"'Nevertheless, I will enter,' replied Hester Prynne, and the bond-servant, perhaps, judging from the decision of her air, and the glittering symbol on her bosom, that she was a great lady in the land, offered no opposition"(Hawthorne 95).
This answers my original question of what would happen should a person not educated in the social customs see the Scarlet Letter. Due to Hester's great care in crafting it, the Scarlet Letter was able to give someone the impression that Hester was important. I also find it interesting that a bond-servant would not know of the Scarlet Letter. I would think a master would educate his servant in social customs, as making the servants appear pleasing to the public would help to raise the opinion of the master. It is particularly odd that a servant of someone of high social standing would be ignorant of his society's marks. By the bond-servant's response, wer learn much of how Hester was viewed before she was branded with the Scarlet Letter. That knowledge makes her situation appear that much more unfortunate.
"'You speak, my friend, with a strange earnestness,' said old Roger Chillingworth, smiling at him"(105).
I believe this quote may signify that Chillingworth is beginning to suspect Dimmesdale. It could be that Chillingworth expected Dimmesdale for some time, and is only more confident in his belief after Dimmesdale's defense of Hester. After all, Chillingworth is known for his ability to read people and in this chapter it was revealed that he is close friends with Dimmesdale. With this knowledge, I find it highly unlikely that Dimmesdale will not be caught. Perhaps Chillingworth already knows, and is simply feigning ignorance in the hopes of finding a way to cause Dimmesdale to experience an even deeper feeling of hurt. The only thing that would surprise me is if Chillingworth does not suspect Dimmesdale at all.
Friday, January 29, 2010
Thursday, January 28, 2010
The Scarlet Letter #3
"Her sin, her ignominy, were the roots which she had struck into the soil"(Hawthorne 74).
Even after being released from prison, Hester is far from free. By committing adultery, she has created her own prison that she carries with her, visible only through the Scarlet Letter that has made a permanent home upon her bosom. She will have to live the rest of her life as an outcast. Such a fate seems worse than imprisonment. The prison she has created for herself seems inescapable, but that may not be the case. Perhaps she will overcome the feelings of loneliness as the novel progresses. Since there is no chance of the town changing, the only way she can get through her experience with her sanity intact would be to evolve.
"But she named the infant 'Pearl,' as being of great price-purchased with all she had,-her mother's only treasure!"(81).
Earlier, Pearl was compared to the Scarlet Letter, as both are symbols of Hester's sin. The fact that Hester would name her child Pearl may be for the same reason that she made her Scarlet Letter so beautiful. Both are noted for beauty, and yet will always represent the greatness of her sin. The action of decorating or covering up is even referred to as "pearling". Hester is most likely attempting to make her sin appear beautiful, so that it may be easier to cope with. Hester's original opinion of Pearl is optimistic, but seems to change as the novel progresses. I fear that perhaps the one who becomes most prejudice against Pearl may be Hester, herself.
Even after being released from prison, Hester is far from free. By committing adultery, she has created her own prison that she carries with her, visible only through the Scarlet Letter that has made a permanent home upon her bosom. She will have to live the rest of her life as an outcast. Such a fate seems worse than imprisonment. The prison she has created for herself seems inescapable, but that may not be the case. Perhaps she will overcome the feelings of loneliness as the novel progresses. Since there is no chance of the town changing, the only way she can get through her experience with her sanity intact would be to evolve.
"But she named the infant 'Pearl,' as being of great price-purchased with all she had,-her mother's only treasure!"(81).
Earlier, Pearl was compared to the Scarlet Letter, as both are symbols of Hester's sin. The fact that Hester would name her child Pearl may be for the same reason that she made her Scarlet Letter so beautiful. Both are noted for beauty, and yet will always represent the greatness of her sin. The action of decorating or covering up is even referred to as "pearling". Hester is most likely attempting to make her sin appear beautiful, so that it may be easier to cope with. Hester's original opinion of Pearl is optimistic, but seems to change as the novel progresses. I fear that perhaps the one who becomes most prejudice against Pearl may be Hester, herself.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Scarlet Letter # 2
"'But in their great mercy and tenderness of heart, they have doomed Mistress Prynne to stand only a space of three hours on the platform of the pillory, and then and thereafter, for the remainder of her natural life, to wear a mask of shame upon her bosom'"(Hawthorne 59).
