"So Roger Chillingworth--the man of skill, the kind and friendly physician--strove to go deep into his patient's bosom, delving among his principles, prying into his recollections, and probing every thing with a cautious touch, Like a treasure-seeker in a dark cavern." ((Chapter 9/PAGE 109))
Connected with the previous post, but occuring earlier in the book, is this excerpt once again suggesting that Chillingworth is to go into the deepest, darkest part of Dimmesdale's soul/heart. The highlighted section is the more important because the Chapter 10 correlates directly with this image. Chillingworth will spend a long time mining in the darkness of the inner Dimmesdale to find that dreadful secret he so anxiously desires. The implications on the rest of the words in this passage; such as 'delving', 'prying', and 'probing' all suggest that there could be something deeper to Dimmesdale than we, the readers, could imagine. Or perhaps it reflects the sadistic nature of Chillingworth for believing that Arthur has such a deep, sinful life that no one is aware of, and he hopes to expose him for what he is. This would also mesh ironically with the first sentence stating that Chillingworth is a 'kind and friendly physician' despite him going through so much trouble just to inflict suffering upon two people.
Arthur's other secrets could be real however, and not just something that Chillingworth imagines. Arthur is very keen in keeping his secrets and private life out of the book and in his mind. Therefore, he is likely punishing himself severely not just for one sin, but to make up for many in the past.
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Monday, October 24, 2011
-~- DIALECTICAL JOURNAL #17 -~-
"I know not Lethe nor Nepenthe, but I have learned many new secrets in the wilderness, and here is one of them..."
"...Drink it! It may be less soothing than a sinless conscience. That I cannot give thee. But it will calm the swell and heaving of thy passion, like oil thrown on the waves of the tempestuous sea." ((Chapter 4/PAGE 67))
What I found interesting here is the connection to the Greek culture as well as the underworld. The River Lethe and the Nepenthe plant were both things that the Greek said could be absorbed, drunk to forget. The forgetfulness is what Hester wants/needs. She is making a scene in her holding cell and she needs to calm down, however Chillingworth does not know true forgetfulness, for the pain of his wife's treason weights heavily on his mind. He administers a drink (or potion!) and insists she drinks, stating that he cannot guarantee her conscience to forget her sin, yet this is what he wants for Hester, so she can suffer for her disastrous deed.
The mentioning of the River Lethe brings up some dark imagery. Referring to the Greek Underworld suggests that Chillingworth is much darker than previously imagined. A place roughly equivalent to the Christian Hell is mentioned which makes his moniker as the 'Black Man' all the more eery.
Given the other names of the Rivers in the Underworld, each of the five represents something deeper about the characters and society of the book by bringing up a powerful emotion easily associated with either of the aforementioned elements.
The River Styx = The river of hate. Hate fuels Chillingworth's ambition for suffering. Overall, he hates life! He finds no joy in it other than the insatiable quest for infinite knowledge and Hester who had forsaken him. The hate is also felt by the Puritan followers for Hester, whom they feel as an abomination to the land who shall be shunned and publicly shamed.
The River Cocytus = The River of Lamentation/Grief. Chillingworth laments his loss of Hester, but takes his emotion and uses it as a tool, a weapon, against Arthur and his wife. Arthur laments the fact he is too weak to tell anyone about what he had done with Hester. The situation the characters are in is something that they will grieve over 'til they confess, die, or fulfill their ultimate revenge.
The River Acheron = The River of Pain. Pain seems to be the most apparent emotion out of all, next to hate. Despite all of the emotions widespread throughout the entire story, this one is, of course, painful and shows a great deal of impact on the actions of the characters. The pain in Arthur reflecting his guilt, the pain of Hester when she is going mad in the jail, the pain of Pearl being ridiculed by the local children. It's everywhere! Even better, Chillingworth feeds off of pain and wants Hester and Arthur to feel it as much as a soul is capable of enduring.
The River Phlegethon = The River of Fire. Granted, fire is not an emotion, however it burns like the passion felt by Chillingworth for Hester. Burns like Arthur's heart whenever Pearl or Hester bring forth his guilt. Burns red congruent with the crimson mark upon Hester's chest, the infinite guilt that is burned/branded onto her.
The last thing to mention, not as important, is the last bit of lines where he says, "like oil thrown on the waves of the tempestuous sea." which is an obvious reference to infamous Greek fire! :O
"...Drink it! It may be less soothing than a sinless conscience. That I cannot give thee. But it will calm the swell and heaving of thy passion, like oil thrown on the waves of the tempestuous sea." ((Chapter 4/PAGE 67))
What I found interesting here is the connection to the Greek culture as well as the underworld. The River Lethe and the Nepenthe plant were both things that the Greek said could be absorbed, drunk to forget. The forgetfulness is what Hester wants/needs. She is making a scene in her holding cell and she needs to calm down, however Chillingworth does not know true forgetfulness, for the pain of his wife's treason weights heavily on his mind. He administers a drink (or potion!) and insists she drinks, stating that he cannot guarantee her conscience to forget her sin, yet this is what he wants for Hester, so she can suffer for her disastrous deed.
The mentioning of the River Lethe brings up some dark imagery. Referring to the Greek Underworld suggests that Chillingworth is much darker than previously imagined. A place roughly equivalent to the Christian Hell is mentioned which makes his moniker as the 'Black Man' all the more eery.
