"Partly supported by Hester Prynne, and holding one hand of little Pearl's, the Reverend Mr. Dimmesdale turned to the dignified and venerable rulers...to put in his plea of guilty at the bar of Eternal Justice"(227).
Judgement day has finally come, and the third scaffold scene has now unfolded. This specific moment in the novel where Dimmesdale confesses his sin to the public has been alluded to by many different characters in the novel, including Hawthorne, who once again brings all of the main characters together in one specific place to bring attention to the changes that each character has experienced and feelings that are felt by each character, specifically Dimmesdale. Hawthorne specifically describes Dimmesdale at the end as independently confessing his sin, something he has been struggling with since Hester's conviction seven years ago. Also, Hawthorne explains through Dimmesdale, that there is no greater judge than God and that the future of ones life can only be determined by the lord. More importantly, this scene resembles Dimmesdale's freedom or rebirth, as well as his glorified fall or death (he is only dead to some people). He got what many men hope for before they pass on into the next world, redemption and relief.
"ON A FIELD, SABLE, THE LETTER A, GULES"(235).
Before his saint-like demise Dimmesdale constantly proposed the question and idea about life after the puritan society and their plan to escape their life and trade it for one with more opportunity goodness. Even before his confession and death, Dimmesdale contemplated on the thought that life would be better if they had gone away, which would have been false. No matter where Hester, Dimmesdale, and Pearl might have gone, sin would always follow and torment their souls, even though it may have adopted new meanings. In the last words of the novel, it is explained that Hester was buried right next to Dimmesdale, and although they were buried separately they were joined together by the single tombstone reading: "On a field, sable, the letter A, gules." My point being that although they were separated, they were together due to an inseperable bond and passion, the scarlet A, which will forever give them life after they have gone.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Monday, February 8, 2010
The Scarlet Letter 9
"A strange, sad man is he, with his hand always over his heart"(205).
Pearl constantly wonders why Dimmesdale is unable to recognize herself and Hester in broad daylight in public. She continuously asks Dimmesdale, as well as Hester, when the day will come where he recognizes Hester and Pearl in public and holds hands with them in front of the people, and the answer is very simple. That day will simply never come until he walks the streets joined together with Hester and Pearl. No matter how far they go or how much they hide, Dimmesdale will never be able to be the person that Pearl so desperately desires him to be. He will never be a father and will be forever tortured, and absolved with his sin until he mounts the scaffold. Although this is quite obvious, one must understand that sinning is sinning, and until you can confront that sin and let go of that sin, it will forever eat away at your soul until there is nothing less to consume. Furthermore, Pearl secretly desires a father figure and Dimmesdale to evolve into that figure, and to her, in order for Dimmesdale to do that he must confess.
"No man, for any considerable period, can wear one face to himself, and another to the multitude, without finally getting bewildered as to which may be true"(194).
This is a very bold statement made by Hawthorne and a very agreeable one. In relation to Dimmesdale's constant changing, Hawthorne describes how one can develop so many different faces and titles, and become too involved in those titles and faces to the point where they get so caught up in everything they have created, that they lose themselves. This can be seen in some actors and actresses who get so caught up in their character and playing the role, that sometimes they have trouble distinguishing reality from the movies and adopt their characters personality, and use it in real life. This whole chapter is reflected by the title "The Minister in a Maze," which alludes to Dimmesdale's inability to stick with one of the many personalities he has developed throughout the novel.
Pearl constantly wonders why Dimmesdale is unable to recognize herself and Hester in broad daylight in public. She continuously asks Dimmesdale, as well as Hester, when the day will come where he recognizes Hester and Pearl in public and holds hands with them in front of the people, and the answer is very simple. That day will simply never come until he walks the streets joined together with Hester and Pearl. No matter how far they go or how much they hide, Dimmesdale will never be able to be the person that Pearl so desperately desires him to be. He will never be a father and will be forever tortured, and absolved with his sin until he mounts the scaffold. Although this is quite obvious, one must understand that sinning is sinning, and until you can confront that sin and let go of that sin, it will forever eat away at your soul until there is nothing less to consume. Furthermore, Pearl secretly desires a father figure and Dimmesdale to evolve into that figure, and to her, in order for Dimmesdale to do that he must confess.
"No man, for any considerable period, can wear one face to himself, and another to the multitude, without finally getting bewildered as to which may be true"(194).
