Chillingworth at his climax!

In these two chapters Hester has seen and become able to experience the evilness of Mr. Roger Chillingworth. Due to Chillingworths sorrow and vengeance Hester feels as if she had brought upon this form of anger  towards him and she starts to feel sympathy for Chillingworth. Hester then asks him if  he could not necessary forget about the issue at hand but have no revenge for she is also depressed for Dimmesdale. As the book progress' Hester starts to feel a inner hatred for Chillingworth because of his callous actions and his refusal for peace. Therefore, I believe Chillingworth will stop at nothing to get his "rightly" vengeance towards Dimmesdale. Anyone believe that Chillingworths vengeance is justified or just a  simple act of  inhumanity.

The Scarlet Letter, Dimmesdale Theory

Basically, in the story so far we have been led to believe that Hester is the protagonist, and events in the story revolve around her. Everything done so far was in relation to Hester. But what if that's not it at all? What if, Hester was simply a result or byproduct of actions taken against another character. What if the leaders, and higher class of the town knew the father the entire time, or atleast discovered it before the story began. What if Hester is Dimmesdale's punishment? At the end of chapter 10, it is revealed that something incriminating is either under the shirt of Dimmesdale's, or physically on his body. Many people believed it to be an A, either as a brand or as a necklace on the reverend. Well what kind of idiot brands an A on himself, asked many people. But its only assumed to be self inflicted. Upon discovery of his actions, the ruling class of townspeople took decisive and private action against Dimmesdale. They branded him, as punishment, and as sadistic torture to remind him for the rest of his life what he's done. Then, to further his torment, they made him responsible for Hester's fate, by choosing him to speak on Hester's behalf when she was up on the scaffold. They knew that Dimmesdale would either be exposed publicly, or forced to watch his precious lover suffer and take on the burden of their combined sin. This is also why they kept Hester alive. Hester's suffering was Dimmesdale's final and most detrimental punishement. He had to watch his lover suffer alone, on a daily basis. All the time, knowing that there was nothing he could do besides join her in her ignominy. Furthering this point, when Dimmesdale screams upon the scaffold in chapter 12, Reverend Wilson walks by. Dimmesdale believes he confessed to Wilson, however Dimmesdale then tells himself it was vision when Wilson walks by seemingly not noticing him. However, could it be Wilson intentionally ignored Dimmesdale? Being aware of the truth, and understanding how insane Dimmesdale's guilt is driving him, he might even be pleased by this. Seeing the incumbent sinner brought to his knees feeble and delirious.  For the pain you can inflict on a lone individual slows and numbs over time. But the pain instilled through a loved one's suffering is boundless, and a tender agony; thats potency never fades.

The beginning of a new life?

As the story progresses Hester has started to feel a propinquity with Reverend Dimmesdale. Dimmesdale as mentioned in earlier chapters has declining health and Hester starts to feel bad for him. Dimmesdale also starts to have fierce dreams of Hester pointing her finger at the letter on her dress and the then at the reverend's bosom. One night  Dimmesdale escapes his home and goes to the scaffold(yes, the one where Hester was publicly shamed for all possible eternity). Furthermore, he lets out a scream for help and no one hears him or so did they think. As Dimmesdale is up there he is overheard by baby Pearl whom is with her mother after checking measurements for Governor Winthrop's burial rope. Thereafter, all 3 stand on the scaffold together(awe moment) holding hands and the letter A appears in the sky which highly symbolizes hope for Pearl, Hester, and hopefully the Reverend. Right there and then Dimmesdale starts to realize that Chillingworth may be his enemy but he will not let his intuition get it the way of his thought process for he has sinned. Do you believe the reverend will eventually tell his ulteriored secret of sin.

Chillingworth vs Dimmesdale

In the past couple of chapters in which we have read, readers start to sense the actual harshness of Mr. Roger Chillingworth. Chillingworth has constantly haunted Dimmesdale for the truth and Dimmesdales health has been declining and a major aspect for this is his sin in which he brought upon himself and Hester. One night Dimmesdale is sleeping and Mr. Roger Chillingworth sneaks into his room and checks under his shirt were he finds the scarlet letter. Startled, Mr. Chillingworth starts to feel a need for vengeance towards Dimmesdale and the reverends intution of who his enemies are starts to decline because of his belief of creating such a sin. Therefore, I believe Mr. Chillingworth will not get his revenge because Dimmesdale has slowly decreased in self worth as he beats himself every night trying to relieve himself of his sin.