Given the other names of the Rivers in the Underworld, each of the five represents something deeper about the characters and society of the book by bringing up a powerful emotion easily associated with either of the aforementioned elements.
The River Styx = The river of hate. Hate fuels Chillingworth's ambition for suffering. Overall, he hates life! He finds no joy in it other than the insatiable quest for infinite knowledge and Hester who had forsaken him. The hate is also felt by the Puritan followers for Hester, whom they feel as an abomination to the land who shall be shunned and publicly shamed.
The River Cocytus = The River of Lamentation/Grief. Chillingworth laments his loss of Hester, but takes his emotion and uses it as a tool, a weapon, against Arthur and his wife. Arthur laments the fact he is too weak to tell anyone about what he had done with Hester. The situation the characters are in is something that they will grieve over 'til they confess, die, or fulfill their ultimate revenge.
The River Acheron = The River of Pain. Pain seems to be the most apparent emotion out of all, next to hate. Despite all of the emotions widespread throughout the entire story, this one is, of course, painful and shows a great deal of impact on the actions of the characters. The pain in Arthur reflecting his guilt, the pain of Hester when she is going mad in the jail, the pain of Pearl being ridiculed by the local children. It's everywhere! Even better, Chillingworth feeds off of pain and wants Hester and Arthur to feel it as much as a soul is capable of enduring.
The River Phlegethon = The River of Fire. Granted, fire is not an emotion, however it burns like the passion felt by Chillingworth for Hester. Burns like Arthur's heart whenever Pearl or Hester bring forth his guilt. Burns red congruent with the crimson mark upon Hester's chest, the infinite guilt that is burned/branded onto her.
The last thing to mention, not as important, is the last bit of lines where he says, "like oil thrown on the waves of the tempestuous sea." which is an obvious reference to infamous Greek fire! :O
-~- DIALECTICAL JOURNAL #16 -~-
"The child probably overheard their voices; for, looking up to the window, with a bright, but naughty smile of mirth and intelligence, she threw one of the prickly burrs at the Reverend Mr. Dimmesdale. The sensitive clergyman shurnk, with nervous dread from the light missile. Detecting his emotion, Pearl clapped her little hands in the most extravagant ecstacy. Hester Prynne, likewise, had involuntarily looked up; and all these four persons, old and young, regarded one another in silence, till the child laugh aloud..." ((Chapter 10/PAGE 117))
The 2nd scaffold scene?!?!?
All four main characters are in this scene and we are faced with the same placement as the first.
The shameful ones that are to looked down upon forever are placed at the bottom:
1st Scene: 2nd Scene:
-Platform -The path near the Church (Ground)
(Hester and Pearl) (Hester and Pearl)
And the people who are elevated are those who are in power, revered throughout the community as pure men who hold positions of power.
1st Scene: 2nd Scene:
-Balcony -Church Window
(Governor, Arthur, and Wilson) (Chillingworth and Arthur)
I noticed the missing of a character. The balcony had 3 magistrates on it, and the 2nd only having two men. There's not much of a pattern here, however, I'm going to assume that the final 'scaffold scene' will only place one man in the raised platform, be it Arthur or Chillingworth. (More likely Chillingworth due to the hinting death that Arthur is going to suffer.)
There is a noticeable lack of public shame from the citizens of the Puritan town, but it isn't entirely missing. Oddly enough, it is those who are higher above that feel the shame. The pain is felt by Arthur and Chillingworth, who see the woman they love. For Arthur, it pains him to see that she is shunned by the community and that because of this, his child Pearl has in turn morphed into an imp! For Chillingworth, he is seeing the woman that was the only joy in his life being separated from society. This doesn't hit him as hard, but the only joy in his life gone and developing into the scum of the Earth, leads him down a spiteful journey in life that can only be cured by watching the others around him suffer. It is a sad life for Chillingworth to have to pain those who have wronged him in order to feel retribution.
Finally, there is one more hint to add to Chillingworth's suspicion, when Pearl sees her father in the window, she immediately smiles and playfully throws and spiky thorn at him. She is a little deviant, but she is trying to show affection. Moreover, she quickly moves her gaze from her father to the man standing next to him, and in the next paragraph she shouts, "Come away, or yonder Black Man will catch you! He has got hold of the minister already." This, serves well as a contrast between the two characters and their Pearl's disposition towards both of them, it also suggests that Chillingworth already has Arthur's soul/fate in his possession.
The 2nd scaffold scene?!?!?
All four main characters are in this scene and we are faced with the same placement as the first.
The shameful ones that are to looked down upon forever are placed at the bottom:
1st Scene: 2nd Scene:
-Platform -The path near the Church (Ground)
(Hester and Pearl) (Hester and Pearl)
And the people who are elevated are those who are in power, revered throughout the community as pure men who hold positions of power.
1st Scene: 2nd Scene:
-Balcony -Church Window
(Governor, Arthur, and Wilson) (Chillingworth and Arthur)
I noticed the missing of a character. The balcony had 3 magistrates on it, and the 2nd only having two men. There's not much of a pattern here, however, I'm going to assume that the final 'scaffold scene' will only place one man in the raised platform, be it Arthur or Chillingworth. (More likely Chillingworth due to the hinting death that Arthur is going to suffer.)