This is a very bold statement made by Hawthorne and a very agreeable one. In relation to Dimmesdale's constant changing, Hawthorne describes how one can develop so many different faces and titles, and become too involved in those titles and faces to the point where they get so caught up in everything they have created, that they lose themselves. This can be seen in some actors and actresses who get so caught up in their character and playing the role, that sometimes they have trouble distinguishing reality from the movies and adopt their characters personality, and use it in real life. This whole chapter is reflected by the title "The Minister in a Maze," which alludes to Dimmesdale's inability to stick with one of the many personalities he has developed throughout the novel.
Sunday, February 7, 2010
The Scarlet Letter 8
"The sunshine does not love you. It runs away and hides itself, because it is afraid of something on your bosom"(165).
I like to believe that Pearl represents something more to Hester and society than a reminder of Hesters sin and a symbol of her wrongdoing, as well as a troubled child. I think that she represents sin seperate from Hester. Although she is only a child and has not trully sinned, throughout the novel Pearl has exhibited very strange and violent behavior, some of which could be seen as sinful or morally wrong. Pearl and Hester represent both the same and two different sins or bad actions, however, in this scene, Pearl seems to be more accepted by nature and society. As she attempts to explain to her mother, the "light" welcomes her but fears Hester. This reflects the mood of the two characters as well as illudes to something that could potentially happen towards the end of the novel, Pearls acceptance and Hesters/Dimmesdales fall.
"The minister, on the other hand, had never gone through an experience calculated to lead him beyond the scope of generally recieved laws; although, in a single instance, he had so fearfully transgressed one of the most sacred of them"(180).
This quotation brings attention to the two major laws in society. Laws regarding religion and nature, and those regarding the legal system and government. By fleeing the Puritain society which is idealistically full of limitations, Hester and Dimmesdale are breaking laws regarding the legal system and government. However, in doing to, Dimmesdale would be able to adopt a new life and preach/inspire more people. Also, by staying and attempting to cover up their sins, Hester and Dimmesdale are breaking laws regarding God and nature because staying could lead to corruption of the people in the society. There are two conflicting laws in this novel which can not coexist, like many other things in the novel.
I like to believe that Pearl represents something more to Hester and society than a reminder of Hesters sin and a symbol of her wrongdoing, as well as a troubled child. I think that she represents sin seperate from Hester. Although she is only a child and has not trully sinned, throughout the novel Pearl has exhibited very strange and violent behavior, some of which could be seen as sinful or morally wrong. Pearl and Hester represent both the same and two different sins or bad actions, however, in this scene, Pearl seems to be more accepted by nature and society. As she attempts to explain to her mother, the "light" welcomes her but fears Hester. This reflects the mood of the two characters as well as illudes to something that could potentially happen towards the end of the novel, Pearls acceptance and Hesters/Dimmesdales fall.
"The minister, on the other hand, had never gone through an experience calculated to lead him beyond the scope of generally recieved laws; although, in a single instance, he had so fearfully transgressed one of the most sacred of them"(180).
This quotation brings attention to the two major laws in society. Laws regarding religion and nature, and those regarding the legal system and government. By fleeing the Puritain society which is idealistically full of limitations, Hester and Dimmesdale are breaking laws regarding the legal system and government. However, in doing to, Dimmesdale would be able to adopt a new life and preach/inspire more people. Also, by staying and attempting to cover up their sins, Hester and Dimmesdale are breaking laws regarding God and nature because staying could lead to corruption of the people in the society. There are two conflicting laws in this novel which can not coexist, like many other things in the novel.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
The Scarlet Letter 7
"Hatred, by a 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. In this matter of Hester Pryne, there was neither irritation nor irksomeness"(145).
This represents part of Hesters evolution over the past seven years, but more importantly, it explains how feelings like love and hatred survive and perish in an enviornment like the one in the novel. Here orwell explains that hatred is a very strong emotion, and that over time, feelings of hatred that one may have will diminish. Even today, it is very hard to keep a grudge against someone, especially when that someone has been very nice to you, which is what Hawthorne is trying to explain. That, society has changed Hesters label from sinner to "Able," because she treated people so kindly. Furthermore, Hawthorne also explains that love is a feeling that grows larger over time. Unlike hatred, love grows stronger and larger. It is hatred converted, which represents the shift in feelings from the townspeople toward Hester.
"The scarlet letter had not done its office"(150).