I cannot recall every seeing the terms "mercy" and "doomed" in the same sentence. It is very interesting how this society works. It seems they consider the fact that Hester's adultery may not have been her own decision, but still find her just as guilty of the crime as someone willing to cheat on their spouse. The terms of Hester's sentence are also explained here. It makes sense that all in town would have to know her to be a sinner for this punishment to work, but it makes me wonder what would happen if an outsider who was completely ignorant to the customs of this society were to see Hester. Without knowledge of that meaning behind the Scarlet Letter, they would most likely look at Hester as a regular human being. However, word spreads quickly in this town, so it is unlikely that anyone would remain ignorant of Hester's crime for too long. It is also a shame that Hester's innocent child will probably be looked at with contempt from everyone else.
"'She will not speak!' murmured Mr. Dimmesdale, who, leaning over the balcony, with his hand upon his heart, had awaited the result of his appeal. He now drew back, with a long respiration. 'Wondrous strength and generosity of a woman's heart! She will not speak!' (64).
This strengthens my suspicion of Reverend Dimmesdale being the the father of Hester's child. It is unlikely that a reverend of those times would rejoice over Hester's insubordination unless they could be saved by it. Dimmesdale seems more selfish than I originally thought he would be. He seems content with letting his lover suffer as long as he gets off scot-free. However, I will not jump to any conclusions. Perhaps his excitement was merely caused by Hester's surprising act of keeping quiet, and he will feel worry for her later. Either way, Dimmesdale is a lot different than the reverends of those times. Only time will tell whether he is better or worse.
I cannot recall every seeing the terms "mercy" and "doomed" in the same sentence. It is very interesting how this society works. It seems they consider the fact that Hester's adultery may not have been her own decision, but still find her just as guilty of the crime as someone willing to cheat on their spouse. The terms of Hester's sentence are also explained here. It makes sense that all in town would have to know her to be a sinner for this punishment to work, but it makes me wonder what would happen if an outsider who was completely ignorant to the customs of this society were to see Hester. Without knowledge of that meaning behind the Scarlet Letter, they would most likely look at Hester as a regular human being. However, word spreads quickly in this town, so it is unlikely that anyone would remain ignorant of Hester's crime for too long. It is also a shame that Hester's innocent child will probably be looked at with contempt from everyone else.
"'She will not speak!' murmured Mr. Dimmesdale, who, leaning over the balcony, with his hand upon his heart, had awaited the result of his appeal. He now drew back, with a long respiration. 'Wondrous strength and generosity of a woman's heart! She will not speak!' (64).
This strengthens my suspicion of Reverend Dimmesdale being the the father of Hester's child. It is unlikely that a reverend of those times would rejoice over Hester's insubordination unless they could be saved by it. Dimmesdale seems more selfish than I originally thought he would be. He seems content with letting his lover suffer as long as he gets off scot-free. However, I will not jump to any conclusions. Perhaps his excitement was merely caused by Hester's surprising act of keeping quiet, and he will feel worry for her later. Either way, Dimmesdale is a lot different than the reverends of those times. Only time will tell whether he is better or worse.
Monday, January 25, 2010
The Scarlet Letter # 1
"'People say,' said another, 'that the Reverend Master Dimmesdale, her godly pastor, takes it very grievously to heart that such a scandal should have come upon his congregation'(Hawthorne 48-49).
I may be stretching here, but this passage leads me to believe that Reverend Dimmesdale could be the father of Hester's baby. It just seems odd that an author would have a character bring up the Reverend's name and feelings toward the situation if the Reverend is not to have a large role in the story. Having the Reverend as the adulterer would also be a shocking twist for the story, which causes me to suspect him even more. As for his grief, it is only stated that other people have talked of him mourning that a member of his congregation has turned out to be an adulteress. However, his grief(if he even has any in the first place) could be caused by the damage he has done. If he was the lover of Hester, it would make sense that he would feel sorrow for the life she is about to face. Or perhaps he was not the lover, but played some other role in the events taking place in the novel.
"But the point which drew all eyes, and, as it were, transfigured the wearer,-so that both men and women, who had been familiarly acquainted with Hestor Prynne, were now impressed as if they beheld her for the first time,-was that Scarlet Letter, so fantastically embroidered and illuminated upon her bosom. It had the effect of a spell, taking her out of the odinary relations with humanity, and enclosing her in a sphere by herself"(51).