There is a noticeable lack of public shame from the citizens of the Puritan town, but it isn't entirely missing. Oddly enough, it is those who are higher above that feel the shame. The pain is felt by Arthur and Chillingworth, who see the woman they love. For Arthur, it pains him to see that she is shunned by the community and that because of this, his child Pearl has in turn morphed into an imp! For Chillingworth, he is seeing the woman that was the only joy in his life being separated from society. This doesn't hit him as hard, but the only joy in his life gone and developing into the scum of the Earth, leads him down a spiteful journey in life that can only be cured by watching the others around him suffer. It is a sad life for Chillingworth to have to pain those who have wronged him in order to feel retribution.
Finally, there is one more hint to add to Chillingworth's suspicion, when Pearl sees her father in the window, she immediately smiles and playfully throws and spiky thorn at him. She is a little deviant, but she is trying to show affection. Moreover, she quickly moves her gaze from her father to the man standing next to him, and in the next paragraph she shouts, "Come away, or yonder Black Man will catch you! He has got hold of the minister already." This, serves well as a contrast between the two characters and their Pearl's disposition towards both of them, it also suggests that Chillingworth already has Arthur's soul/fate in his possession.
-~- DIALECTICAL JOURNAL #15 -~-
"Where, my kind doctor, did you gather those herbs, with such a dark, flabby leaf?"
"Even in the graveyard, here at hand! They are new to me. I found them growing on a grave, which bore no tombstone, nor other memorial of the dead man, save these ugly weeds that have taken upon themselves to keep him in rememberance. They grew out of his heart, and typify, it may be, some hideous secret that was buried with him, and which he had done better to confess during his lifetime." ((Chapter 10/PAGE 114-115))
The Scarlet Letter in this stage of the book is reminding me more and more of Cask of Amontillado since it appears that Chillingworth can't stop hinting at Dimmesdale's doom/guilt just as Montresor couldn't stop hinting at Fortunato's fate in the depths of a dark, cobweb-infested cellar.
Yet here, Chillingworth takes nature; something that has been symbolizing purity, serenity, and beauty, and is using it against the man of God. It is only fitting that since the truth is sought after, there is no better way of personifying it through nature, which cannot lie or keep secrets. Again, Chillingworth hypothetically puts Arthur in the grave again where he found his herbs. The guilt of the man in the grave was so intense since he died with a secret so sinful that weeds were all that were there to remember him.
Arthur is in a tough position at this point. Chillingworth is implying that his reputation, as of now, is clean and pure. He is a man of God who has brought liveliness to the quaint Puritan town and has inspired masses of people, driving their faith and love. Hester who is equally as pure, not as a woman of faith or social status, but as a product nature and beauty; a gift. Save for one incident, she is forever remembered by her sin and is doomed to die with no lasting memory or impact on the world other than a lesson to those who go against God.
Arthur will surely suffer the same fate, if he announces his adultery within the community. He will no longer be the purest, pious man in the town, but a puppet of Satan and a man destined to be banished to Hell to suffer with his fellow-sinner.
"Even in the graveyard, here at hand! They are new to me. I found them growing on a grave, which bore no tombstone, nor other memorial of the dead man, save these ugly weeds that have taken upon themselves to keep him in rememberance. They grew out of his heart, and typify, it may be, some hideous secret that was buried with him, and which he had done better to confess during his lifetime." ((Chapter 10/PAGE 114-115))
The Scarlet Letter in this stage of the book is reminding me more and more of Cask of Amontillado since it appears that Chillingworth can't stop hinting at Dimmesdale's doom/guilt just as Montresor couldn't stop hinting at Fortunato's fate in the depths of a dark, cobweb-infested cellar.
Yet here, Chillingworth takes nature; something that has been symbolizing purity, serenity, and beauty, and is using it against the man of God. It is only fitting that since the truth is sought after, there is no better way of personifying it through nature, which cannot lie or keep secrets. Again, Chillingworth hypothetically puts Arthur in the grave again where he found his herbs. The guilt of the man in the grave was so intense since he died with a secret so sinful that weeds were all that were there to remember him.
Arthur is in a tough position at this point. Chillingworth is implying that his reputation, as of now, is clean and pure. He is a man of God who has brought liveliness to the quaint Puritan town and has inspired masses of people, driving their faith and love. Hester who is equally as pure, not as a woman of faith or social status, but as a product nature and beauty; a gift. Save for one incident, she is forever remembered by her sin and is doomed to die with no lasting memory or impact on the world other than a lesson to those who go against God.
Arthur will surely suffer the same fate, if he announces his adultery within the community. He will no longer be the purest, pious man in the town, but a puppet of Satan and a man destined to be banished to Hell to suffer with his fellow-sinner.
-~- DIALECTICAL JOURNAL #14 -~-
"He now dug into the poor clergyman's heart, like a miner searching for gold' or, rather, like a sexton devling into a grave, possibly in quest of a jewel that had been buried on the dead man's bosom..." ((Chapter 10/PAGE 113))
Roger Chillingworth is described to have been making connections with Mr. Dimmesdale, slowly becoming his friend but with a hidden agenda. He is looking for something, some information and some evidence to back up his suspicions on whether or not Arthur is the father of Pearl.
Though the comparison of Arthur's heart to gold would be understandable to anyone that had held a conversation with him or heard him deliver a sermon. It is true that Arthur Dimmesdale was a man widely respected and noted for his true kindness. However, in order for a miner to get to the gold, he must descend down a dark, dangerous cave. The cave in this instance being the shroud of guilt and pain the clergyman feels for wronging his God and sinning without the capacity to confess to anyone.
