There is currently much debate on whether the novel “Scarlet Letter”, by Nathaniel Hawthorne, should be considered a classic or not. To determine whether this book should be categorized as a classic, we must first determine the criteria that define what a classic entails. The handout “What are Classics? What Do They Mean?”, by Esther Lombardi, lists three main components that a classic should have. Firstly, a classic usually expresses some artistic quality, such as life, truth, or beauty. Secondly, the book must stand the test of time. Classics usually give great insight into how life was like back in the time period it was written, even though the book may be still highly popular years down the road. Lastly, a classic should have universal appeal. Classics should speak to every human being because of the emotional themes it incorporates, such as love, hate, death, life, and faith.
By examining the story line and conflicts of the character, I believe “Scarlet Letter” expresses some artistic quality. The expressions of life versus death, truth versus deception, and sin versus public standards all have a way of appealing to the reader. The author has used these themes to enrich the human mind and incorporate irony into grim situations. This book may be considered artistic because the author expressed his own thought, observation, and invention while using his unique style to create an interesting and controversial piece of literature.
Even though “Scarlet Letter” is at times hard to read, I believe it can be understood by readers from any generation. The book was written back in 1850 and was set in a 17th century Puritan society. Even though the book is well over 150 years old, it is still being read and recognized by many people today. This piece of work also gives great representation to how society was back in colonial times. By seeing this evidence, it is obvious that “Scarlet Letter” has truly stood the test of time and deserves its label as a timeless story.
The novel “Scarlet Letter” also has a great universal appeal and is read and understood by people of all walks of life. The themes it portrays makes it easy for human beings to understand and relate to the text. The book plays off of our emotions as it depicts themes of love, hate, death, sin, judgment, and faith. This story truly makes a statement about human experience and examines the morals of society at the time it was written. The themes in “Scarlet Letter” are universal and, because of this, it is a story to which we can all relate.
By looking at Lombardi’s criteria for a literature classic, I think “Scarlet Letter” has met and exceeded the bar. It entails artistic quality, stands the test of time, and has universal appeal. Even though reading the book may be bland at times, I believe the classic components are noticeable in the text and themes of the story. Many years down the road, I still believe people will be reading “Scarlet Letter” and consider it a classic.
In a little side note, I decided to make it much easier to determine whether “Scarlet Letter” should be determined a classic or not by using a quote by Mark Twain. “A classic is something that everyone wants to have read and nobody wants to read”. I couldn’t agree more! According to this quote, I believe “Scarlet Letter” might be the biggest classic ever known to mankind.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Scarlet Letter Quote 6
"Thou hast escaped me!" [Chillingworth] repeated more than once. "Thou hast escaped me!"
Throughout the whole story, Chillingworth has been constantly trying to discover who his wife committed adultery with. After discovering who it is, Chillingworth plans to seek revenge upon him in response of his feeling of betrayel. In many cases leading up to this point Chillingworth taunts Dimmesdale. Chillingworth’s revenge plan is ruined when Dimmesdale publicly exposes his sin, which Chillingworth was planning to do all along. By saying “Thou hast escaped me”, it sounds like Chillingworth views the predicament as a game that amuses him. Because he repeats it more than once, he seems very distraught about his master plan going down the drain. Chillingworth is upset that he no longer has a grip on Dimmesdale, because now everybody knows his wrongdoing.
This is somewhat important to the story because it reveals Chillingworth’s intentions. It is also the climax of the story because the secret is out. Dimmesdale has admitted to his sin and the question of “Who is the father?” is finally answered. It is interesting to see the reaction of Chillingworth when he hears that Dimmsdale had confessed. The reader can tell that Chillingworth was aghast because he had nothing to hang over the head of DImmesdale anymore. In a sense, Chillingworth is free from the secret holding him down. This quote also compares the personality of Chillingworth and Dimmesdale. While Chillingworth uses the bad situation for selfish gain and entertainment, Dimmesdale truly wanted to be free of his sin and confess his wrongdoing. At this point in the book the dominoes have fallen and we got to see the reactions of those experiencing the confession.