Chapter 8(A Mothers Love)

In Chapter 8 readers are introduced to a question of thought. This question being where Pearl was born? Pearl had stated that she was picked by the rose bushs next to the prsion door rather than answering the Heavenly Father. Therefore, the Governor feels as if Pearl is mistaken and he starts to sense that Hester is improperly raising Pearl. Hester rapidly responded to this as says that Pearl is a gift from God and that no one can take that gift away which is also Hester's only reason for joy and sorrow in her abundant life. We as readers tend to feel for Hester because she has gone out her way for Pearl and by her actions in which she has shown her true and idea love for Pearl. Anyone feel that Pearl should be in the hands of the Governor. Also The Governor did state that Pearl will STRICTLY be taught.

Chapter 7

As I read chapter 7, I saw how much of Hester is in Pearl. The outgoing, unique, outspoken attitude is in her daughter, much like how it was on her. Also, I see Pearl as her mother's defender because while they were walking towards the governor's house, a group of boys wanted to throw mud at them and Pearl scared them off. I thought that was so cute because she's about 3 or 4 years old and she already has an attitude of self defense. The chapter also mentioned how Pearl is always dressed in bright colors, especially red, and this is due to the scarlet letter. Hester sees Pearl as the scarlet letter, so she emphasizes it in her daughter's outfits. Finally, I'm assuming that Hester is the first example of sin in the town because the governor and ministers want to take Pearl away, which is such an extreme measure. Even after three years, all the attention is still focused on Hester Prynne and her sin. What do you guys think?

Chapter 7

In chapter 7 readers start to sense the emotion of love because Hester has realized a rumor has spread about having Pearl taken from her arms. Although Hester is emotionally unstable she must go to the Governors hall and provide The Governor with an accessorie in which he ordered. As Hester is holding Pearl a group of men are nearby and Pearl leaps out a scream and then silence erupts throughout the hall. Any thoughts of the rumors being true?

Hester and Transcendentalism

Upon looking at the 6 paragraph promt,  I realized that a little bit of transcendentalist thinking has appreaed in the thoughts of Hester Prynne in chapter 5.  In a puritan society it is frowned upon to question God or your belief in him.  However, when you're cast away and put to shame I feel that thinking would go along with that.  In this chapter you see that she is asking her self, is she really the only person that has commited adultery? She is merely the only person in that situation that it was that obvious.  Is she really the only person ever to have commited a sin and punished this serverly? She is starting to doubt this and think of people as just human, that this should be normal and the punishment is over board.

Pearl

In chapter 5 we start to notice the adulterer child whom is named Pearl. Pearl is an outgoing child and is very playful. From what has been mentioned in class we can conclude that Pearl is a sign of hope and remorse from her mothers actions. Her mothers symbol of sin may not be sin rather it will be a sign of dignity if and only if Pearl comes out to be a "star" then her mother may not be shamed for all eternity after all...but hey miracles happen...disagreements?

Chillingworth being upset or hurt????????????

What I don't understand is why Chillingworth is getting so upset or hurt about Hester committing adultery. He knew she didn't love him and he basically forced her or tricked her into that marriage. Also he was gone for years, he left her by herself in a place that was new to her. She was bound to cheat on him.

The Scarlet Letter Ch.4

Why does Chillingworth so desperately want to know the name of Hester's secret lover? Do you think Chillingworth wants to do more than just meet him? The way he acted and the way he spoke around Hester gave this chilling and evil feel. I think he's hatching up a scheme towards Hester and her lover. What do you think?

What do you think about Chillingworth?

After reading chapter 4 today in class, we got to know more about Chillingworth. He seemed very reasonable and compassionate about the situation with Hester and the affair. Towards the end of the chapter, I think that he gives this "evil" vibe about wanting to know who the guy Hester committed the affair with. Why would he give this image to Hester? She did seem to scare her after letting her know why he wanted him.

Chapter 3

Today in class we read chapter 3 of The Scarlet Letter. In this chapter Hester refuses to give up the name of baby's father to the council. Why is this? If it was a one night stand or someone that meant very little to her, she would've probably given him up. Wouldn't you? I think whoever she committed adultery with, she has strong feelings for them or some type of connection with them. Now, if it is the reverend then maybe she just didn't give him up because of who he and the type of punishment he would get.