The next comparison is just as interesting as it is almost not a comparison. It is as if the narrator is detailing the inevitable fate that befalls Arthur. When Chillingworth finds out of this ignominious action against his wife, he will surely put in him in his grave. (Slowly however, for he wants him to suffer as much as possible.) The jewel that the sexton would be looking for would be the guilt, the sin that is printed on Hester's chest yet unsurprisingly invisible on Arthur's. Chillingworth wants to expose Dimmesdale (assuming his suspicions are correct.) for what he is and what he has done so he can jointly share the pain and public humiliation along with Hester and Pearl.
Last thing to point out is the ironic comparison of Chillingworth to the sexton. The sexton, being the church gravedigger, bell-ringer, or practically an errand-boy; would not be someone whom you would expect to be stealing the possessions of the dead. (The Jewel.) Chillingworth, being a highly-educated doctor would not be the person you would expect to be craving human suffering and feed off of the shame of others.
Roger Chillingworth is described to have been making connections with Mr. Dimmesdale, slowly becoming his friend but with a hidden agenda. He is looking for something, some information and some evidence to back up his suspicions on whether or not Arthur is the father of Pearl.
Though the comparison of Arthur's heart to gold would be understandable to anyone that had held a conversation with him or heard him deliver a sermon. It is true that Arthur Dimmesdale was a man widely respected and noted for his true kindness. However, in order for a miner to get to the gold, he must descend down a dark, dangerous cave. The cave in this instance being the shroud of guilt and pain the clergyman feels for wronging his God and sinning without the capacity to confess to anyone.
The next comparison is just as interesting as it is almost not a comparison. It is as if the narrator is detailing the inevitable fate that befalls Arthur. When Chillingworth finds out of this ignominious action against his wife, he will surely put in him in his grave. (Slowly however, for he wants him to suffer as much as possible.) The jewel that the sexton would be looking for would be the guilt, the sin that is printed on Hester's chest yet unsurprisingly invisible on Arthur's. Chillingworth wants to expose Dimmesdale (assuming his suspicions are correct.) for what he is and what he has done so he can jointly share the pain and public humiliation along with Hester and Pearl.
Last thing to point out is the ironic comparison of Chillingworth to the sexton. The sexton, being the church gravedigger, bell-ringer, or practically an errand-boy; would not be someone whom you would expect to be stealing the possessions of the dead. (The Jewel.) Chillingworth, being a highly-educated doctor would not be the person you would expect to be craving human suffering and feed off of the shame of others.
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
-~- DIALECTICAL JOURNAL #13 -~-
"Nay, from the moment when we came down the old church-steps together, a married pair, I might have beheld the bale-fire of that scarlet letter blazing at the end of our path!"
...
"I have said it. But, up to that epoch of my life, I had lived in vain. The world had been so cheerless!" ((Chapter 4/PAGE 68))
Roger recalls his life before marrying Hester stating that he has really found no joy in life, for he spent much time pursuing his insatiable quest for knowledge. He regrets not knowing that this turned him away from Hester, causing turmoil in his relationship. Nonetheless, Hester was the one joy in his life despite his wanderings and endless reading. But what is important, is that he relates his happiness upon the day of their marriage; the flame in his heart for her to the flame-colour in the letter on he gown. Roger, again makes this comparison because he is an outsider, just like the other two characters who have made positive mention of the letter. (The bond-servant and Pearl) However, Roger mocks Hester and notes that it is supposed to be a shameful letter, he has the ability to look past it because he knew Hester before her trail and public shame.
...
"I have said it. But, up to that epoch of my life, I had lived in vain. The world had been so cheerless!" ((Chapter 4/PAGE 68))
Roger recalls his life before marrying Hester stating that he has really found no joy in life, for he spent much time pursuing his insatiable quest for knowledge. He regrets not knowing that this turned him away from Hester, causing turmoil in his relationship. Nonetheless, Hester was the one joy in his life despite his wanderings and endless reading. But what is important, is that he relates his happiness upon the day of their marriage; the flame in his heart for her to the flame-colour in the letter on he gown. Roger, again makes this comparison because he is an outsider, just like the other two characters who have made positive mention of the letter. (The bond-servant and Pearl) However, Roger mocks Hester and notes that it is supposed to be a shameful letter, he has the ability to look past it because he knew Hester before her trail and public shame.
-~- DIALECTICAL JOURNAL #12 -~-
"Nay, if your worship can accomplish that, I shall own you for a man of skill indeed!" ((Chapter 4/PAGE 66))
The jailer says this to Roger Chillingworth before he leaves him alone with Hester to heal her. However, Roger is a man well-versed in the art of native medicine, alchemy, and regular medicine. All of these have thus no connection to religion other than 'healing powers', yet Roger's work is still far from worship as the jailer calls it. Because of this, the Puritan faith is not as perfect as it's made out to be, and lacks the healing and soothing of a medication to a sickness.
Taking this into account, perhaps the jailer speaks sarcastically, and figures that if Roger can actually 'worship' the sickness out of her, he will be a remarked as a very skillful man for the religious actions of everything up to this point in the book have done nothing but hurt another person rather than heal.
The jailer says this to Roger Chillingworth before he leaves him alone with Hester to heal her. However, Roger is a man well-versed in the art of native medicine, alchemy, and regular medicine. All of these have thus no connection to religion other than 'healing powers', yet Roger's work is still far from worship as the jailer calls it. Because of this, the Puritan faith is not as perfect as it's made out to be, and lacks the healing and soothing of a medication to a sickness.
