Questions XL - Chapter The Last
#1
Jim is a good person, he risked his own life for Tom. He put Tom's heath before his freedom (life).
#2
After that, the people didn't treat Jim as bad as they would have done if he hadn't held this speech.
The people are very gullible, they get convinced so easily by other person's opinions. I don't really like this attitude, but it helped Jim!
#3
Tom makes a necklace out of it so that he can show it around like: Look, I got shot but I'm still alive. Again, this is a hint to romantic novels because big heroes probably would have done the same.
#4
He is going to run away soon. This society does not make much sense to him so he prefers to create his own universe again. He doesn't want to be civilized and educated, etc. All he wants is being free and having the freedom of going wherever he wants to.
#5
You would have had a complete different book with a third person as the narrator. You als wouldn't have created such a strong relationship to Huck.
Huck is an unreliable narrator, he doesn't really know what's happening. But his way of telling the story (in his childish, naive way) makes the book also unique. It is not as normal as all the other books are, where the narrator is omniscient.
If a different person would have told the story it wouldn't have been as funny as it was. Huck's character makes it one of a kind. Toms view, for instance, would have turned the book into a simple romantic story.
Monday, December 13, 2010
Sunday, December 12, 2010
History Finals
Questions for History Finals
PART I: 1492-1754
1) What was Columbus looking for?
India
PART I: 1492-1754
1) What was Columbus looking for?
India
2) Why was a passage to India important for European countries to find?
The Europeans looked for a way to start a direct trade between Europe and Asia
3) How did the crusades change European and how did it lead to the exploration of the "New World"?
They awake Europe to trade, to make money
4) How did tobacco change the course of America (particularly the Virginia colony)?
Made America more than ‘getting rid of people’, enabled Jamestown to survive, “you can make money in America”, gave people who came over to America land, but also led to slavery
5) Discuss the rise of self-government in America (make sure you note the House of Burgesses, the Mayflower Compact and the Fundamental Orders of Connecticut).
6) How did religion play an essential role in the shaping of the early colonies?
Freedom of religion was important; people from Europe looked for a place to practice their own beliefs in peace because they were persecuted in their home countries.
7) Discuss why early colonists came to America (the various reasons - begin to relate these to the American Dream and the American Character).
Came with idea of religious freedom, idea of owning land, idea of capitalism, making money (all part of today’s American Dream)
8) What was the Great Migration?
The Puritan’s migration to New England; they looked for religious freedom because of persecution in their home country
9) What was the renaissance and how does it fit with the exploration of the Americas?
A revival of interest in art, humanities, science, stimulated through the connection with the Middle East after the crusades, stimulated by trade, people had more time to dedicate themselves to art and education because they made money with trading, people were trying to find even better trade routes (which led to Columbus)
10) Where the 1st Europeans to the Americas "Explorers" or "Invaders"? Please justify your answer.
11) How did the English distance the relationship between indentured whites and black slaves? Why did they fear a relationship between the two?
The English feared the slaves would get together against the British; indentured whites formed bonds, which could have trained slaves how to rebel, they rewarded indentured whites with land when they were free (if you were black, slavery was never over; whites were released after a certain time)
13) Know the following people:
John Rolfe: Married Pocahontas, was able to harvest the first tobacco plant for Virginia -> saved the Virginia Company
John Smith: Military man, went along to set up the Virginia plantations, helped them survive for the first years
John Winthrop: Founder of the Massachusetts Bay colony
Anne Hutchinson: Kicked out of Massachusetts because she began questioning religious authority, she believed that god spoke to her directly (no-go because she was a woman), went to rhode island after being banned
Roger Williams: Founder of Rhode Island, believed that the government should not make people worship in a certain way and not take away land from natives
William Bradford: Responsible for the Mayflower Compact
John Wheelright: Founder of New Hampshire
Jacques Marquette: Explores the Mississippi River, French
Samuel de Champlain: Explorer, Founder of Montréal
Francis Drake: English pirate, steals from the Spanish ships that are returning from the New World, first Englishman to sail around the world
John Cabot: Explores Newfoundland
Henry Hudson: Exlores Hudson Bay and River
Ferdinand Magellan: Spanish, first person to sail around the world
Francisco Pizarro: Conqueres the Incas, Spanish
Hernan Cortes: Spanish, conquers the Aztecs
Squanto, Samoset: Natives who helped the Pilgrims
14) What is the difference between the Separatists and Puritans?
Puritans wanted to reform the Anglican religion, separatists wanted to break off
15) Discuss King Phillips War and how it changed America?
King Phillip = Native leader, changed America because it completely wiped out his group, made Massachusetts open (Native-free) for new people to settle there
16) When did the 1st Africans come to the English colonies? Where? What was the purpose of importing them (be specific)?
Virginia colony, to farm tobacco, in 1619
17) According to Zinn why were Africans easier to force into labor than Native Americans or poor white immigrants?
They didn’t know the country, didn’t know each other or each other’s culture, disconnected from their culture, didn’t know anybody
19) How did religious freedom, slavery, and self-government shape the first 13 colonies (be exact - this should be an paragraph for each).