The Scarlet Letter

Just a few thoughts on the rose bush from the first chapter. For the most part we know that the rose bush has been growing there in the prison for a while and that it the first and maybe last thing prisoners could see. So like discussed in class the bush symbolizes hope and could give hope to those in the prison. Not only that my be symbolize Hester and her daughter in some way, maybe it could symbolize Hester's daughter, since rose bushes are beautiful but covered in thrones it could be hinting to some thing that could happen to the daughter.  

Chapter 3

In chapter 3 we see a true side of Hester as she refuses to give up her child's fathers name to the council. By doing this Hester has portrayed her loyalty to this man(could possible be the man in the crowd?). Hester late on makes eye contact with a white man whom stares back at her and as Hester is doing this she is being taunted by the throngs of women, men, and children of such ages. Hester is later on sent to prison and the gender of her child is a girl.

The Scarlet Letter Thoughts

Based on what we've read so far I'm going to predict that Hester was justified in committing adultery. For starters, her marriage seemed forced to put it lightly. What's more, it seems like she would have been an outcast even before her "sin". I don't think she likes living in the village, and I really do not think she likes her husband. To run the risk of committing adultery in that time period, shows that at the very least her marriage wasn't perfect. However, I support Hester so far. She seems brave, and pretty strong/defiant. I don't usually support adultery either, but she seems like she had her reasons. She reminds me a lot of Aliena from Pillars of the Earth, except Aliena is a lot more defiant and strong, and lived in a much earlier time period. But I'm worried about that kid. Everytime Hawthorne mentions the kid, he always calls it her "shame". And I get he/her must be a constant reminder of that event, but still. I mean in the beginning she was described smothering it in her gown, just to hide the A. And what's with that one female character who seems to know exaclty what's going on? The young wife, seems like one of those characters who blatanly tells you the subtext through dialogue. But overall it seems like another protypical story of a protagonist vilified becuase they don't adhere to the social customs of the time. Also, considering the context of when this was written(1850), this seems like it was a big contribution to the suffragette/feminist movement.    

The Scarlet Letter

Recently we have read "The Scarlet Letter". In this novel we have been introduced to a prison full of sorrow and loss of the marrow of life. As we read on we notice a reference towards red roses near a grayish prison door. Red will later on have a symbolic and important meaning as we read on. A young woman which we know a portion about has committed adultery and is in threatened with the gallows( where people are hung). This woman has her baby in hand and is being watched by a throng of people. Furthermore, throughout these two chapter we see a form of nature having pity towards mankind as well as a unknown symbolizine towards the color red.

Nathaniel Hawthorne

For the past few days we've learned about transcendentalist thinkers such as Thoreau and Emerson. In my believe, they subscribes entirely to the philosophy, but Hawthorne is different. Although he believed in the philosophy and even lived 6 months in a community the transcendentalists established, he did not follow the philosophy entirely. His life was very interesting as I read today's homework. I'm excited to see what The Scarlet Letter has in store for the class since the author amazes me. He was in politics, helped establish the American short story, and changed the way society viewed Puritanism. I also had a little curiosity. As I read the packet, it stated that Hawthorne injured his foot and had to use crutches for two years. That is pretty unusual for me since I have never heard of anybody using crutches for more than a year. Did anybody else catch that?

Thoughts on Civil Disobedience

"That government is best which governs not at all," if a truer statement has ever been voiced I know of it not. We, the people who created government have allowed it to surpass us. As John Steinbeck said in The Grapes of Wrath, "For man, unlike any other thing organic or inorganic in the universe, grows beyond his work, walks up the stairs of his concepts, emerges ahead of his accomplishments." It is that defining trait which makes humans unique from all else in existence, our place above our creations. And yet, the concept of government which we made into reality governs over us. We have become the government's expedient, not the other way around. Today, more people do have a voice, especially in the United States, the issue is making sure that that voice is heard. I ask of you fellow classmates, no, fellow human beings, can we rise above our accomplishment the way we were supposed to? And if so, when will we bring about a better government? Will it be when all of our voices are heard, or is such a thing impossible?

