment than he already has.
This is the root of all Hester's problems. Her beauty is thoroughly described throughout the novel, this being one of them, and it is the reason that she had an affair with Dimmesdale. It is obvious that these words capitalized mean more than just emotions, they are emphasized to demonstrate their representation for something greater aka Dimmesdale. As mentioned before and here as well, Hester is very beautiful. As to her unpleasant photo on the front of the book, this is probably because her hair is tied up and hidden under a hat. She is described as having "rich and luxariant hair" that no longer "gushed into the sunshine" (148). I believe Hester has also realized that her beauty is partially responsible for her sin. This is another way that she punishes herself on top of the ridicule she recieves everyday. She is making an effort to conceal all the things that brought her into a life of shame.
"The child's own nature had something wrong in it ... and often impelled Hester to ask, in bitterness of heart, whether it were for ill or good that the poor little creature had been born at all" (150).
The chances of Pearl's birth being for anything good are slim to none. In the beginning, we made the parallel between Hester Prynn and The Virgin Mary. What separates the two is the way they're children were conceived. Mary was known for her sacred and holy birth of Jesus while Hester's birth of Pearl was more scandalous and done out of sin. The outcome of Jesus' birth was to save the world, therefore one must ask - Is Pearl's birth a warning for her destruction of the world? It almost seems ridiculous or unlikely but Pearl has already acted in some ways that point to her diabolical character: "Pearl mumbled something into [Dimmesdale's] ear, taht sounded, indeed like human language, but was only gibberish ... it was in a tongue unknown to the erdite clergyman" (142). People possessed by the devil are known to speak in tongue, I'm not jumping to conclusions here but I do believe this is foreshadowing to events that may come. Pearl may not have been born to destroy the world but maybe to carry out the work of Chillingworth and see to it that DImmesdale will receive much more punishment than he already has.
Scarlet Letter; Pg. 126-144
"In their eyes, the very ground on which he trod was sanctified" (130).
This goes to show just how important and venerable Dimmesdale is to his fellow towns people. He is literally looked up to as some type of God and it is evident as to why Dimmesdale won't step up and confess. Contrary to Hester, the people have set high expectations for Dimmesdale, thus he would be a greater disappointment: "the agony with which this public veneration totured him!" (130). Hester is a beautiful woman who is often mistaken for a seductress, therefore people expect an act like that from her rather than the honorable clergyman. While it may seem like Hester's punishment is torturous, Dimmesdale's punishment is far worse. He is ultimately punishing himself, because of his cowardice. This is the only thing difference between his and Hester's punishment.
This goes to show just how important and venerable Dimmesdale is to his fellow towns people. He is literally looked up to as some type of God and it is evident as to why Dimmesdale won't step up and confess. Contrary to Hester, the people have set high expectations for Dimmesdale, thus he would be a greater disappointment: "the agony with which this public veneration totured him!" (130). Hester is a beautiful woman who is often mistaken for a seductress, therefore people expect an act like that from her rather than the honorable clergyman. While it may seem like Hester's punishment is torturous, Dimmesdale's punishment is far worse. He is ultimately punishing himself, because of his cowardice. This is the only thing difference between his and Hester's punishment.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Scarlet Letter; Pg. 107-126
"His form grew emaciated; his voice, though still rich and sweet, had a certain melancholy prophecy of decay in it; he was often observed...to put his hand over his heart, with first a flush and then a paleness, indicative of pain" (110).
This is one of the many signs demonstrating the abnormal changes Dimmesdale is experiencing. Using what we know so far, we can infer that Dimmesdale is feeling guilty about remaining silent. His selfishness is eating his alive. Initially, it was tearing him apart internally where noone can see it but now it has hit him so hard that people can physically see that something is wrong. Some of the questions people ask in reaction to Dimmesdale's behavior include: "Was he weary of his labors? Did he wish to die?" (111). These questions are inaccurate to some extent but it may be possible that Dimmesdale wants to die because he does speak of death casually.
"Alas! To judge from the gloom and terror in the depths of the poor minister's eyes, the battle was a sore one, and the victory anything but secure" (117).
As Dimmesdale's emotions continue to surface, he sparks some type of interest within Chillingworth. At the time, Chillingworth did not know exactly what he was looking for but it was evident that Dimmesdale was hiding something and he was determined to decipher what it was. They begin spending more time together and even move in together to get more in touch with each other's personal life. Ultimately, Chillingworth's 'reading' abilities are being put to the test. Here he reads the terror and gloom in Dimmesdale's eyes. So far, he is successful and will continue to be.
This is one of the many signs demonstrating the abnormal changes Dimmesdale is experiencing. Using what we know so far, we can infer that Dimmesdale is feeling guilty about remaining silent. His selfishness is eating his alive. Initially, it was tearing him apart internally where noone can see it but now it has hit him so hard that people can physically see that something is wrong. Some of the questions people ask in reaction to Dimmesdale's behavior include: "Was he weary of his labors? Did he wish to die?" (111). These questions are inaccurate to some extent but it may be possible that Dimmesdale wants to die because he does speak of death casually.
"Alas! To judge from the gloom and terror in the depths of the poor minister's eyes, the battle was a sore one, and the victory anything but secure" (117).
As Dimmesdale's emotions continue to surface, he sparks some type of interest within Chillingworth. At the time, Chillingworth did not know exactly what he was looking for but it was evident that Dimmesdale was hiding something and he was determined to decipher what it was. They begin spending more time together and even move in together to get more in touch with each other's personal life. Ultimately, Chillingworth's 'reading' abilities are being put to the test. Here he reads the terror and gloom in Dimmesdale's eyes. So far, he is successful and will continue to be.
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