Previously, Hester had been contemplating on the thought of killing her daughter so that she may find happiness in heaven and not develop into devilish fiend in a world if imperfection. As stated at the beginning of the book, Hester had two symbols that represented her sin, the scarlet letter, and her daughter, Pearl. As we learned, Hester and Pearl were very close, so close that Hester refused to give away her child, even though Pearl may have been better off with another family. Although they were close, the scarlet letter branded on Hesters bosom only tightened their bond, and acted as a reminder of what she had done, and the child she now protects because of what she had done. However, now that the scarlet letter represents something else, "Able," that bond between Hester and Pearl is now weekend and Hester is now beginning to lose hope on earth for Pearl. "The scarlet letter had not done its office," because it failed to unite the two people who need eachother most in society, and failed to provide hope and reminder of Pearls life on earth.
This represents part of Hesters evolution over the past seven years, but more importantly, it explains how feelings like love and hatred survive and perish in an enviornment like the one in the novel. Here orwell explains that hatred is a very strong emotion, and that over time, feelings of hatred that one may have will diminish. Even today, it is very hard to keep a grudge against someone, especially when that someone has been very nice to you, which is what Hawthorne is trying to explain. That, society has changed Hesters label from sinner to "Able," because she treated people so kindly. Furthermore, Hawthorne also explains that love is a feeling that grows larger over time. Unlike hatred, love grows stronger and larger. It is hatred converted, which represents the shift in feelings from the townspeople toward Hester.
"The scarlet letter had not done its office"(150).
Previously, Hester had been contemplating on the thought of killing her daughter so that she may find happiness in heaven and not develop into devilish fiend in a world if imperfection. As stated at the beginning of the book, Hester had two symbols that represented her sin, the scarlet letter, and her daughter, Pearl. As we learned, Hester and Pearl were very close, so close that Hester refused to give away her child, even though Pearl may have been better off with another family. Although they were close, the scarlet letter branded on Hesters bosom only tightened their bond, and acted as a reminder of what she had done, and the child she now protects because of what she had done. However, now that the scarlet letter represents something else, "Able," that bond between Hester and Pearl is now weekend and Hester is now beginning to lose hope on earth for Pearl. "The scarlet letter had not done its office," because it failed to unite the two people who need eachother most in society, and failed to provide hope and reminder of Pearls life on earth.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
The Scarlet Letter 6
"At the great judgment day"(139).
Judgment day is constantly referred to as the day at the end of time where God will judge humans and decide their fate according to good and evil or the peak of religion and theology. In other words, it is a trial. The people are the jury, but God is the judge and ultimate decision maker. Thus far in the novel there have been two scaffold scenes, the first being in the beginning of the novel when Hester was forced to stand there for a few hours a day so that her sin be made public. The second, is when Dimmesdale returns to the scaffolding seven years later at midnight and stands on the top of it, joined by Hester and Pearl, where he refuses to mount the scaffold with Hester and Pearl the following day which could symbolize Dimmesdale's disobedience to God and cowardice. Hawthorne uses these scaffold scenes to build up to the climax and greater events. At first one sinner stood on the scaffold, the second time, two sinners stood on the scaffold (Hester and Dimmesdale, and the third is yet to come where more than two sinners will mount the scaffold and be judged by the audience (just like Chillingworth saw and judged Dimmesdale).
Judgment day is constantly referred to as the day at the end of time where God will judge humans and decide their fate according to good and evil or the peak of religion and theology. In other words, it is a trial. The people are the jury, but God is the judge and ultimate decision maker. Thus far in the novel there have been two scaffold scenes, the first being in the beginning of the novel when Hester was forced to stand there for a few hours a day so that her sin be made public. The second, is when Dimmesdale returns to the scaffolding seven years later at midnight and stands on the top of it, joined by Hester and Pearl, where he refuses to mount the scaffold with Hester and Pearl the following day which could symbolize Dimmesdale's disobedience to God and cowardice. Hawthorne uses these scaffold scenes to build up to the climax and greater events. At first one sinner stood on the scaffold, the second time, two sinners stood on the scaffold (Hester and Dimmesdale, and the third is yet to come where more than two sinners will mount the scaffold and be judged by the audience (just like Chillingworth saw and judged Dimmesdale).
Monday, February 1, 2010
Scarlet Letter 5
"In the graveyard here at hand...They are new to me. I found them growing on a grave, which bore no tombstone"(119).