Religious freedom: the Northern States were founded for being able to worship freely, people from Europe were escaping religious persecution and went to the Northern States (rhode island, Maryland etc.)
Slavery: slavery was popular in the southern states because slaves were used and needed for labor, states were based on agriculture (rice and tobacco), slaves were cheap labor
Self-government: starts in Virginia, it became important for the colonists to have some sort of government, in the beginning there were charters, colonies asking for own government
20) How did the Massacre at Mystic change America?
It made it acceptable to kill Native Americans, made it legitimate to kill Natives as a way to remove them
22) What was Nat Bacon's rebellion really about?
Rebellion against the English government; settlers in Virginia wanted to continue to move west, the government didn’t allow them to move into Native territories; shows the colonists were not willing to be directed by a king thousands of miles away
23) Why did Philadelphia become an important city?
20) How did the Massacre at Mystic change America?
It made it acceptable to kill Native Americans, made it legitimate to kill Natives as a way to remove them
22) What was Nat Bacon's rebellion really about?
Rebellion against the English government; settlers in Virginia wanted to continue to move west, the government didn’t allow them to move into Native territories; shows the colonists were not willing to be directed by a king thousands of miles away
23) Why did Philadelphia become an important city?
It became sort of the capital of the US, had a large population, big thinkers (ben franklin) lived there, had theatres and libraries and newspapers, a place that was open for everybody (religion), 1st and 2nd continental congress met in Philadelphia
PART II: FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR
* What are the reasons the war starts and spreads to become a world war?
Struggle for land and territory, control over the Ohio valley, religious differences
Colonists wanted to move west, British wanted to get the French out of America, French wanted to get the british out of “their” territory, Native unbalanced power in the region, didn’t want the English there
*What are the reasons the French lost?
French government stopped providing their army with supplies, French have trouble keeping their Native allies because they upset them
*How do the British turn the tide of the War?
They take over Ticonderoga, convince the Natives to not support the French, give the colonists pretty much all they want to make them join them and get rid of their French ally
* What are the results of the war?
French: removed from North America, lose their power
Natives: colonist invading their land more and more
British: a large war debt to pay off (although they won)
* How did the war begin?
George Washington was sent with a group of Natives to move the French out of Pittsburgh, the Natives attacked and killed the French leader -> sparked the war
*What was George Washington's role in the war and how did it prepare him for the Revolution?
Aid of General Braddock, learned a lot about discipline and how to train an army, it set up his ideas what a professional army needed
* Why were the following people important:
Edward Braddock: The English leader against the French, the first British general in America, underestimates the French and Indian method to fight (thoght they would never stand up to a professional army like the British’s)
Half-King: Native leader, killed the French leader (actually starts the war)
Marquis de Montcalm: French leader, won basically all his battles until Montréal
* How did the war begin?
George Washington was sent with a group of Natives to move the French out of Pittsburgh, the Natives attacked and killed the French leader -> sparked the war
*What was George Washington's role in the war and how did it prepare him for the Revolution?
Aid of General Braddock, learned a lot about discipline and how to train an army, it set up his ideas what a professional army needed
* Why were the following people important:
Edward Braddock: The English leader against the French, the first British general in America, underestimates the French and Indian method to fight (thoght they would never stand up to a professional army like the British’s)
Half-King: Native leader, killed the French leader (actually starts the war)
Marquis de Montcalm: French leader, won basically all his battles until Montréal
James Wolfe: Leader in the battle of Quebec
General Forbes: British general who built the road from Pennsylvania to what becomes Fort Pitt, made ally with the Natives
William Pitt: British minister, gave the colonies pretty much what they wanted
* Discuss the Native Indians role and importance in the war. What battles did they fight in? How did they change the power structure? What agenda did they have?
Fought with the French
Fought in Fort William Henry, Fort Dequisne, Fort Oswego
The side they were on won most of the early battles
The side they were on won most of the early battles
They wanted a group to win that would not take away their land
* The French and Indian war begin over what area of land?
Ohio country
* Why did the Native Americans take captives? Was this an effective practice?
Used them to threaten colonists, to replace warriors, to exchange warriors or goods, to warn settlers in their area
* The French and Indian war begin over what area of land?
Ohio country
* Why did the Native Americans take captives? Was this an effective practice?
Used them to threaten colonists, to replace warriors, to exchange warriors or goods, to warn settlers in their area
PART III: The Revolution
1) According to Paul Johnson what was the most deciding factor in the colonists victory over the British.
Better leaders
2) How did the colonists win the media war, the ideological battle and the emotional battle?
Media war: had control over all the media, used it for propaganda, used certain events as propaganda (boston massacre)
Ideological battle: better leaders, declaration of independence, reasons for actual war, Thomas Jefferson is able to synthesize their philosophy into political ideas, British didn’t have a real reason for war
Emotional battle: idea of a common good, also propaganda (such as Common Sense, the Crisis written by Thomas Paine)
3) What important things did Patrick Henry do?