Ralph Waldo Emerson(the Father of Transcendentalism)

Ralph Waldo Emerson was an American poet whom is the father of Transcendentalism moved away from the religious and social beliefs of his contemporaries. He gave lectures that he then published in his work called "Nature". He later on became a central figure in most of his literary  and philosophy groups. He believed that God was unknown and relates to a reason for corruption in society. He felt that one needed a connection to nature.

Transcendentalism discussion

Transcendentalism is something that occurs almost naturally in most people. It urges us to emphasize the individual, have a view point truly our own. This is why it is so popular, why so many people can relate to it. Because we all view the world from our own point of view. Outside influences have an impact on what path we choose, but in the end it is our choice, and our choice alone. The view points of others are so often, if not always, considered second. Transcendentalism champions our ability to be unique. That is why it denounces conformity, and loaths institutions that strip away someones individuality. And this can either incite extreme selfishness, or the most beautiful acts of creativity. Do you agree?

Transcendentalism

" I know the rules, but the rules don't know me" -Eddie Vedder

Transcendentalism is a very strong movement, the quote above really captures what transcendentalism means. It causes people to question themselves and society. It challenges everything you believe in and it challenges you to follow your own path. Being a transcendentalist you challenge anything and everything; no belief, fact, or idea is set in stone. You go against the status quo and in my opinion all of us have a little transcendentalism in us or have experienced it at some point in their life. In our society today there is more freedom to express yourself; we can try to be ourselves and find what makes us, us. With that being said there are still things in our life that keeps us from being who we are, there are a lot of things that distract us or take us away from our true selves. Comment bellow what you believe is a distraction in our society today and why you think that. 

The Philosophy of Transcendentalism

Transcendentalism's core belief was the inherent goodness of both nature and most especially people. Also, they wanted to understand a religion but not by its practices rather it's definition and reasoning. They believe religion was a main aspect of a corrupt individual. So, my question to you is the following: Is religion really corrupting oneself or a society and its nature.

Self- Relaince

In the poem of "Self Relaince" by Raplh Emerson the poem relates to a world of transcendentalism due to a reasoning of questioning God and the society that we live in. Furthermore, into the poem we as readers notice a mentioning of the great minds such as the following: Socrates, Luther, Einstein,etc. and how they're misunderstandments from society transformed into a way of life which we take for granted.

Chapter 25

"Behind the fruitfulness are men of understanding and knowledge and skill, men who experiment with seed, endlessly devloping the techniques for greater crops of plants whose roots will resist the million enemies of the earth: the molds, the insects, the rusts, the blights." 

"In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage."

This chapter is powerful because it reveals the beginning of a new age of agriculture through the application of science, but this new age does not come  without mistakes and these mistakes carry a heavily toll as with each failure, the death of the old age comes ever so closer and the poor get ever so hungry. The poor's hunger turns into hate as they see this supposed "new age" of farming succeding in only killing them faster, an age where food is supposed to be bountiful and cheap being destroyed simply because it doesn't meet standards set by those that have plenty to eat. With every new beginning comes new challenges to overcome but what happens when this new age isn't needed? The farmers of the past managed but now are deemed obsolete and tossed aside. Do you think that it was nesscessary for modern agriculture to sprout when it did?

Chapter 18

"I got a feel in' I'm bringin' bad luck to my folks. I got this feelin' I oughta go away an' let 'em be. I ain't comf'table bein' like this." -Uncle John 

This quote speaks volumes on Uncle John's character and how even after all these years, after all the good deeds he has done to clear his "sin" he still can't forgive himself. Even when everyone has moved on John is still stuck in the past and still tries to blame himself for the present. John, unsure of what to do, goes to Casy in the hopes that he understands him more than John understand himself but the truth is that no one knows John better than he knows himself and that it's because of this that John must find inner peace and finally stop his constant self-persecution. Do you think Uncle John could finally forgive himself for his past and start living again?

Chapter 3

This chapter I believe, is a over arching metaphor where the turtle is ones convictions and willingness to move forward despite what challenges comes their way. The red ant that infiltrates the exterior shell and attempts to harm the turtle from the inside is a metaphor for ones negative emotions that can corrupt oneself since red being a color being commonly associated with rage and hate but the turtle presses forward, defeating its inner demons. The terrain is yet another metaphor for ones surroundings and their influences that they make on its surrounding people similar to how living in a broken home can lead to a troubled life, however despite this their willpower exceeds their surrounding and once again the turtle continues on. it then encounters vehicles who are a metaphor for other people and how their actions both help and hinder ones convictions, ideatical to how one vehicle spares the turtle while the other goes out of its way to harm the turtle. The metaphor finally ends with the turtle unknowingly planting new life, a metaphor for how at the end of every hardship lyes hope. Do you agree with my interpretation? If not, do tell because I'm interested in what interpretations you made.