Taking this into account, perhaps the jailer speaks sarcastically, and figures that if Roger can actually 'worship' the sickness out of her, he will be a remarked as a very skillful man for the religious actions of everything up to this point in the book have done nothing but hurt another person rather than heal.
-~- DIALECTICAL JOURNAL #11 -~-
"At about the centre of the oaken panels, that lined the hall, was suspended a suit of mail, not, like the pictures, an ancestral relic, but of the most modern date; for it had been manufactured by a skillful armorer in London, the same year in which Governor Bellingham came over to New England. There was a steel head-piece, a cuirass, a gorget, and greaves, with a pair of gauntlets and a sword hanging beneath; all, and especially the helmet and breastplate, so highly burnished as to glow with white radiance, and scatter an illumination everywhere about upon the floor. This bright panoply was not meant for mere idle show, but had been worn by the Governor on many a solemn muster and training field, and has glittered, moreover, at the head of a regiment in the Pequot War." ((Chapter 7/PAGE 93-94))
The armour that hangs in the Governor's mansion fits the theme of hypocrisy and symbolized the wrongful actions towards others by the religious/powerful. Since the Governor is the high official in the town, he therefore has a strong religious presence about him. Yet, he has been noted to have been present in the Pequot War, slaughtering thousands of Indians, killing innocent families, and going on a rampage only for the chance to grant themselves a large sum of land that they had no right to take from the Native people. This shows the hypocrisy of the Puritan faith for feeling they have the right to alienate (Hester) and/or annihilate (Pequots) anything who is different to them or opposes them in some way. The way the armour gleams about the room and emits an impressive shine symbolizes the Puritan pride and the justification they feel in regards to such horrible actions because they believe that they have done what God would've wanted them to do.
The armour that hangs in the Governor's mansion fits the theme of hypocrisy and symbolized the wrongful actions towards others by the religious/powerful. Since the Governor is the high official in the town, he therefore has a strong religious presence about him. Yet, he has been noted to have been present in the Pequot War, slaughtering thousands of Indians, killing innocent families, and going on a rampage only for the chance to grant themselves a large sum of land that they had no right to take from the Native people. This shows the hypocrisy of the Puritan faith for feeling they have the right to alienate (Hester) and/or annihilate (Pequots) anything who is different to them or opposes them in some way. The way the armour gleams about the room and emits an impressive shine symbolizes the Puritan pride and the justification they feel in regards to such horrible actions because they believe that they have done what God would've wanted them to do.
-~- DIALECTICAL JOURNAL #10 -~-
"The very first thing which she had noticed, in her life, was--what?--not the mother's smile, responding to it, as other babies do, by that faint, embryo smiles of the little mouth, remembered so doubtful afterwards, and with such fond discussion whether is were indeed a smile. By no means! But that first object of which Pearl seemed to become aware was--shall we say it?--the scarlet letter on Hester's bosom! One day, as her mother stooped over the cradle, the infant's eyes had been caught by the glimmering of the gold embroidery about the letter; and , putting up her little hand, she grasped at it, smiling, not doubtfully, but with a decided gleam that gave her face the look of a much older child." ((Chapter 6/PAGE 86))
The first object that Pearl sees is the dreadful scarlet letter. However, Pearl has never been on Earth before and knows not of its message or origin. The lack of understanding that the baby has, doesn't allow it to be disgusted or repulsed by the insignia. Instead, it is rather eye-catching and intriguing to her. The gold lining as well as the intrinsic red fill draw the child's attention, so it can view the letter as an illustration and not as the terrible symbol everyone else sees, which mirrors Hester's own appearance and the view of her by the townsfolk on a smaller scale.
THEMES:
Nature vs. Human Law
Man vs. Nature
Nature of Evil
Sin vs. Forgiveness or Punishment vs. Forgiveness
Individual vs. Society
Exile
Public Guilt vs. Private Guilt
Civilization vs. Wilderness (Town vs. Woods)
Good vs. Evil
Man vs. Society
The first object that Pearl sees is the dreadful scarlet letter. However, Pearl has never been on Earth before and knows not of its message or origin. The lack of understanding that the baby has, doesn't allow it to be disgusted or repulsed by the insignia. Instead, it is rather eye-catching and intriguing to her. The gold lining as well as the intrinsic red fill draw the child's attention, so it can view the letter as an illustration and not as the terrible symbol everyone else sees, which mirrors Hester's own appearance and the view of her by the townsfolk on a smaller scale.
THEMES:
Nature vs. Human Law
Man vs. Nature
Nature of Evil
Sin vs. Forgiveness or Punishment vs. Forgiveness
Individual vs. Society
Exile
Public Guilt vs. Private Guilt
Civilization vs. Wilderness (Town vs. Woods)
Good vs. Evil
Man vs. Society
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
-~- DIALECTICAL JOURNAL #9 -~-
"...and the bond-servant, perhaps judging from the decision of her air and the glittering symbol in her bosom, that she was a great lady in the land, offered no opposition." ((Chapter 7/PAGE 92))
The bond-servant sees Hester and Pearl for the first time when they arrive at the Governor's opulent house. He is a free-born Englishman and isn't too familiar with the Puritan religion. He sees the beautiful Hester and her embroidered A with it's golden and crimson threads. He notices the elegance of her appearance as well as her attire and suspects/assumes that she is a woman of high authority and nobility. Unbeknownst to him that she is an outcast in Puritan society, since he doesn't have a clouded/biased view of her because he isn't a part of the religion. (Which may be ironic due to him being the servant of one of the high political as well as religious powers in the town.)