Throughout the whole story, Chillingworth has been constantly trying to discover who his wife committed adultery with. After discovering who it is, Chillingworth plans to seek revenge upon him in response of his feeling of betrayel. In many cases leading up to this point Chillingworth taunts Dimmesdale. Chillingworth’s revenge plan is ruined when Dimmesdale publicly exposes his sin, which Chillingworth was planning to do all along. By saying “Thou hast escaped me”, it sounds like Chillingworth views the predicament as a game that amuses him. Because he repeats it more than once, he seems very distraught about his master plan going down the drain. Chillingworth is upset that he no longer has a grip on Dimmesdale, because now everybody knows his wrongdoing.
This is somewhat important to the story because it reveals Chillingworth’s intentions. It is also the climax of the story because the secret is out. Dimmesdale has admitted to his sin and the question of “Who is the father?” is finally answered. It is interesting to see the reaction of Chillingworth when he hears that Dimmsdale had confessed. The reader can tell that Chillingworth was aghast because he had nothing to hang over the head of DImmesdale anymore. In a sense, Chillingworth is free from the secret holding him down. This quote also compares the personality of Chillingworth and Dimmesdale. While Chillingworth uses the bad situation for selfish gain and entertainment, Dimmesdale truly wanted to be free of his sin and confess his wrongdoing. At this point in the book the dominoes have fallen and we got to see the reactions of those experiencing the confession.
Scarlet Letter Quote 5
“Mother,” said [Pearl], “was that the same minister that kissed me by the brook?”
“Hold thy peace, dear little Pearl!” whispered her mother. “We must not always talk in the market-place of what happens to us in the forest.”
This conversation between Hester and her daughter is talking about an instance where the two of them came upon Dimmesdale, Pearl’s real father, in the forest. These quotations show the significant difference between social norms in civilization and lack thereof in the wilderness. The rules that apply in the Puritan society have little to no effect outside of those towns. It also recalls the fact that many people are different in a private setting than in public settings. People may have many secrets hidden in the “forests” of their lives and try to keep them as far away from civilization as possible. The forest can also represent a place where social expectations do not hold one down, and freedom and fantasy can take over. In the example of the text, the trio that met up in the forest was planning to flee in order to start a new life. If this was known throughout the Puritan town, it would not be accepted.
This conversation between mother and daughter is very important in adding to the story. Pearl’s question infers that the minister was acting differently in public then when they met in private. In the forest, Dimmesdale kissed his daughter Pearl but in the town he could not acknowledge her in this way in fear of public scrutiny. Hester’s response to her daughter’s question also adds great importance to the storyline. When she tells her daughter to not talk about what happens in the forest while at the marketplace, she is distinguishing the difference between the private and public relationship of her and Dimmesdale. Hester is also planning on fleeing with Dimmesdale and does not want the public to find out and diminish the fantasy of the plan. Overall, this explanation of settings in the book also defines the different settings in human character and the difference between the character’s private and public outlook.
“Hold thy peace, dear little Pearl!” whispered her mother. “We must not always talk in the market-place of what happens to us in the forest.”
This conversation between Hester and her daughter is talking about an instance where the two of them came upon Dimmesdale, Pearl’s real father, in the forest. These quotations show the significant difference between social norms in civilization and lack thereof in the wilderness. The rules that apply in the Puritan society have little to no effect outside of those towns. It also recalls the fact that many people are different in a private setting than in public settings. People may have many secrets hidden in the “forests” of their lives and try to keep them as far away from civilization as possible. The forest can also represent a place where social expectations do not hold one down, and freedom and fantasy can take over. In the example of the text, the trio that met up in the forest was planning to flee in order to start a new life. If this was known throughout the Puritan town, it would not be accepted.
This conversation between mother and daughter is very important in adding to the story. Pearl’s question infers that the minister was acting differently in public then when they met in private. In the forest, Dimmesdale kissed his daughter Pearl but in the town he could not acknowledge her in this way in fear of public scrutiny. Hester’s response to her daughter’s question also adds great importance to the storyline. When she tells her daughter to not talk about what happens in the forest while at the marketplace, she is distinguishing the difference between the private and public relationship of her and Dimmesdale. Hester is also planning on fleeing with Dimmesdale and does not want the public to find out and diminish the fantasy of the plan. Overall, this explanation of settings in the book also defines the different settings in human character and the difference between the character’s private and public outlook.