As Dimmesdale's physician, Chillingworth is able to administer Dimmesdale medicine, and because of his profession, able to convince Dimmesdale that they are legit. This part in the novel is very important because it alludes to events to come. In a novel bombarded with symbols and theological references, Hawthorne once again introduces the graveyard as a symbol of death which can be constituted with evil overcoming good. In this short scene Dimmesdale questions the origin of the herbs that Chillinworth is incorporating in his medicine. In response, Chillingworth tells Dimmesdale that the herbs come from the local graveyard, and he found them growing on a gravestone with not identity. As further explained by Chillingworth, the herbs are physically ugly, just like evils representation in Chillingworth. He also tells Dimmesdale that the herbs are new to him. Coming from a graveyard, the herbs do not represent anything positive, and in the hands of a man who is so overcome with passion in taking revenge, they represent death, or evil (Chillingworth) overcoming good (Dimmesdale). Furthermore, it is also important to note that Chillingworth is said to have practices dark magic which requires the ability to make potions. Also, Chillingworth seems want revenge and achieve it so that Dimmesdale will suffer an equal amount of pain that Hester did. Throughout the novel thus far, Hester has been both physically and emotionally tortured, which is why Chillingworth is going to make Dimmesdale suffer over a period of time so that he can feel her suffering.
"The physician advanced directly in fromt of his patient, laid his hand upon his bosom, and thrust aside the vestment that, hitherto, had always covered it even from the professional eye"(126).
There is no doubt in my min that what resided on the reverend's chest was an "A" branded into his skin. We have been exposed to Dimmesdale's character and eagerness to let his sin be known, as well as his struggle to reveal it. He has asked Hester numerous times to confess the man who sinned with her because he simply will not, for a variety of reasons. Dimmesdale might not fancy confessing himself because it would destroy his position, and reputation, as well as destroy the people that he leads. And who can blame him? Being a man of such influence it would be foolish to throw away your life and influence in other people simply because you sinned, which is something that we all do and get forgiven for. A branded "A" would make a lot of sense because in this novel where people are better symbols than they are real human beings, that "A" represents not only what it does for Hester, but Dimmesdale's cowardice, as well as his sincere involvement and love for and in the community. As previously referred to, the scarlet letter represents a handful of things, both good and bad, and that goes for everyone, even Dimmesdale.
As Dimmesdale's physician, Chillingworth is able to administer Dimmesdale medicine, and because of his profession, able to convince Dimmesdale that they are legit. This part in the novel is very important because it alludes to events to come. In a novel bombarded with symbols and theological references, Hawthorne once again introduces the graveyard as a symbol of death which can be constituted with evil overcoming good. In this short scene Dimmesdale questions the origin of the herbs that Chillinworth is incorporating in his medicine. In response, Chillingworth tells Dimmesdale that the herbs come from the local graveyard, and he found them growing on a gravestone with not identity. As further explained by Chillingworth, the herbs are physically ugly, just like evils representation in Chillingworth. He also tells Dimmesdale that the herbs are new to him. Coming from a graveyard, the herbs do not represent anything positive, and in the hands of a man who is so overcome with passion in taking revenge, they represent death, or evil (Chillingworth) overcoming good (Dimmesdale). Furthermore, it is also important to note that Chillingworth is said to have practices dark magic which requires the ability to make potions. Also, Chillingworth seems want revenge and achieve it so that Dimmesdale will suffer an equal amount of pain that Hester did. Throughout the novel thus far, Hester has been both physically and emotionally tortured, which is why Chillingworth is going to make Dimmesdale suffer over a period of time so that he can feel her suffering.
"The physician advanced directly in fromt of his patient, laid his hand upon his bosom, and thrust aside the vestment that, hitherto, had always covered it even from the professional eye"(126).
There is no doubt in my min that what resided on the reverend's chest was an "A" branded into his skin. We have been exposed to Dimmesdale's character and eagerness to let his sin be known, as well as his struggle to reveal it. He has asked Hester numerous times to confess the man who sinned with her because he simply will not, for a variety of reasons. Dimmesdale might not fancy confessing himself because it would destroy his position, and reputation, as well as destroy the people that he leads. And who can blame him? Being a man of such influence it would be foolish to throw away your life and influence in other people simply because you sinned, which is something that we all do and get forgiven for. A branded "A" would make a lot of sense because in this novel where people are better symbols than they are real human beings, that "A" represents not only what it does for Hester, but Dimmesdale's cowardice, as well as his sincere involvement and love for and in the community. As previously referred to, the scarlet letter represents a handful of things, both good and bad, and that goes for everyone, even Dimmesdale.
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