Chapter 5- While reading this chapter I continue to sympathize with Hester. Yes I am happy that she is released from the prison but at the same time I feel that the prison was much more safer than the outside world. She'll be wearing that letter for the rest of her life, becoming a symbol of female passion and frailty for the entire town. The worst part about this whole ordeal is that Hester is actually staying in New England. "What, finally she reasoned upon as her motive for continuing a resident of New England was half a truth, and a self delusion. Here she said to herself, had been the scene of her guilt, and here should be the scene her earthly punishment; and so, perchance, the torture of her daily shame would at length purge her soul and work out another purity than that which she had lost; more saintlike, because the result of martyrdom." (pg. 77) Its like to leave Boston would leave her unsettled for the rest of her life. Hester and Pearl settle in an abandoned cabin in the outskirts of town. Wow, her sin drives her to the border of society and nature, very secluded from everyone else. Again here I am having sympathy for her because it is just her and Pearl. Hester supports herself as a seamstress, at least she's making a living. While reading this chapter I was very disgusted by the people's actions. The same people that pay her for her work, including the Governor still look down at her and continue to shun her. Children mock her and are afraid of her. Hester Prynne can't catch a break.
Chapter 6- In this chapter we get to know the child born out of sin, Pearl. Such a beautiful name. The narrator describes Pearl as the human manifestation of Hester's sin. Not only can't Hester catch a break, but her daughter as well. Reading this chapter of Pearl saddens me greatly. The people in this town look down upon Pearl as a sinner. She's just an innocent child that happened to be born into a world were her life has already been decided for her thanks to her mother and father! A social outcast may I add. The fact that little kids her age are brainwashed by their stupid misguided parents about Pearl is just ridiculous. Pearl only has her mother to be her companion, and that is just sad. Also in this chapter I feel that Pearl not having a father figure in her life is affecting her reckless behavior. Just saying.
Chapter 7- In this chapter I am really baffled as to why authorities are planning to take Pearl away from Hester because they think Pearl is possessed and dangerous to her. And if Pearl isn't possessed they deserves a less sinful mother. Oh wow, after years of shunning them they actually care about Pearl and Hester well being. This is another way of punishing Hester. This is low even for them. Hester goes to the Governors house to see if the rumors are true and to bring him gloves. Its good that she is brave enough to leave her home and to fight for her daughters well being.
Chapter 8- In this chapter we are again introduced to Governor Bellingham, John Wilson, none other than Roger Chillingworth, and Arthur Dimmesdale. The fact that Hester is hidden from them at first and Pearl is not shows me the difference in their character. When The Governor proposes the idea that they want to take Pearl away from Hester, Hester argues that she is best fit to teach Pearl lessons from the scarlet letter. I was proud of Hester because she has enough courage to stand up to the men standing in front of her, who look at her disapprovingly. Also you can see the love she has for her daughter because she will die before they take her away from her. After the affection he showed to her back, and the fact that he stood up for Hester when the other men wouldn't, my main suspect of Pearl's father is Dimmesdale.
Chapter 9- This chapter talks about Roger Chillingworth and Dimmesdale's relationship. Honestly I feel like Roger is using Dimmesdale, somehow . Like its said keep your friends close and your enemies closer. The novels two worst sinners now live together. Splendid. Chillingworth is seen as the Devil by most people. And Dimmesdale is slowly starting to die. Their sin's are catching up to them.
I totally agree with what you wrote about chapter 5 and 6. It is easy for me to sympathize with Hester and Pearl because they both get a lot of bad and unfair treatment. And it is much more unfair for Pearl to be treated that way by the locals because she is innocent.
ReplyDeleteDo you think Pearl should be punished for her mother's sins? Do you think society has it in them to forgive children for their parents' sins?
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