Scarlet Letter Quote 4
“Indeed, the same dark question often rose into her mind, with reference to the whole race of womanhood. Was existence worth accepting, even to the happiest among them? As concerned her own individual existence, she had long ago decided in the negative, and dismissed the point as settled. A tendency to speculation, though it may keep woman quiet, as it does man, yet makes her sad. She discerns, it may be, such a hopeless task before her. “
At this point in the story, I believe Hester Prynne feels like she cannot handle the daily pressures and speculation she if forced to endure day after day. Just because she is quiet and does not speak up when faced with ridicule and public speculation, does not mean the harsh words and stares do not hurt her. This quote suggests that she was momentarily contemplating whether she should live anymore or not. However, she is too strong to take the easy way out of her hardship and decided long ago she would not end her life in that fashion.
This quote is important to the story because it gives great insight into the feelings and thoughts of the main character, Hester Prynne. While many times, we may see Hester Prynne as an emotionless woman, this quote shows that she has feelings and in a sense her womanly side is built up. Even though she committed adultery, she is still a woman with a heart, despite how the Puritan society views her. The quote also makes a connection between women and men as a whole. In many cases, especially back in colonial times women were seen as inferior and obedient. However, this quote expressed that women have the same emotions as men have. She also recognized the long road ahead of her. In the darkness of the situation she found herself in, she could not see a light at the end of the tunnel. It would take much work to complete the task of being back to normalcy.
At this point in the story, I believe Hester Prynne feels like she cannot handle the daily pressures and speculation she if forced to endure day after day. Just because she is quiet and does not speak up when faced with ridicule and public speculation, does not mean the harsh words and stares do not hurt her. This quote suggests that she was momentarily contemplating whether she should live anymore or not. However, she is too strong to take the easy way out of her hardship and decided long ago she would not end her life in that fashion.
This quote is important to the story because it gives great insight into the feelings and thoughts of the main character, Hester Prynne. While many times, we may see Hester Prynne as an emotionless woman, this quote shows that she has feelings and in a sense her womanly side is built up. Even though she committed adultery, she is still a woman with a heart, despite how the Puritan society views her. The quote also makes a connection between women and men as a whole. In many cases, especially back in colonial times women were seen as inferior and obedient. However, this quote expressed that women have the same emotions as men have. She also recognized the long road ahead of her. In the darkness of the situation she found herself in, she could not see a light at the end of the tunnel. It would take much work to complete the task of being back to normalcy.
Scarlet Letter Quote 3
"But, if it be the soul's disease, then do I commit myself to the one Physician of the soul! He, if it stands at his good pleasure can cure; or kill! Let him do with me as, in his justice and wisdom, he shall see good. But who are thou, that meddlest in this matter? - that dares thrust himself between the sufferer and his God?" (pg. 115)
Because of the sin that he had committed and the secret he kept from others, Dimmesdale has felt tortured in his circumstances and literally became physically ill. In response to his decreasing health, Chillingworth tried to use his expertise as a physician to “help” the minister. In all reality, Chillingworth was trying to make Dimmesdale confess to having adultery with his wife. In response to this, Dimmesdale cries out this quote and makes it clear that Chillingworth is not the one to handle the situation, but God is the one to do with him as he pleases. He states that God can cure him of feeling this way or kill him whenever he wishes, and a wordly physician like Chillingworth is not needed.
This quote suggests the extreme trouble Dimmesdale believes he is in. The problem is not on the surface and con not be fixed by any human doctor, but the issue penetrates to the soul. Because of the sin Dimmesdale committed, he is in need of the forgiveness of God and he realizes that. Because he is a minister, Dimmesdale understands God’s laws and is not expected to break them, so when he does he can hardly handle the guilt and sorrow. However, he knows that God works in ways that no man can understand, especially Chillingworth who has the wrong intentions in helping him. Dimmesdale makes it clear he does not need Chillingworth in the middle of everything adding his thoughts, when the main issue is between himself and the Father.