The method of imprinting an adulteress with a scarlet A proves to serve its purpose. It causes Hester to be ostracized by the public, who, by tradition, feel obligated to ostracize her. It is amazing how wearing such a symbol can change the views of those you considered acquaintances. I wonder if the effect of the Scarlet Letter builds upon itself. If it does not, than this would have no effect on someone who truly does not care about others opinions of them. There must be some stronger extreme. Perhaps Hester herself will grow to be the one who does not value the public's opinion, and thus answer my quetion. The punishment of ostacism varries in strength depending on the one being punished. I wonder if they have other punsishments for such a crime.
I may be stretching here, but this passage leads me to believe that Reverend Dimmesdale could be the father of Hester's baby. It just seems odd that an author would have a character bring up the Reverend's name and feelings toward the situation if the Reverend is not to have a large role in the story. Having the Reverend as the adulterer would also be a shocking twist for the story, which causes me to suspect him even more. As for his grief, it is only stated that other people have talked of him mourning that a member of his congregation has turned out to be an adulteress. However, his grief(if he even has any in the first place) could be caused by the damage he has done. If he was the lover of Hester, it would make sense that he would feel sorrow for the life she is about to face. Or perhaps he was not the lover, but played some other role in the events taking place in the novel.
"But the point which drew all eyes, and, as it were, transfigured the wearer,-so that both men and women, who had been familiarly acquainted with Hestor Prynne, were now impressed as if they beheld her for the first time,-was that Scarlet Letter, so fantastically embroidered and illuminated upon her bosom. It had the effect of a spell, taking her out of the odinary relations with humanity, and enclosing her in a sphere by herself"(51).
The method of imprinting an adulteress with a scarlet A proves to serve its purpose. It causes Hester to be ostracized by the public, who, by tradition, feel obligated to ostracize her. It is amazing how wearing such a symbol can change the views of those you considered acquaintances. I wonder if the effect of the Scarlet Letter builds upon itself. If it does not, than this would have no effect on someone who truly does not care about others opinions of them. There must be some stronger extreme. Perhaps Hester herself will grow to be the one who does not value the public's opinion, and thus answer my quetion. The punishment of ostacism varries in strength depending on the one being punished. I wonder if they have other punsishments for such a crime.
Monday, January 4, 2010
Crucible Essay Topic One
Nathaniel Burns-Sarno
Advanced Placement English/Mr. George
January 5, 2009
The Crucible, Essay Topic One
John Proctor’s Road to Redemption
“I’ve looked on many women with lust. I’ve committed adultery in my heart many times. God knows I will do this and forgives me”(www.brainyquote.com). These words, spoken by Jimmy Carter, the thirty-ninth President of the United States, still ring true today. From the very beginning, mankind has been prone to sexual desires. Impure thoughts are a part of the human condition. Therefore, it only makes sense that God forgives us when we have such thoughts. However, having impure thoughts and acting on impure thoughts are two completely different things. For those who act on their lust, forgiveness is not so easily obtained. They must work for their redemption and seek forgiveness from those who were affected by their act. Such was the case with John Proctor, a character in The Crucible, by Frank Miller. After sleeping with Abigail, Proctor goes on his own quest for redemption. What makes Proctor’s quest for redemption so unique is that he lives in a society where there is no redemption, and nobody’s slate can be wiped clean. This makes it that much more amazing that Proctor’s quest for redemption included him seeking forgiveness from his wife, the court, and God.
Proctor first seeks forgiveness from his wife, Elizabeth Proctor. This is a logical action, as a person’s spouse tends to be the one most affected by their sexual transgressions. At the time Proctor confessed to Elizabeth, he knew that there was no chance at redemption. Proctor’s confession was made completely out of choice because he believed confessing to his sins to be the right thing to do. However, he comes to regret his confession, as it leads to Elizabeth being constantly suspicious of him: “I should have roared you down when first you told me your suspicion. But I wilted, and, like a Christian, I confessed. Confessed! Some dream I had must have mistaken you for God that day. But you’re not, you’re not, and let you remember it!”(Miller 55). Proctor’s words not only show his frustration toward Elizabeth’s suspicions, but also that he knows in his heart that God is the one that he should be seeking redemption from. However, Proctor was not yet ready to turn to God after his first confession. Instead, Proctor seeks to redeem himself in the eyes of the court.