The bond-servant sees Hester and Pearl for the first time when they arrive at the Governor's opulent house. He is a free-born Englishman and isn't too familiar with the Puritan religion. He sees the beautiful Hester and her embroidered A with it's golden and crimson threads. He notices the elegance of her appearance as well as her attire and suspects/assumes that she is a woman of high authority and nobility. Unbeknownst to him that she is an outcast in Puritan society, since he doesn't have a clouded/biased view of her because he isn't a part of the religion. (Which may be ironic due to him being the servant of one of the high political as well as religious powers in the town.)
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
-~- DIALECTICAL JOURNAL #8 -~-
"...like a tuft of green moss on a crumbling wall..." ((Chapter 2/PAGE 55))
Not too important, but it is a simile depicting a scene of nature. The memories of Hester's youth and upbringing send her into a brief spell of reminiscence that is pleasing. She remembers her parents, her childhood, how she got to Boston: everything. The things that her mind flashes through her gaze are eerily vivid as they detract from her current predicament which is a low-point in her life thus far. The memories are comfort, they are safe, and they have the power to ease herself from going mad as initially planned after standing on the scaffold for a few moments. The memories have guided her through the pain of the public scrutiny for small moments, and the comparison of this mental reassurance to the calming spirit of nature only strengthens nature's symbolic appeal, therefore contrastingly weakening the cruel actions of man towards one another which are unnecessary.
Not too important, but it is a simile depicting a scene of nature. The memories of Hester's youth and upbringing send her into a brief spell of reminiscence that is pleasing. She remembers her parents, her childhood, how she got to Boston: everything. The things that her mind flashes through her gaze are eerily vivid as they detract from her current predicament which is a low-point in her life thus far. The memories are comfort, they are safe, and they have the power to ease herself from going mad as initially planned after standing on the scaffold for a few moments. The memories have guided her through the pain of the public scrutiny for small moments, and the comparison of this mental reassurance to the calming spirit of nature only strengthens nature's symbolic appeal, therefore contrastingly weakening the cruel actions of man towards one another which are unnecessary.
-~- DIALECTICAL JOURNAL #7 -~-
"Had there been a Papist among the crowd of Puritans, he might have seen in this beautiful woman, so picturesque in her attire and mien, and with the infant at her bosom, an object to remind him of the image of Divine Maternity, which so many illustrious painters have vied with one another to represent; something which should remind him, indeed, but only by contrast, of that sacred image of sinless motherhood, whose infant was to redeem the world." ((Chapter 2/PAGE 53))
Not unlike the previous journal, this excerpt takes another look at the character of Hester and remarking that is of Divine nature, when viewed upon by non-Puritans. Again, the weight of the religion is so vast that it plagues the minds of the Puritans viewing Hester on the scaffold. Had anyone taken an unbiased look at the scene, they would notice that the pretty lady holding a child in her arms was happily reminiscent to a depiction of Mary and Jesus. However, she has borne the child in contrast to Jesus, who has had his/her world set up with prejudice due to his mother's actions. The debt of these actions are to take their toll in the future no doubt, yet this, again, is taking religion into account. The charm and grace of Hester standing there holding a child is naturally inspiring, but the religious undertones seem to cloud what could be an elegant scene of 'divine maternity'.
Not unlike the previous journal, this excerpt takes another look at the character of Hester and remarking that is of Divine nature, when viewed upon by non-Puritans. Again, the weight of the religion is so vast that it plagues the minds of the Puritans viewing Hester on the scaffold. Had anyone taken an unbiased look at the scene, they would notice that the pretty lady holding a child in her arms was happily reminiscent to a depiction of Mary and Jesus. However, she has borne the child in contrast to Jesus, who has had his/her world set up with prejudice due to his mother's actions. The debt of these actions are to take their toll in the future no doubt, yet this, again, is taking religion into account. The charm and grace of Hester standing there holding a child is naturally inspiring, but the religious undertones seem to cloud what could be an elegant scene of 'divine maternity'.
-~- DIALECTICAL JOURNAL #6 -~-
"The young woman was tall, with a figure of perfect elegance, on a large scale. She had dark and abundant hair, so glossy that it threw off the sunshine with a gleam, and a face which, besides being beautiful from regularity of feature and richness of complexion, had the impressiveness belonging to a marked brow and deep black eyes. She was lady-like too, after the manner of the feminine gentility of those days; characterized by a certain state and dignity, rather than by the delicate, evanescent, and indescribable grace, which is now recognized as its indication. And never had Hester Prynne appeared more lady-like, in the antique interpretation of the term, than as she issued from the prison. Those who had before known her, and had expected to behold he dimmed and obscured by a disastrous cloud, were astonished, and even startled, to perceive how her beauty shone out, and made a halo of the misfortune and ignominy in which she was enveloped. It may be true, that, to a sensitive observer, there was something exquisitely painful in it. Her attire, which indeed, she had wrought for the occasion, in prison, and had modelled much after her own fancy, seemed to express the attitude of her spirit, the desperate recklessness of her mood, by its wild and picturesque peculiarity. But the point which drew all eyes, and as it were, transfigured the wearer,--so the both men and women, who had been familiarly acquainted with Hester Prynne, were now impressed as if they beheld her for the fires times,--was that Scarlet Letter..." (Chapter 2/PAGE 50))
This lengthy excerpt describes (in great detail) the beauty of Hester Prynne. One wouldn't think that someone who appeared to be such a remarkable person, would have as bad of a reputation as she possessed. People wanted a hot iron driven into her face, others thought she should just be outright killed, and when given the chance to view her, all the people care to lay their eyes upon, is the letter. The shame, the wrong-doing, the sin has begun to follow her, it is a part of her and she can't get rid of it. This is only because of the society dwells on strong religious principles that appear to deem sinners unfit to walk among the Puritans. The idea of nature being forgiving and just is seen through Hester, as she is still a being of nature, and seems to be indifferent to her current situation. There is no denying that what she did was wrong, however the townspeople are fixated on what she has done and not the person she truly is and their memories of her before she sinned. Puritan religion has made itself a utopia that if viewed upon for its grace is quintessentially a heaven on Earth, so to speak, although the religion weighs too heavily in the society for it to be this way. Therefore, Hester can be viewed as nothing more than villainous scum with no purpose for life. I believe that religion is going to be a prime antagonist in this novel because of the actions emanating from Puritan followers causing a disruption in utopian society as well as nature.
