For this post, I'd like you to select a passage from chapters 1-6 that you find particularly interesting and/or important. Think especially about passages that connect with character development or symbolism.
Begin the post with the passage and citation
Then analyze the heck out of it!
What Romantic qualities does it have? Symbolic? Stylistic? What does it reveal? What does it connect with? (Just some ideas to get you thinking...)
Do NOT analyze a passage that has already been done! Feel free, though, to respond to any of your peers' ideas.
Remember to sign your name.
"But Pearl, who was a dauntless child, after frowning, stamping her foot, and shaking her little hand with a variety of threatening gestures, suddenly made a rush at the knot of her enemies, and put them all to flight. She resembled, in her fierce pursuit of them, and infant pestilence,--the scarlet fever, or some such half-fledged angel of judgment,-- whole mission was to punish the sins of the rising generation. She screamed and shouted, too, with a terrific volume of sound, which, doubtless, caused the hears of the fugitives to quake within them. The victory accomplished, Pearl returned quietly to her mother, and looked up,smiling, into her face." (93)
ReplyDeleteWhat I extrapolated from this piece of the chapter is that Pearl seems to be a huge symbol in the story. Even at a young age, Pearl is still able to listen and understand what the adults are talking about in the story. She is able to recognize that Hester is being mocked and ridiculed and steps right in to stop everyone. That being said, Pearl also constantly draws attention to the scarlet letter and makes it evident to the reader. Pearl can also be seen as one of the most insightful characters in The Scarlet Letter because of her ability to manipulate adults and stop their actions. In this case, it would be the mocking of Hester. Not only does Pearl attract attention to the emblem, but she also manipulates the adults in different ways.
-Tadas Buivydas
What, exactly, do you think Pearl symbolizes? What is it about her situation & the way she's raised that makes her act in this way? Or is it something else, more inate?
Delete"Hither, likewise, would come the elders and deacons of Mr. Dimmesdale’s church, and the young virgins who so idolized their minister, and had made a shrine for him in their white bosoms; which, now, by the by, in their hurry and confusion, they would scantly have given themselves time to cover with their kerchiefs. All people, in a word, would come stumbling over their thresholds, and turning up their amazed and horror-stricken visages around the scaffold. Whom would they discern there, with the red eastern light upon his brow? Whom, but the Reverend Arthur Dimmesdale, half-frozen to death, overwhelmed with shame, and standing where Hester Prynne had stood!" (138).
ReplyDeleteThis passage marks the start of Reverend Arthur's psychological breakdown. I think he subconsciously came to the scaffold to seek forgiveness and that if he stands in the same place as Hester Prynne, his repentance will be lessened. Obviously that is not the case. The irony is that someone of such a high and noble stature is preaching to citizens about the wrongs of sinning yet he is doing the same thing which again emphasizes the original sin. He actually becomes hysterical just thinking about the congregation watching him in his time of shame. Dimmesdale’s scarlet letter is invisible, but is slowly starting to come out of his chest. His secrets have made internal impurities. This act of humiliation kind of parallels Hester’s, but the reverend couldn’t subject himself to something so degrading, so he puts on wears a façade and maintains his righteous figure, which is so twisted because he publicly humiliated Hester for committing a sin.
Alyssa Canderozzi
Great insights! Well-said, too. :)
Delete"His inward trouble drove him to practices more in accordance with the old, corrupted faith of Rome, than with the better light of the church in which he had been born and bred. In Mr. Dimmesdale’s secret closet, under lock and key, there was a bloody scourge. Oftentimes, this Protestant and Puritan divine had plied it on his own shoulders; laughing bitterly at himself the while, and smiting so much the more pitilessly because of that biter laugh. It was his own custom, too, as it has been that of many other pious Puritans, to fast, - not, however, like them, in order to purify the body and render it the fitter medium of celestial illumnation, but rigorously, and until his knees trembled beneath him, as an act of penance. He kept vigils, likewise, night after night, sometimes in utter darkness; sometimes with a glimmering lamp; and sometimes, viewing his own face in a looking-glass, by the most powerful light which he could throw upon it." (131-132)
ReplyDeleteAt the end of chapter 11, is an example of the romantic movement in American literature. It is a glimpse into Dimmesdale mind at the ways he deals with is own guilt. He is a prisoner of his guilt and this is symbolized by his closet. He can tell anyone about his guilt. His guilt tortures him and this is represented by the bloody whip and which he uses when no one is around. The physical closet represents his mental state.