Proctor’s confession to the court marks a major turning point in his character. At the beginning of the play, Proctor was self-centered and proud. Proctor’s good name was his prized possession. By throwing it away in order to save innocent people, Proctor shows that he has begun to care about others. His confession to the court is much different than his confession to his wife, as he confessed to Elizabeth out of choice and confessed to the court out of necessity. This makes his confession to the court a purely selfless act. Proctor truly believes his quest for the freedom of others to be righteous, as shown by his motto, “Do that which is good and no harm shall come to thee”(95). By keeping such a motto, Proctor shows his faith in his belief that by confessing his sins to the court, he will be ultimately redeemed. However, such a motto would only be true if everyone in society behaved justly, which they do not. Proctor learned this fact when he was wrongly accused of witchcraft and sentenced to death by the very court he sought redemption from.
After confessing to crimes that he did not commit, Proctor realizes that his name will be taken by the court and used as a weapon against innocent people. Proctor, having been so close to the hysteria that witchcraft had created in Salem, is fervently against allowing the madness to continue. After being ordered by the court to sign his name to a testimony, Proctor realizes that by giving the court his name, he will only be adding to the sins that he has already committed. Proctor knows that by saving his own life, he will be damning innocent people. Although Proctor’s name had already been tarnished in the eyes of the court, he is not willing to let it be further dragged through the mud. Even if it saves his life, Proctor will not allow his name to be used to justify the murders of innocent people: “Because I am not worth the dust on the feet of those who hang! How may I live without my name? I have given you my soul, leave me my name!”(143). Proctor is now not only responsible for atoning for his adultery, but also responsible for atoning for his willingness to put his own life before the lives of others.
With nowhere else to turn to for redemption, Proctor seeks to redeem himself in the eyes of God. As state before, Proctor always knew in his heart that God was the one he should have been seeking redemption from, but was not ready to turn to God. However, after appealing to his wife and the court, he had no other options. Proctor shows that he recognizes God to be the highest authority, and that he is not worthy of God’s forgiveness: “I cannot mount the gibbet like a saint. It is a fraud. I am not that man…My honesty is broke, Elizabeth; I am no good man”(136). Although Proctor does not think it to be his place to act as a martyr at first, he realizes that his death could bring about the end of the witch trials. Proctor obtains his redeemed himself through actions rather than words, which makes his redemption that much more substantial.
Proctor is truly a symbol of Christianity, as he sought forgiveness from everyone who was affected by his sins before ultimately turning to God. He became a martyr , sacrificing everything that was important to him in order to defend a righteous principle. In a pious society without repentance or forgiveness, Proctor proved himself to be the only true Christian. He was unable to be redeemed at the beginning of the play because he was searching for redemption in all the wrong places. While it is important to seek forgiveness from those who you have hurt, true redemption can only be given by God. Another factor that made his redemption impossible at the beginning of the play was that he had not forgiven himself. As Elizabeth said, “John, it come to naught that I should forgive you, if you’ll not forgive yourself”(136). Proctor had been carrying the weight of his sins for a long time, and found himself unable to cast them off. He searched for someone to help him carry his sins, but to no avail. It was only after seeking redemption in the eyes of God that he was satisfied. Through death, the burden of his sins was removed.
Works Cited
http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/j/jimmycarte130252.html
Miller, Arthur. The Crucible. United States: Viking Penguin Inc, 1953
Advanced Placement English/Mr. George
January 5, 2009
The Crucible, Essay Topic One
John Proctor’s Road to Redemption
“I’ve looked on many women with lust. I’ve committed adultery in my heart many times. God knows I will do this and forgives me”(www.brainyquote.com). These words, spoken by Jimmy Carter, the thirty-ninth President of the United States, still ring true today. From the very beginning, mankind has been prone to sexual desires. Impure thoughts are a part of the human condition. Therefore, it only makes sense that God forgives us when we have such thoughts. However, having impure thoughts and acting on impure thoughts are two completely different things. For those who act on their lust, forgiveness is not so easily obtained. They must work for their redemption and seek forgiveness from those who were affected by their act. Such was the case with John Proctor, a character in The Crucible, by Frank Miller. After sleeping with Abigail, Proctor goes on his own quest for redemption. What makes Proctor’s quest for redemption so unique is that he lives in a society where there is no redemption, and nobody’s slate can be wiped clean. This makes it that much more amazing that Proctor’s quest for redemption included him seeking forgiveness from his wife, the court, and God.