This lengthy excerpt describes (in great detail) the beauty of Hester Prynne. One wouldn't think that someone who appeared to be such a remarkable person, would have as bad of a reputation as she possessed. People wanted a hot iron driven into her face, others thought she should just be outright killed, and when given the chance to view her, all the people care to lay their eyes upon, is the letter. The shame, the wrong-doing, the sin has begun to follow her, it is a part of her and she can't get rid of it. This is only because of the society dwells on strong religious principles that appear to deem sinners unfit to walk among the Puritans. The idea of nature being forgiving and just is seen through Hester, as she is still a being of nature, and seems to be indifferent to her current situation. There is no denying that what she did was wrong, however the townspeople are fixated on what she has done and not the person she truly is and their memories of her before she sinned. Puritan religion has made itself a utopia that if viewed upon for its grace is quintessentially a heaven on Earth, so to speak, although the religion weighs too heavily in the society for it to be this way. Therefore, Hester can be viewed as nothing more than villainous scum with no purpose for life. I believe that religion is going to be a prime antagonist in this novel because of the actions emanating from Puritan followers causing a disruption in utopian society as well as nature.
Monday, October 10, 2011
-~- DIALECTICAL JOURNAL #5 -~-
"What do we talk of marks and brands, whether on the bodice of her gown, or the flesh of her forehead? This woman has brought shame upon us all, and ought to die. Is there not law for it? Truly there is, both in the Scripture and the statute-book. Then let the magistrates, who have made it of no effect, thank themselves if their own wives and daughters go astray!" ((Chapter 2/PAGE 49))
The group of women are truly disgusted with the awful sin committed by Hester Prynne. Some of the women who speak before this one (this line taken from the last woman to talk before Hester emerges out of the building.) suggest that she should brand Hester in the forehead with a hot iron. Such a mark would surely be a cruel and just punishment to what she has done, no matter what it is, she sinned. But this is no matter to this last lady, who firmly states that nothing can be done so that she can live the rest of her life in shame and misery and therefore can only be put to death. Such harsh words seem to show that the Puritan way of life can be more aggressive than most would assume. The struggle between man's intolerance of sin/misbehaviour and the true forgiveness of nature I feel are going to a huge theme.
The culture being so zealous and religiously-driven is also reinforced in this excerpt where the fact that Hester's death must be enforced due to her breaking of civil statute as well as going against the Scripture. (Since they are practically the same thing, what she says is almost redundant.)
The group of women are truly disgusted with the awful sin committed by Hester Prynne. Some of the women who speak before this one (this line taken from the last woman to talk before Hester emerges out of the building.) suggest that she should brand Hester in the forehead with a hot iron. Such a mark would surely be a cruel and just punishment to what she has done, no matter what it is, she sinned. But this is no matter to this last lady, who firmly states that nothing can be done so that she can live the rest of her life in shame and misery and therefore can only be put to death. Such harsh words seem to show that the Puritan way of life can be more aggressive than most would assume. The struggle between man's intolerance of sin/misbehaviour and the true forgiveness of nature I feel are going to a huge theme.
The culture being so zealous and religiously-driven is also reinforced in this excerpt where the fact that Hester's death must be enforced due to her breaking of civil statute as well as going against the Scripture. (Since they are practically the same thing, what she says is almost redundant.)
-~- DIALECTICAL JOURNAL #4 -~-
"In either case, there was very much the same solemnity of demeanour on the part of the spectators; as befitted a people amongst whom religion and law were almost identical, and in whose character both were so thoroughly interfused, that the mildest and the severest acts of public discipline were alike made venerable and awful." ((Chapter 2/PAGE 47))
The way of life for the Puritans that make up the colony has no law but the religious teachings that have been engrained into every colonist. This behaviour is expected, living by God and the Puritan ethics is the norm; the law. The society will be heavily contrasted by Hester Prynn who commits a treacherous sin, which goes against the religion, meaning that her actions go against the society. The citizens will mock her because she is essentially an outcast to the society (A sinner.). However, she isn't alone because no matter how perfect the Puritans think their world is, the prison previously stated in the first chapter signifies that human nature will always be present no matter the society or culture.
Physiognomies - (n.) A person's facial features or expression, especially when regarded as indicative of ethnicity.