Hawthorne makes some specific references to the Puritan faith and how it had completely distanced itself from the old faiths of the catholic church. The bloody whip is a symbol of the old corrupted faith of Rome. Dimmesdale also fasts from food but he does it a uninlighted "catholic" way. In contrast the Puritans believed they fasted to purify themselves so they could receive "celestrial illumination." Hawthorne was also aware of the Puritan background of his family. He understood how the Puritans thought of themselves as superior to the old church traditions. Dimmesdale torture is psychological and personal. The mirror that he stares at late at night symbolizes the ways he examines is own mind.
Hawthorne loved symbols and allegories. In this passage, these are the whip, the closet and the mirror. They are all part of his secret life and as well as his inner torture. Dimmesdale's guilt has allienated him from society and he is more at home alone in isolation in his closet.
~Lindsay B.
Great discussion of symbols!
Delete"'Canst thou tell me, my child, who made thee?' Now Pearl knew well enough who made her; for Hester Prynne, the daughter of a pious home… After putting her finger in her mouth, with many ungracious refusals to answer good Mr. Wilson's questions, the child finally announced that she had not been made at all, but had been plucked by her mother off the bush of wild roses that grew by the prison-door. This fantasy was probably suggested by the near proximity of the Governor's red roses, as Pearl stood outside of the window; together with her recollection of the prison rose-bush, which she had passed in coming hither" (101-102).
ReplyDeleteI thought this passage was very interesting because the rose bush is a foreshadow from the description of the rose in front of the prison in chapter one. I also have observed from this passage that at such a young age Pearl is clever enough to keep the mystery of who her father is a secret, and also that she responds with such a simple rebellious sentence that has so much meaning. I believe that Pearl and the rose bush connect in a way that they represent the same meaning. In chapter one Hawthorn states that the rose bush "symbolize some sweet moral blossom" and as it sits in front of the prison it symbolizes contrast to the dark and dull world behind it. Pearl also symbolizes morality because she is a reminder of what is right and wrong in a Puritan society. Pearl, like a red rose, offers a minute but bold contrast to the strict, dark and dull world of the Puritans. The rose bush also stands out in front of the prison. As a bold red color a rose represents color or brightness almost like hope for the prisoners who are about to step into the jail and get all of their rights stripped from them. Pearl connects to this in this way because she wears such vibrant clothing that stand out. Pearls mother later states, "she is my happiness!- she is my torture, none the less! Pearl keeps me here in life!" Pearl represents hope for Hester, she is the only reason why Hester is still alive. But, like a rose bush, Pearl has "thorns" or bad qualities. the beautiful red rose represents lust, her ornate clothing, and pretty face, and the thorns on the wild rose bush represent her fiery personality, or the reminder of Hester's sin almost like a consequence to her actions. Like a rose bush sprouting from dark and dreary prisons grounds; Pearl has sprouted from a dark and sinful action, and like nature she endures a lasting impact on a society.
Excellent, interesting connections between the rosebus & Pearl!
Delete"But with what a wild look of wonder, joy, and horror! what what a ghastly rapture, as it were, too might to be expressed only by the eye and features, and therefore bursting forth through the whole ugliness of his figure, and making itself even riotously manifest by the extravagant gestures with which he threw up his arms towards the ceiling, and stamped his foot upon the floor! Had a man seen old Roger Chillingworth, at that moment of his ecstasy, he would have had no need to ask how Satan comports himself when a precious human soul is lost to heaven, and won into his kingdom. But what distinguished the physician's ecstasy from Satan's was the trait of wonder in it!"(126)
ReplyDeleteThis passage really shows character development and puritan beliefs. I picked this passage because it really struck me in the character development of Roger Chillingworth. During the beginning of "The Scarlet Letter" the reader gets a little taste of the demonizing qualities within Chillingworth with his conversation with Hester in the prison, but then these qualities "take a back seat" with his relationship with Reverent Dimmesdale. Although with Revernt Dimmesdale, Chillingworth is seen with a edge and an agenda, to the naked eye he's seen as a loyal friend until the except above. Here it shows in full how satanical Chillingworth actually is and it furthers the readers interest in the story.