Because of the sin that he had committed and the secret he kept from others, Dimmesdale has felt tortured in his circumstances and literally became physically ill. In response to his decreasing health, Chillingworth tried to use his expertise as a physician to “help” the minister. In all reality, Chillingworth was trying to make Dimmesdale confess to having adultery with his wife. In response to this, Dimmesdale cries out this quote and makes it clear that Chillingworth is not the one to handle the situation, but God is the one to do with him as he pleases. He states that God can cure him of feeling this way or kill him whenever he wishes, and a wordly physician like Chillingworth is not needed.
This quote suggests the extreme trouble Dimmesdale believes he is in. The problem is not on the surface and con not be fixed by any human doctor, but the issue penetrates to the soul. Because of the sin Dimmesdale committed, he is in need of the forgiveness of God and he realizes that. Because he is a minister, Dimmesdale understands God’s laws and is not expected to break them, so when he does he can hardly handle the guilt and sorrow. However, he knows that God works in ways that no man can understand, especially Chillingworth who has the wrong intentions in helping him. Dimmesdale makes it clear he does not need Chillingworth in the middle of everything adding his thoughts, when the main issue is between himself and the Father.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Scarlet Letter Quote 2 (page 90)
“Behold, verily, there is a woman of the scarlet letter; and, of a truth, moreover, there is the likeness of the scarlet letter running along by her side! Come, therefore, and let us throw mud at them!” (90)
While passing a group of young Puritan children, Hester and her daughter Pearl heard this quote being said about them. Even though they are so young, the Puritan children know what the scarlet letter stands for and mock them because of it. The scarlet letter represents Hester’s unfaithfulness to her husband and the Puritan ways, making her an easy target for those who dislike opposition or rebellion. If the scarlet letter was not proof enough of the sin Hester committed, her daughter Pearl is a living reminder of Hester’s adultery. In this example, not only is Hester being targeted but so is Pearl because she is the result of the act of adultery. Pearl is not like the other Puritan children because she was born out of wedlock, so she is considered an outcast as well.
When the children say “Come, therefore, and let us throw mud at them”, the reader gets an insight to how the Puritan society reacts to the act of adultery. Because of her one mistake, Hester is condemned to wear the scarlet letter and has to endure all the speculation that comes with it. She has already been publicly humiliated and punished, but Hester will be tormented in examples like these as long as she lives in this area. Because it is mandatory to wear the scarlet letter and tend to her daughter, there is no escaping this life of being an outcast to society.
This quote is important to the story because it shows in depth the reaction of the Puritan people when they see the scarlet letter. The Puritan society holds this ideal very high that sex should be only practiced in marriage, and anyone who goes against it is wrong and needs to be punished. By being forced to wear the scarlet letter in public, Hester is a warning to people around her to not make the same mistakes as her, or they will receive the same consequences. Even young children have picked this up from parents or other individuals in society and judge Hester for her wrongdoing.
While passing a group of young Puritan children, Hester and her daughter Pearl heard this quote being said about them. Even though they are so young, the Puritan children know what the scarlet letter stands for and mock them because of it. The scarlet letter represents Hester’s unfaithfulness to her husband and the Puritan ways, making her an easy target for those who dislike opposition or rebellion. If the scarlet letter was not proof enough of the sin Hester committed, her daughter Pearl is a living reminder of Hester’s adultery. In this example, not only is Hester being targeted but so is Pearl because she is the result of the act of adultery. Pearl is not like the other Puritan children because she was born out of wedlock, so she is considered an outcast as well.
When the children say “Come, therefore, and let us throw mud at them”, the reader gets an insight to how the Puritan society reacts to the act of adultery. Because of her one mistake, Hester is condemned to wear the scarlet letter and has to endure all the speculation that comes with it. She has already been publicly humiliated and punished, but Hester will be tormented in examples like these as long as she lives in this area. Because it is mandatory to wear the scarlet letter and tend to her daughter, there is no escaping this life of being an outcast to society.
