Friday, September 26, 2008
The Scarlet Scandal- I mean Letter- Reader's [B]Log
Post a response to chapters 13-19 here in the typical reader's log fashion. You may post your responses, questions, predictions, interpretations, and insights, etc. You may choose to address themes, symbols, characterization, or issues that you've been thinking about as you read the novel. As you've noticed, the text teems with symbolism, moral dilemmas, and irony, so those are always fair game also. You may also discuss Hawthorne's style, and/or the structure of the novel. Do you like the technique of withholding information from the reader and slowly revealing it through foreshadowing and discovery? What do you think will happen next? How will the characters extricate themselves from this complicated love triangle (which is perhaps more of a square/rectangle if Pearl is included)? What do you think would be a good ending for The Scarlet Letter? Write your own if you're feeling creative. If you're feeling really creative, write it like a modern day soap opera using Hawthorne's dialect.
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5 comments:
I think that Hester, Dimmesdale and Pearl should all run off together to Europe. It would be a happy ending to a seemingly tragic novel. Of course, this probably won't happen... since it's a tragedy and someone will die. I predict that it'll be Dimmesdale *tears up* I really like him... nice guys finish last? Well, I guess when it comes down to it he isn't a nice guy... he's a liar and a coward, but still, he's better than Chillingworth. Chillingworth should be the one who dies... he's the evil one.
Chapters 16 through 19 take place outside of the town and in the wilderness of the woods. The town is seen as a strict and a place that rules are taken sternly. The woods, on the other hand, represents a seperate world. There are no rules to follow and no one to punish transgressions; it is a place that Hester goes for privacy. Also, it is in the woods that the theme of evil once again comes up. Pearl mentions the "Black Man" who is an identity of the evil. Pearl even ponders the idea of whether Dimmesdale is the "Black Man", for he will not publicly claim his love for her. She even washes off his kiss in the brook. Even though Chillingworth is the obvious evil in the book, perhaps Dimmesdale shares a part of that evil...
As Hester's life seems to (finally!) be turning around, she informs Dimmesdale of Chillingworth's true identity. At first, he is very unhappy with this new, but later forgives Hester as she explains the situation to him. Through the realization of the incident (committing of adultery), the two are coming together and Hester suggests moving to Europe to get away from everything. I want the three to move to Europe because I feel as if they could create their own happy life without all of the current drama in the town. Hawthorne uses a lot of symbolism while Hester, Pearl, and Dimmesdale are in the woods, talking about sunshine and how once Dimmesdale and Hester come to a solution, the sun shines once again on Hester. Pearl says this has not happened in a long time.
Hmmm...in Erin's ideal world, how would the Scarlet Letter end? In all honesty, I would thoroughly enjoy the measley town of Boston (back in the 1600's, of course) to be burned down in a great conflagration--taking all of the annoying Puritans with it, with their scarlet letters and condemnation--and have Hester and Dimmesdale get married and live in glorious harmony with no oppressive, strict society suppressing their love and lives. And of course I cannot forget their love child, Pearl, who grows up to be a wonderful person. Also, Chillingworth would leave the story somehow--I would like to see him die--because of his conniving and leeching ways.
But somewhat more realistically, I would like to see Hester and Dimmesdale renew their relationship and run away to Europe with Pearl as a loving family, just like the two planned. Additionally, I would like to see Hester, in her conscience, forgive herself completely for her sin. As for Chillingworth, I would like to see him repent in some way for the harm he causes Dimmesdale. Preferably, leave the town of Boston for good. He sounds like a senile fossil.
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