Chapter 29/30

There is a deep connection with the people and the land but I believe it's a much greater picture. Everywhere, whether the characters know it or not, there has been a conflict between individual and nature. It's what makes us instinctive land animals, from the cavemen we have learned that nature is fierce and aggressive. We've been fighting against our own land from the beginning. This book just gives us a pov of the people suffering because of others that take advantage of the effects. It shows that no matter how much you take, he people still have themselves & still have the capacity of binding together.

Chapter 28/29/30

With Tom leaving it seemed like the soul of the family was crushed. Looking back on things, one would think that Tom's leaving would have been the final nail in the coffin. However, Steinbeck goes even further, and has Rose deliver a stillborn child. The Joad family has lost nearly everything, and their future is still as uncertain as the day they first set out for California. It now seems like a completely useless endeavor. Everything they hoped for has faded, with the reality of the situation being so cruel. The Joad's, and Rose specifically no longer have anything to their name. Yet, they still find the heart to sacrafice for someone else. They never quit, despite how daunting their obstacles and pointless their efforts seemed. They have nothing yet they still manage to give.

Chapter 25

This chapter shows a failed harvest. Not because the year was too dry, or floods destroyed the crops. Not because the fruit came in sour and rotten. Not because bugs infested and crippled the crops. No, it was because a profit couldn't be turned. Money couldn't be made, and that deemed the fruit to be useless. Unable to fufill its purpose, not as food for the hungry, but a money for the rich. So the farmers toss it aside. Cripple their own crop, sabotage the dinner of thousands. Becuase these farmers pay no heed to the starving people around them, watching them. How can they? They could sell to these desperate families, but at the cost of angering the larger farms, and quite possibly losing their own homes and jobs. So who's fault is it? Can you really blame these small time farmers trying to keep up with the ever growing corporations disguised as farms? These farmers, they know they're only a step away from the "okies". They know they are one bad move away from starving with everyone else. So the blame is endless, an infinite loop. There is always someone to blame, something to blame. And it gets to the point where blame becomes pointless. It doesn't matter who screwed you over, it only matters that you were. So who do you blame? Who is the root of all this suffering?

Chapter 26

Jim Casey has always been a Switzerland type of person. He was never too hot, never too cold, always neutral until some recent chapters when he states to Tom that he's tired of talking and never acting out his ideas. Just as he says that he makes his first Christ-like step he takes the blame for Tom. From the beginning Jims message has always been to unity of the people's do love for one another, which is the same message Jesus came to spread. Similarly, both Jesus and Jim have sacrificed them selves multiple times for their people and dying for their beliefs. Plus, I don't think it's a coincidence that they have the same initials.

Chapter 19

As a reader I've come to a certain point where I've began to undertand and feel familiar with Steinbeck's writing. Yet, as I get further into the book I become more conflicted. How much of Steinbeck's dialogue is developement of the stroies characters, and how much is a reflection of Steinbeck's own views? The story is compelling because it so accurately depicts what a family of that time, in that sitaution would be like. However, does it ever seem that Steinbeck impliments a bias or personal set of views on his characters? If so, do you think his own beliefs changes the book in any way?  

Chapter 30 Spoiler

The ending of Chapter 30 completely shocked me. The ending was so distinct and memorable, one that I did not expect at all. Rose of Sharon's labor and Pa trying to build a flood bank are similar because they end negatively and cause the same emotion to the reader. I felt hopeless and pessimistic. When Uncle John was sent to bury the dead baby, he sent it down the river to deliver a message, much like what Moses (Biblical refrence) as a baby was sent to do. Even after the Joad's had so many obstacles in front of them, they still managed to keep moving foward. Once they got to the dry barn, Rose of Sharon breastfed the sick man in order to keep him alive. She was once a naive, self- centered girl and now she has transformed into a figure of maternal love. Overall, the last three chapters in the book were very interesting and Steinbeck managed to leave me craving for more.