This quote is important to the story because it shows in depth the reaction of the Puritan people when they see the scarlet letter. The Puritan society holds this ideal very high that sex should be only practiced in marriage, and anyone who goes against it is wrong and needs to be punished. By being forced to wear the scarlet letter in public, Hester is a warning to people around her to not make the same mistakes as her, or they will receive the same consequences. Even young children have picked this up from parents or other individuals in society and judge Hester for her wrongdoing.
Scarlet Letter Quote 1 (page 74)
“I leave thee alone; alone with thy infant, and the scarlet letter! How is it, Hester? Doth thy sentence bind thee to wear the token in thy sleep? Art thou not afraid of nightmares and hideous dreams?” (74)
While in confinement for her wrongdoing, Roger Chillingworth spoke this quote to Hester, sort of mockingly and without sympathy. It shows how truly alone Hester is with her problems and the result of her sin. She doesn’t have Chillingworth because she was unfaithful and Dimmesdale will not admit that he is the father. Even though the public has their time to scoff and judge, it is ultimately Hester who is the one who has to deal with the repercussions of adultery her whole life. There is no escaping the results of her choices. She is obligated to wear the scarlet letter and she needs to constantly have her child around to care for it.
Chillingworth bluntly mocks Hester when asking if she has to wear the scarlet letter when she sleeps. This represents the fact that even though Hester is asleep, her problem has not disappeared. It will not disappear overnight and people will not forget her transgression that easily. The situation Hester is in may haunt her while sleeping, because of how extreme the sin is considered in the Puritan society and how she will always be considered an “adulteress” the rest of her life.
This is important to the storyline because it shows how alone Hester is with the effects of her fling with the minister. One mistake in her life ruined her reputation in her town and now haunts her in everything she does. The problem is not going away anytime soon and neither is the scarlet letter or Pearl.
While in confinement for her wrongdoing, Roger Chillingworth spoke this quote to Hester, sort of mockingly and without sympathy. It shows how truly alone Hester is with her problems and the result of her sin. She doesn’t have Chillingworth because she was unfaithful and Dimmesdale will not admit that he is the father. Even though the public has their time to scoff and judge, it is ultimately Hester who is the one who has to deal with the repercussions of adultery her whole life. There is no escaping the results of her choices. She is obligated to wear the scarlet letter and she needs to constantly have her child around to care for it.
Chillingworth bluntly mocks Hester when asking if she has to wear the scarlet letter when she sleeps. This represents the fact that even though Hester is asleep, her problem has not disappeared. It will not disappear overnight and people will not forget her transgression that easily. The situation Hester is in may haunt her while sleeping, because of how extreme the sin is considered in the Puritan society and how she will always be considered an “adulteress” the rest of her life.
This is important to the storyline because it shows how alone Hester is with the effects of her fling with the minister. One mistake in her life ruined her reputation in her town and now haunts her in everything she does. The problem is not going away anytime soon and neither is the scarlet letter or Pearl.
Excerpt from pages 246-253
I think it is very interesting how the excerpts from pages 246-253 starts out with a list of things a man should look for in a wife. The list, which has eight characteristics mentioned, starts out with chastity and goes into greater detail about its importance. The excerpt, from Advice to Young Men (1831), states that without chastity and perfect modesty in word, deed, and thought, a female is not fit to be a wife. This goes hand in hand with the main character in the story, Ester Prynn, because she will no longer be fit for a wife since she committed adultery. The same excerpt claims that women should act as if they don’t even comprehend dirty words. This shows how women were expected to think and behave in colonial time and how Ester Prynn went against the norm.
The status and role of women in society has changed greatly since colonial times. In the past, women were usually recognized by the American legal system through their husband. By marriage, the husband and wife are one person in law. However, this means that the legal existence of the women has been suspended or at least incorporated into that of her husband. Everything the wife does is under the protection and influence of her husband. Back in this time, if women went against their husband and committed adultery her legal existence and life is at stake. The husband is bound by law to provide for the wife and pay debts. However, if a woman elopes with another man, the husband is not chargeable to provide for her anymore.