Hawthorne also plays on Puritan beliefs above. He really uses the powers of Satan and the ideals of evil. Chillingworth is compared to Satan numerous times by the way he acts. The stamping of his feet and raising his arms is symbolic because it is said that's how Satan would act. This is important because it foreshadows what could potentially happen in the end of the story, but also because it emphasizes puritanical beliefs.
-holly
This is a great passage- Chill has become demonically consumed by revenge!
Delete"Hester looked, by way of humoring the child; and she saw that, owing to the peculiar effect of this convex mirror, the scarlet letter was represented in exaggerated and gigantic proportions, so as to be greatly the most prominent feature of her appearance. In truth, she seemed absolutely hidden behind it. Pearl pointed upward, also, at a similar picture in the head-piece; smiling at her mother, with the elfish intelligence that was so familiar an expression on her small physiognomy. That look of naughty merriment was likewise reflected in the mirror, with so much breadth and intensity of effect, that it made Hester Prynne feel as if it could not be the image of her own child, but of an imp who was seeking to mould itself into Pearl’s shape." (97)
ReplyDeleteIn itself, this passage is completely smothered in symbolism as well as some possible foreshadowing. The main focus of this passage is amplifying the scarlet letter itself. The first projection has the letter exaggerated like described, and then goes on to say that Hester was almost completely hidden behind it. In other words, the letter is the only thing that people tend to see and pay attention to on Hester, as shown by the townfolk recognizing and branding her for her deeds, but also when she entered Governor Bellingham's hall. The servant at door who was new to the country saw the scarlet letter as she was approaching with wide open eyes, almost as if though he immediately thought of her as royalty.
The second projection by the mirror was of Pearl smiling ever-so mischievously. Despite being a familiar aspect of her daughter that she usually sees, Hester gets an uneasy feeling from her daughter's reflection. Again, it was amplified like the scarlet letter, however in the form of Pearl. Hester did not even begin to feel that she was looking at the face of her daughter, but instead of an imp taking the form of her daughter. Essentially, this "imp-Pearl" could either be a symbol of the Puritanical beliefs that Hester may still hold to value, and begin to see her own daughter as the product of her sins. On the other hand though, this could also be interpreted as blatant foreshadowing of Pearl's behavior, as proven when she ran after to the Puritan children in response to them flinging mud at her and her mother.
I love the phrase "smothered in symbolism"! Excelent readling of a multi-layered passage.
Delete"But Pearl, who was a dauntless child, after frowning, stamping her foot, and shaking her little hand with a variety of threatening gestures, suddenly made a rush at the knot of her enemies, and put them all to flight. She resembled, in her fierce pursuit of them, an infant pestilence--the scarlet fever, whose mission was to punish the sins of a rising generation."
ReplyDeleteThis passage illuminates for me a symbol that I never thought about before, which is the color scarlet. The color scarlet specifically has been brought up in detail numerous times throughout this book. It is seen in Hester's letter, Pearl's elaborate clothes, and now Pearl herself. The color red is often seen as one of strong emotion or passion (anger, love, etc.). By attaching this color to Hester's letter, Hawthorne is attaching the "passion" of the color scarlet to her crime. He further relates this color to Hester's crime by connecting it with Pearl, describing her as a "scarlet fever". The townspeople often attribute Pearl's isolation and appearance to her being a byproduct of her mother's sin, and their children do not accept Pearl socially because they recognize her to be the child of the "woman of the scarlet letter" their parents warn them against. By describing Pearl as a "fever", Hawthorne is illustrating how she is avoided and feared by society, and by presenting her as "scarlet" he is connecting her with her mother's original crime of passion.
It's also kind of ironic how Pearl is "punishing the sins of a rising generation" when she herself was, in their eyes, born in sin.
NOOOOO I didn't see Tadas had done the same passage until after I wrote it! I do agree with what Tadas said though. For such a young child, Pearl has unbelievably developed emotions and she perceives the world around her very maturely.
DeleteInteresting discussion of the symbolism of scarlet itself. It's okay that you did the same passage- you brought new insights!
DeletePg. 97 "'Mother,' cried she, 'I see you here. Look! Look!'