Proctor first seeks forgiveness from his wife, Elizabeth Proctor. This is a logical action, as a person’s spouse tends to be the one most affected by their sexual transgressions. At the time Proctor confessed to Elizabeth, he knew that there was no chance at redemption. Proctor’s confession was made completely out of choice because he believed confessing to his sins to be the right thing to do. However, he comes to regret his confession, as it leads to Elizabeth being constantly suspicious of him: “I should have roared you down when first you told me your suspicion. But I wilted, and, like a Christian, I confessed. Confessed! Some dream I had must have mistaken you for God that day. But you’re not, you’re not, and let you remember it!”(Miller 55). Proctor’s words not only show his frustration toward Elizabeth’s suspicions, but also that he knows in his heart that God is the one that he should be seeking redemption from. However, Proctor was not yet ready to turn to God after his first confession. Instead, Proctor seeks to redeem himself in the eyes of the court.
Proctor’s confession to the court marks a major turning point in his character. At the beginning of the play, Proctor was self-centered and proud. Proctor’s good name was his prized possession. By throwing it away in order to save innocent people, Proctor shows that he has begun to care about others. His confession to the court is much different than his confession to his wife, as he confessed to Elizabeth out of choice and confessed to the court out of necessity. This makes his confession to the court a purely selfless act. Proctor truly believes his quest for the freedom of others to be righteous, as shown by his motto, “Do that which is good and no harm shall come to thee”(95). By keeping such a motto, Proctor shows his faith in his belief that by confessing his sins to the court, he will be ultimately redeemed. However, such a motto would only be true if everyone in society behaved justly, which they do not. Proctor learned this fact when he was wrongly accused of witchcraft and sentenced to death by the very court he sought redemption from.
After confessing to crimes that he did not commit, Proctor realizes that his name will be taken by the court and used as a weapon against innocent people. Proctor, having been so close to the hysteria that witchcraft had created in Salem, is fervently against allowing the madness to continue. After being ordered by the court to sign his name to a testimony, Proctor realizes that by giving the court his name, he will only be adding to the sins that he has already committed. Proctor knows that by saving his own life, he will be damning innocent people. Although Proctor’s name had already been tarnished in the eyes of the court, he is not willing to let it be further dragged through the mud. Even if it saves his life, Proctor will not allow his name to be used to justify the murders of innocent people: “Because I am not worth the dust on the feet of those who hang! How may I live without my name? I have given you my soul, leave me my name!”(143). Proctor is now not only responsible for atoning for his adultery, but also responsible for atoning for his willingness to put his own life before the lives of others.
With nowhere else to turn to for redemption, Proctor seeks to redeem himself in the eyes of God. As state before, Proctor always knew in his heart that God was the one he should have been seeking redemption from, but was not ready to turn to God. However, after appealing to his wife and the court, he had no other options. Proctor shows that he recognizes God to be the highest authority, and that he is not worthy of God’s forgiveness: “I cannot mount the gibbet like a saint. It is a fraud. I am not that man…My honesty is broke, Elizabeth; I am no good man”(136). Although Proctor does not think it to be his place to act as a martyr at first, he realizes that his death could bring about the end of the witch trials. Proctor obtains his redeemed himself through actions rather than words, which makes his redemption that much more substantial.
Proctor is truly a symbol of Christianity, as he sought forgiveness from everyone who was affected by his sins before ultimately turning to God. He became a martyr , sacrificing everything that was important to him in order to defend a righteous principle. In a pious society without repentance or forgiveness, Proctor proved himself to be the only true Christian. He was unable to be redeemed at the beginning of the play because he was searching for redemption in all the wrong places. While it is important to seek forgiveness from those who you have hurt, true redemption can only be given by God. Another factor that made his redemption impossible at the beginning of the play was that he had not forgiven himself. As Elizabeth said, “John, it come to naught that I should forgive you, if you’ll not forgive yourself”(136). Proctor had been carrying the weight of his sins for a long time, and found himself unable to cast them off. He searched for someone to help him carry his sins, but to no avail. It was only after seeking redemption in the eyes of God that he was satisfied. Through death, the burden of his sins was removed.
Works Cited
http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/j/jimmycarte130252.html
Miller, Arthur. The Crucible. United States: Viking Penguin Inc, 1953
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