By looking at the expectations and rights of women in the setting of “The Scarlet Letter” I cannot help but realize what a difference that is to what we know today in America. Here, women are raised to equality with the other sex and they are viewed to have the same potential. I agree with the excerpt from Peculiar Responsibilities of American Women , when it says that in America today, females are treated as superior in custom and courtesy. In many ways, women have much more freewill and are allowed to do what they want with their lives. They are not letting themselves be bound to a mindset that women should act inferior or should be controlled by one group’s political or religious beliefs. It is interesting to look at Ester and see how she would be treated if she committed adultery in America today. It would not have been such a big deal at all, considering in previous times they were killed for this transgression. Going back to the beginning of this excerpt, where it lists things a husband needs to look for in a wife, I cannot help but realize that list has drastically changed. Men do not look for all of these traits anymore and women do not feel the need to line themselves up with these expectations.
The status and role of women in society has changed greatly since colonial times. In the past, women were usually recognized by the American legal system through their husband. By marriage, the husband and wife are one person in law. However, this means that the legal existence of the women has been suspended or at least incorporated into that of her husband. Everything the wife does is under the protection and influence of her husband. Back in this time, if women went against their husband and committed adultery her legal existence and life is at stake. The husband is bound by law to provide for the wife and pay debts. However, if a woman elopes with another man, the husband is not chargeable to provide for her anymore.
By looking at the expectations and rights of women in the setting of “The Scarlet Letter” I cannot help but realize what a difference that is to what we know today in America. Here, women are raised to equality with the other sex and they are viewed to have the same potential. I agree with the excerpt from Peculiar Responsibilities of American Women , when it says that in America today, females are treated as superior in custom and courtesy. In many ways, women have much more freewill and are allowed to do what they want with their lives. They are not letting themselves be bound to a mindset that women should act inferior or should be controlled by one group’s political or religious beliefs. It is interesting to look at Ester and see how she would be treated if she committed adultery in America today. It would not have been such a big deal at all, considering in previous times they were killed for this transgression. Going back to the beginning of this excerpt, where it lists things a husband needs to look for in a wife, I cannot help but realize that list has drastically changed. Men do not look for all of these traits anymore and women do not feel the need to line themselves up with these expectations.
Excerpt from pages 241-245
The information on pages 241-245 in the book “The Scarlet Letter” talks about adultery in the Massachusetts Bay and New Plymouth colonies and the laws that were enacted in response. I thought it was really interesting how in colonial times, adultery was considered a capital crime. Adultery was considered very serious back then, and had great consequences. The laws required adulterers to die for their sin, or at the very least be punished physically. To those who were not killed for their wrongdoing, it was mandatory for the women to stitch a large scarlet “A” on her clothes, so everyone would know the act that they committed. This would also be part of the adulterer’s punishment, because she would be scoffed at in the public eye and forever be known as impure and unfaithful. Even if a woman committed adultery once, the label would follow her for the rest of her life. By looking at the colonial laws about adultery, it is obvious that cheating back then was considered a big deal and wasn’t taken lightly.
While reading the harsh consequences for adultery back in colonial times, I could not help at notice how different adultery is viewed in today’s society. The punishment for cheating today is not death or anywhere close to it. There are no laws that punish adulterers or forbid people from cheating on their significant other. It is a situation that needs to be handled between people in a relationship and the worse that could probably happen is a divorce. Adultery is no longer a taboo in society, but is considered somewhat of the norm. Adulterers do not need to stitch a letter “A” on their clothes to signify their sinful act, but even if they did would people even mind anymore? This example shows how society has transformed over the years and adopted the mindset of “I do what I want”.
While reading the harsh consequences for adultery back in colonial times, I could not help at notice how different adultery is viewed in today’s society. The punishment for cheating today is not death or anywhere close to it. There are no laws that punish adulterers or forbid people from cheating on their significant other. It is a situation that needs to be handled between people in a relationship and the worse that could probably happen is a divorce. Adultery is no longer a taboo in society, but is considered somewhat of the norm. Adulterers do not need to stitch a letter “A” on their clothes to signify their sinful act, but even if they did would people even mind anymore? This example shows how society has transformed over the years and adopted the mindset of “I do what I want”.
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