The way of life for the Puritans that make up the colony has no law but the religious teachings that have been engrained into every colonist. This behaviour is expected, living by God and the Puritan ethics is the norm; the law. The society will be heavily contrasted by Hester Prynn who commits a treacherous sin, which goes against the religion, meaning that her actions go against the society. The citizens will mock her because she is essentially an outcast to the society (A sinner.). However, she isn't alone because no matter how perfect the Puritans think their world is, the prison previously stated in the first chapter signifies that human nature will always be present no matter the society or culture.
Physiognomies - (n.) A person's facial features or expression, especially when regarded as indicative of ethnicity.
Sunday, October 9, 2011
-~- DIALECTICAL JOURNAL #3 -~-
"But, on one side of the portal, and rooted almost at the threshold, was a wild rose-bush, covered, in this month of June, with its delicate gems, which might be imagined to offer their fragrance and fragile beauty to the prisoner as he went in, and to the condemned criminal as he came forth to his doom, in token that the deep heart of Nature could pity and be kind to him." ((Chapter 1/PAGE 45-46))
The only thing that hasn't completely depressed me in this chapter thus far: the rose-bush. It seems to be the only thing contradicting the whole scene at the dark building with the group of gray hooded people. It is nature, and although the dark building that has been beat up and run down due to the effects of age and weather, it remains the only pleasurable sight on the scene. Perhaps it is signifying that although man can commit sin against his fellow man, nature is always there to comfort those who see the beauty in it. The prisoner, the criminal, they look at the rose-bush and its growth on such a miserable place in the Earth, yet it serves as a symbol of kindness and hope to the sinners.
The only thing that hasn't completely depressed me in this chapter thus far: the rose-bush. It seems to be the only thing contradicting the whole scene at the dark building with the group of gray hooded people. It is nature, and although the dark building that has been beat up and run down due to the effects of age and weather, it remains the only pleasurable sight on the scene. Perhaps it is signifying that although man can commit sin against his fellow man, nature is always there to comfort those who see the beauty in it. The prisoner, the criminal, they look at the rose-bush and its growth on such a miserable place in the Earth, yet it serves as a symbol of kindness and hope to the sinners.
-~- DIALECTICAL JOURNAL #2 -~-
"The founders of a new colony, whatever utopia of human virtue and happiness they might originally project, have invariably recognized it among their earliest practical necessities to allot a portion of the virgin soil as a cemetery, and another portion as the site of a prison." ((Chapter 1/PAGE 45))
The colonists that first came to America were happy that they found such prosperous new land. This 'virgin soil' had no set guidelines on what to do with it, it was up for grabs, fair game, the place was, in fact, a utopia in the eyes of the colonizing people. However, this excerpt states that no matter how peaceful or remarkable the newcomers found this land to be, the true nature of life had to be recognized. Death, violence, and sin were ever-present, and each of these had been catered to by laying land aside for a cemetery for the dead and a prison for those who had sinned.
The colonists that first came to America were happy that they found such prosperous new land. This 'virgin soil' had no set guidelines on what to do with it, it was up for grabs, fair game, the place was, in fact, a utopia in the eyes of the colonizing people. However, this excerpt states that no matter how peaceful or remarkable the newcomers found this land to be, the true nature of life had to be recognized. Death, violence, and sin were ever-present, and each of these had been catered to by laying land aside for a cemetery for the dead and a prison for those who had sinned.
-~- DIALECTICAL JOURNAL #1 -~-
"A throng of bearded men, in sad-coloured garments and gray, steeple-crowned hats, intermixed with women, some wearing hoods, and others bareheaded, was assembled in front of a wooden edifice, the door of which was heavily timbered with oak, and studded with iron spikes." ((Chapter 1/PAGE 45))
The first paragraph of the book starts off with setting the story up to be drab, eerie, and dark. The heavy, imposing door lined with spikes seem to be the centerpiece for this big congregation of people. Perhaps what is inside is something sinister, perhaps they are sentencing someone to death or torturing children. (I hope not :( ) Either way, the whole scene has such a foreboding atmosphere coupled with a monotonous, gray tone that makes me think this story will be quite depressing.
The first paragraph of the book starts off with setting the story up to be drab, eerie, and dark. The heavy, imposing door lined with spikes seem to be the centerpiece for this big congregation of people. Perhaps what is inside is something sinister, perhaps they are sentencing someone to death or torturing children. (I hope not :( ) Either way, the whole scene has such a foreboding atmosphere coupled with a monotonous, gray tone that makes me think this story will be quite depressing.
Monday, October 3, 2011
Add semicolons, colons, dashes, quotation marks in the following sentences:
1. There was only one thing to do: study till dawn.
2. Montaigne wrote the following: "A wise man never loses anything if he has himself."
3. The following are the primary colors: red, blue, and yellow.
4. Arriving on the 8:10 plane were Liz Brooks, my old roommate, her husband and Tim; their son.
5. When the teacher commented that her spelling was poor, Lynn replied, "All the members of my family are poor spellers. Why not me?"
1. There was only one thing to do: study till dawn.
2. Montaigne wrote the following: "A wise man never loses anything if he has himself."
3. The following are the primary colors: red, blue, and yellow.
4. Arriving on the 8:10 plane were Liz Brooks, my old roommate, her husband and Tim; their son.
5. When the teacher commented that her spelling was poor, Lynn replied, "All the members of my family are poor spellers. Why not me?"
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)