ReplyDeleteHester looked by way of humouring the child; and she saw that, owing to the peculiar effect of this convex mirror, the scarlet letter was represented in exaggerated and gigantic proportions, so as to be greatly the most prominent feature of her appearance. In truth, she seemed absolutely hidden behind it. Pearl pointed upwards also, at a similar picture in the head-piece; smiling at her mother, with the elfish intelligence that was so familiar an expression on her small physiognomy. That look of naughty merriment was likewise reflected in the mirror, with so much breadth and intensity of effect, that it made Hester Prynne feel as if it could not be the image of her own child, but of an imp who was seeking to mould itself into Pearl's shape."
In this passage, Hawthorne continues to establish the significance of the scarlet letter. Chapter seven describes Hester's journey to Governor Bellingham's house and what she experiences inside the large mansion. Hawthorne implies that Hester feels belittled in Bellingham's house, due to the fact that she is in the Puritan house of a man that essentially will decide her fate. When she peers into the breastplate of the armor, Hester sees that her features are distorted, including the scarlet letter, which is "exaggerated" and "gigantic." The symbolism behind the exaggerated A is Hawthorne's depiction of the overpowering Puritan attitude. Not only does Governor Bellingham live in a very Puritanistic designed home, but he also is a Puritan himself. In a house of Puritan rules and where a man live who has the power to decide Hester's fate, she is in effect completely hidden by the scarlet letter in the armors reflection.
In addition to developing the importance of the scarlet letter in this passage, Hawthorne develops Pearl's strange nature and personality. Similar to the scarlet letter being exaggerated, Pearl's naughty, devilish qualities are amplified, as well. "That look of naughty merriment was likewise reflected in the mirror, with so much breadth and intensity of effect..." Pearl's exaggerated "look of naughty merriment" reflects Hester's crime and her scarlet letter. Throughout the book, there has been a fear of whether or not Pearl will become a ill-mannered, devilish person, due to Hester's crime of adultery. The amplification of Pearl's nature seems to confront the repressive atmosphere of the house.
Good discussion, but a lot is similar to the points made by the previous poster on the same passage!
Delete"But, as he came down the pulpit-steps, the gray-bearded sexton met him, holding up a black glove, which the minister recognized as his own. “It was found,” said the sexton, “this morning, on the scaffold, where evil-doers are set up to public shame. Satan dropped it there, I take it, intending a scurrilous jest against your reverence. But, indeed, he was blind and foolish, as he ever and always is. A pure hand needs no glove to cover it!”“Thank you, my good friend,” said the minister gravely, but startled at heart; for, so confused was his remembrance, that he had almost brought himself to look at the events of the past night as visionary. “Yes, it seems to be my glove, indeed!” “And, since Satan saw fit to steal it, your reverence must needs handle him without gloves, henceforward,” remarked the old sexton, grimly smiling. “But did your reverence hear of the portent that was seen last night? a great red letter in the sky,—the letter A,—which we interpret to stand for Angel. For, as our good Governor Winthrop was made an angel this past night, it was doubtless held fit that there should be some notice thereof!”“No,” answered the minister; “I had not heard of it.”
ReplyDeleteSORRY really long one.
When I first read this passage, I kind of read through quickly and didnt really understand the significance of it but after thinking about the chaoters, I founbd that this was a much more symbolic piece of the writing that I had firt expected. First, the black glove is an obvious representation of his sins. But the description of it (black, old) made it seem as if this was a sin that was so black from the lack of light that the minister had shed on it. It was something that he had pushed so deep in his soul that the awful sin was just a dark representation of his true emotions. Also, the whole idea that it is a glove. A glove is something that is meant to cover your hands and either keep them warm, kepp them clean, or keep them out of harms way. Like gloves, the minister did exactly that with his sins and never allowed for them to be revealed to the public. One final connection I made was not based on the description of the glove but of how it was found. Not only was it discovered on the same platform that Hester was ridicule on, but it was found after the three had met and confirmed the deeds that had been done. It was a very prominent action that made the whole story, up til now, come full circle for me.
Interesting symbolic reading of the black glove!
