"In all her intercourse with society, however, there was
nothing that made her feel as if she belonged to it. Every
gesture, every word, and even the silence of those with
whom she came in contact, implied, and often expressed,
that she was banished, and as much alone as if she
inhabited another sphere, or communicated with the
common nature by other organs and senses than the rest of
human kind. She stood apart from moral interests, yet
close beside them, like a ghost that revisits the familiar
fireside, and can no longer make itself seen or felt; no
more smile with the household joy, nor mourn with the
kindred sorrow; or, should it succeed in manifesting its
forbidden sympathy, awakening only terror and horrible
repugnance."
This quote speaks to me at a personal level. I choose this quote because I feel we can relate to Hester Prynne by how she still feels outcast-ed even after being released from jail and by how much she's started talking again to the people. Like no matter how much she interacts with society she still feels unwelcome, even to people whom she's never met.
Which I ask you guys: How you ever felt you've never belonged in a certain place? Even if you've been there for years or a couple of days. Or! Even around a group of people.
I enjoyed this quote as well, it reminded me of the mistreatment of the Okies in The Grapes of Wrath because no matter how respectful the migrant workers were to the Californians they were treated with disdain.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you Nicole, although Hester is being treated unfairly, she keeps it all to herself and doesn't try to rise up against them.
DeleteI loved this quote as well! I think many of us can relate to it since we are always trying to fit in with one another. I believe one little damage society creates,can impact your life forever just as the people damaged Hester.
ReplyDeleteYeah this quote also reminded me of the atrocious treatment of the migrants in the Grapes of Wrath as well. The Townspeople are shaming Hester, like the Californians shamed the "Okies". The only difference is Hester's baby provides a sort of protection, that the migrants never had. I think the quote also relates to The Jews during the Holocaust. They were Ostracized and degraded like Hester, but more severely. I can very much relate to Hester's situation as the Town's outcast as well.
ReplyDeleteThis quote is one of my favorites so far. I definitely relate to this on a personal level as well.
ReplyDeleteI think almost everyone can, which makes Hester such a sympathetic character. Most of us have been in a scenario where we try so hard to fit in with a group or person who want nothing to do with us. Rejection is a universal occurrence which we all must endure, maybe not to the same extent as Hester, but being rejected is an inevitability we all must face on some degree.
DeleteNow that you pointed this quote out, it grabbed my attention more than it did when I first read it. It is true how many people can relate to this because I think everyone at one point as tried to fit in somewhere. Whether they were actually able to fit in or not. This is now one of my favorite quotes from this book so far.
ReplyDeleteI can also relate to this on perosnal level. Todays society, especially the adolescents, focus on blending in with the group and worry too much about it. Hester is young and is a target for everyone, including preachers, but still continues to do her own thing and keep her daughter safe.
ReplyDeleteIn the society that we live in now and in the story when you do something that is different or shameful you become an outcast, laughed at, shunned, and something that shouldn't be in society anymore.
ReplyDeleteI can relate to this. Eventually every human will discover some groups of people or community aren't where they belong. When I discover that I am becoming an "outcast", I begin to try to become associated with people I feel more comfortable with in which I am going through right now.
ReplyDeleteAlthough, I believe that what Hester did was very brave of her. After she was released from jail, she had to option to flee but, she chose to stay. Honestly,if people tried to shun me for something that I felt was appropriate to do, I would move. Knowing that people have committed sins in their life before, I would consider them to be hypocritical and judgmental and go on and do my own thing. They are totally oblivious of their own sins that they made.
ReplyDeleteI agree Tonda, I would move as well if I lived in a town with those judgemental figures. Hester staying in the town for her lover is not helping her child or herself. The bible even says that "all have sinned and come short of the glory of the lord". The townspeople have no right to "throw stones" at pearl when they have all sinned. At the end of the day God is the only one that can judge any of us for our transgressions.
DeleteThis quote reminds me of the segregation of the Okies. Hester's case is however different because she chooses to stay even when she can successfully start a new life in a different community. Personally i think that was a brave decision. I don't think i will remain in the same place after a public humiliation and people being so judgmental about it.
ReplyDeleteI agree, after everything that has happened to Hester she's felt so lonely and all she wants is acceptance.
ReplyDelete