Delete"We have spoken of Pearl’s rich and luxuriant beauty; a beauty that shone with deep and vivid tints; a bright complexion, eyes possessing intensity both of depth and glow, and hair already of a deep, glossy brown, and which, in after years, would be nearly akin to black. There was fire in her and throughout her; she seemed the unpremeditated offshoot of a passionate moment. Her mother, in contriving the child’s garb, had allowed the gorgeous tendencies of her imagination their full play; arraying her in a crimson velvet tunic, of a peculiar cut, abundantly embroidered with fantasies and flourishes of gold thread. So much strength of coloring, which must have given a wan and pallid aspect to cheeks of a fainter bloom, was admirably adapted to Pearl’s beauty, and made her the very brightest little jet of flame that ever danced upon the earth" (92).
ReplyDeleteAfter reading this passage, I found myself even more intrigued by Pearl. I found it symbolic how Hester decided to dress Pearl in a red tunic, since red is such a bold color. It suits Pearl well because she is known for her fiery passion (Romantic element and as Lia said a symbol of passion!!) The passage also made me wonder if Pearl is going to grow up to be just like Hester. Hester dresses Pearl in very un-puritan clothes; they are intricate and bold rather than simplistic. Is the embroidering on Pearl's dress a reflection of Hester herself? Also, Pearl was dressed in red, which is the color of the scarlet letter. This made me question if Pearl will act out in the future similar to the actions of her mother. In general, I find Pearl to be a symbol and result of sin, and she makes everyone aware of society's rules when she first fixates on Hester's scarlet letter. It can also be noted that she shares Hester's beauty, suggesting that like Hester, she was born to stand out.
Nice points about the questions Hawthorne provokes with his characterization of Pearl.
DeleteUnder the appelation of Robert Chillingworth, the reader eill remember, was hidden another name, which its former wearer now resolver should never more be spoken. It had been related how, in the crowd that witnessed Hester Prynnes ignominious exposure, stood a man, elderly, travel-worn, who, just emerging from the perilous wilderness, beheld the woman, in whom he hoped to find embodied the warmth and cheerfulness of home, set up as a type of sin before the people.(107)
ReplyDeleteThis passage does a great job of showing the theme of secrets and the danger of them. most charachters in the book seem to "always know the truth" from things like the decision of punishment to the nature of a person. Nobody thinkd twice of this new face and in fact he plays a huge role in the Hester Prynne scandal. This recuring theme brings up the idea of ignorance of the Puritans but more importantly why they acted without knowing the full story. We will need to see if this changes peoples minds at all with what they believe or if Chillingworth will decide to stay in the dark, which will be tough to do
Good point about the danger of secrets being a powerful theme.
Delete"Pearl, seeing the rose-bushes, began to cry for a red rose, and would not be pacified...After putting her finger in her mouth, with many ungracious refusals to answer good Mr. Wilson's question, the child finally announced that she had not been made at all, but had been plucked by her mother off the bush of wild roses, that grew by the prison-door."
ReplyDeleteThis passage stood out to me because of the repeated comparisons between the red roses and Hester's daughter, Pearl. This connection gave us further insight into Pearl's character and reinforces the traits that the reader has already been introduced to. Beauty is something both Pearl and the rose share. Being both a burden and a gift is another element found in both Pearl and the rose. Pearl is a gift to Hester because of the fact she is her child and is loved by Hester, but, Pearl is also a burden because she constantly reminds Hester of the sin she commits. The rose's beauty and scent is a gift to the world, but its thorns are a burden to anyone who tries to touch it. When Governor Bellingham refers to Pearl as being of a red scarlet hue, another comparison to the rose is drawn. The scarlet color, a symbol for passion, is shown in both the rose and Peal, which further connects the two. I thought that the way Hawthorne compared a strong symbol to a major character was a very interesting path to choose. I have never read such a strong and significant comparison before.
Be sure to include pg # and not to repeat the same quote as someone else! Great reading of the symbolic parallels.
Delete"But it was a remarkable attribute of this garb, and, indeed, of the child's whole appearance, that it irresistibly and inevitably reminded the heholder of the token which Hestery Prynne was doomed to wear upon her bosom. It was the scarlet letter in another form; the scarlet letter endowed with life! The mother herself-as if the red ignominy were so deeply scorched into her brain that all her conceptions assumed its form-had carefully wrought out the similitude; lavishing many hours of morbit ingenuity, to create an analogy between the object of her affection and the emblem of her guilt and torture. But, in truth, Pear was the one, as well as the other; and only in consequence of that identity had Hester contrived to perfectly to represent the scarlet letter in her appearance." p 93
ReplyDeleteThis passage has been my favorite in the book so far. It really illustrates Hawthorne's style: He hits you over the head with symbolism. Pearl is such a beautiful child, especially with the clothing that Hester makes for her, and seems to be so asthetically appealing to everyone... though she symbolizes the sinful act of adultery. This makes me question the theme of this book. Maybe Hawthorne is trying to reveal that good things can come from making what seems to be a mistake. This theme could reflect his own life because he was from a family who made mistakes, but once he was born and changed his name he became a successful writer (He is the "Pearl" of his own family!)Also, the demensions of Pearl's character are so accurate to the description of her in this passage. She is so conflicting; she goes on being a playful child with a wild imagination, but then she has tremendous fits, then shows her mother simple, childish forms of love and adoration. This passage explains that her presence is just as conflicting as her personality: she is both a blessing and curse to her mother's life. I wonder if we ever discover if she is moreso a blessing or curse later in the book.
I like the idea of Hawthorne as the "pearl" in his family!
Delete“On the supposition that Pearl, as already hinted, was of demon origin, these good people not unreasonably argued that a Christian interest in the mother’s soul required them to remove such a stumbling-block from her path. If the child, on the other hand, were really capable of moral and religious growth, and possessed the elements of ultimate salvation, then, surely, it would enjoy all the fairer prospect of these advantages by being transferred to wiser and better guardianship that Hester Prynne’s.” (Page 91)
ReplyDeleteThis passage jumped out to me most as I read. It talks about Pearl and Hester’s relationship. They are questioning whether they should be kept with her together or if they are both better apart. The use of language that the author uses creates a good image of how people see the two when they are together. The author uses the word demon to describe Pearls actions. Demon is a strong dark word, saying this shows what people currently thought of her. This gave them a reason to believe that she might be less like that if she is not with her mother. However they also call her a stumbling-block. This portrays her as an issue in her mother’s life, giving a sort of ‘holding her back’ feel to it. These two words really give a vivid image of how odd and different Pearl is and that she might be a hassle that needs to be taken care of. Then they talk about how the problem with Pearl might actually be Hester’s wrong doings. They say that Pearl might have potential to change and have elements of “ultimate salvation.” Those words jumped out and show that they really think that she has a problem but could possibly be changed in the right direction. They could make her be like everyone else. This passage really stuck out to me and created a vivid image of what people think of the two being together and how they affect each other’s appearance.
Nice job discussing specific pieces of the passage.
Delete"And thus, while standing on the scaffold, in this vain show of expiation, Mr. Dimmesdale was overcome with a great horror of mind, as if the universe were gazing at a scarlet token on his naked breast, right over his heart. On that spot, in very truth, there was, and there had long been, the gnawing and poisonous tooth of bodily pain. Without any effort of his will, or power to restrain himself, he shrieked aloud; an outcry that went pealing through the night, and was beaten back from one house to another, and reverberated from the hills in the background; as if a company of devils, detecting so much misery and terror in it, had made a plaything of the sound, and were bandying it to and fro."
ReplyDeleteThis passage stood out to me because of the strong emotion and feelings it presented. This passage is when mr.Dimmesdale goes up on the scaffold to hold a Vigil for Hester. This passage presents the collision of all of Mr.Dimmesdale's self guilt and internal torment of himself. He portrays true, raw emotion and almost gets the reader to "feel his pain". This is a great example of some of the most important qualities of the Romantic era. Mr.Dimmesdale goes on the scaffold, even though it is humiliating, because he feels that his own emotions and feelings is far more important than rationality and reason. It shows how morally afflicted Mr.Dimmsdale is and how his moral progression is a direct result of him exploding with emotions from his feelings of self-guilt. It also uses alot of harsh language that represent trepidation and terror to instill emotions within the reader. It presents the human condition in a raw, unadulterated manner through Dimmsdales tormenting feelings of self-guilt, even in the Puritan Era.
Be sure to include the page #! Sweet Romantic analysis.
DeleteIn pregnancy, they're usually due to an underlying medical condition such as a body scrub. More clinical and laboratory studies are required to take a more aggressive form of skin cancer, including those with darker hair or skin tones. If you use the ones with green or yellow base as it will stick to your skin right after.
ReplyDeletemy web-site; the acne killer