“Give me liberty or give me death”-speech, one of the grat orators of the revoluton, convinced Virginia to vote for independence (-> big influence)
4) How was Thomas Jefferson a “mass of contradictions”
he did one thing and was convinced of the opposite: He owned slaves but was against slavery; voted against importation from british goods but bought a lot from Britain
5) What was Thomas Jefferson’s most important quality (according to Johnson)
Had the ability to look at the philosophy of history (the moment) and to synthesize it for the general public; wrote the Declaration of Independece
6) What did Common Sense do? Who wrote it?
Thomas Paine
Propaganda, persuasive in an emotional way, brings together the masses, 1000 copies, bought and sold all over the country, everyone who could read bought it
7) What was the 1st constitution? What powers did it give the government?
The Articles of Confederation were the first constitution and it granted the government power to conduct war
8) What was the paradox of the war (at least from Britain's point of view)?
The British didn’t really want to win the war; if they won it would have cost them only more money and trouble to keep their colonies in line, if they lost they basically just lost their pride
9) What was Washington's main strength as a commander? Why did he win the war?
Discipline; he knew how to train an army. He won the war because he was able to keep the army alive and made the soldiers hold out until the British surrendered
10) What were the four points of the Peace of Paris - as laid out by John Adams?
1. Independence for America
2. Fishing rights in Newfoundland
3. Definite boundary between Canada and the US
4. Boundaries of the 13 colonies
11) Why did slavery increase during the revolution?
Soldiers needed to be replaced on the fields, the slaves were cheap labor, a lot more demand for goods needed to be satisfied
12) Who were the big losers of the war (name three)? List what they lost and explain why they are the biggest losers.
France= didn’t get anything from the war, they supported the Americans but were forgotten in the end
Britain= lose their colonies and pride, just got further in debt
Natives= were removed, their land was taken away
13) What happened to the Loyalists in America after the war?
The options:
1. Stayung in America but being put up with rebukes from their countrymen -> were treated as permanent outsiders
2. Going to Britain (British didn’t really want them either)
3. Going west (best option!)
14) What were the most important battles of the war? Why do you think they are the most important? (Note battles is plural)?
Trenton – gave Washington’s army a much needed victory
Yorktown – last major battle in the war, made America win
Princeton – another Washington victory, surprise attack on New Year’s Day
Saratoga – showed the French that the Americans could actually win -> made French join the American side
15) List at least five reasons why the Americans won.
Better leaders, population was growing, defending is easier than attacking, support of the people, America a reason to win, home court advantage, alliance with the French
16) List the importance of the following people in the cause of the Revolution.
A) Thomas Paine: wrote The Crisis and Common Sense, a propagandist
B) Thomas Jefferson: wrote Declaration of Independence, won the ideological war, but was not a was not a speaker
C) John Adams: One of the Founding Fathers, spoke on the floor of the first and second continental congress, which helped voting for independence
D) Samuel Adams: formed the Sons of Liberty, the important agitator behind the propaganda (Boston Massacre, Tea Party)
E) John Hancock: rich man from Boston, first person to sign the Declaration of Independence, the money behind the revolution (without money he wouldn’t have been important)
F) George Washington: the leader of the army and therefore face of the revolution
G) James Otis: Came up with the slogan “No taxation without representation”, Boston lawyer, influenced the Founding Fathers
H) Benjamin Franklin: convinced the French to join America, the face of America in Europe, internationally known
I) Benedict Arnold (think beyond his treason): defeats the British several times (Saratoga)
J) Patrick Henry: Give me liberty or give me death - speech, without him America probably wouldn’t have the Bill of Rights
K) Alexander Hamilton: was born in the West Indies, set up the bank of America, became right hand of Washington
17) Who was Molly Pitcher?
Took over the canon after her husband went away
18) Why did the British strategy for the war make little sense?
Just took over the major capitals, they took their time, were too kind with the Americans (thought the Americans were misguided and just needed to be brought back to normal)
19) How did the British fail to win the war in 1776? Who was the General in charge?
General Howe;
Waited too long and didn’t fight in the winter (European strategy)
20) "America was already developing the notion that all were entitled to the best if they worked hard enough, that aiming high was not only morally acceptable but admirable." Discuss the importance of this statement.
American dream
21) Who were the two most important people involved with the push towards a new constitution?
Madison, Hamilton
22) Give examples of how the Articles of Confederation failed.
They didn’t establish a strong central government:
When shay’s rebellion happened they didn’t really know what to do
Made 13 different states regulating things like trade amongst each others and dealing and breaking treaties with foreign countries on their own
They couldn’t tax money
--> 13 separate countries doing whatever they wanted
23) In your option why would some people prefer State rights over a strong Central government. What are the arguments for both sides?
Strong Central Government: Would give stability
State Rights: Government can’s misuse the power and limit the state’s rights
24) What is a nomiocracy? How do you feel about this term connected with the U.S. government?
A government run by lawyers
25) What were the three compromises on the Constitution? Which one of these seems the strangest to you?
1. slavery
2. Electing a president
3. Rights of house and senat
26) What is the irony about the President vs. a King as example by Johnson?
The President had more power than the king
27) Know the importance of Valley Forge. What happened there? What the troops had to overcome? Compare this with the British winter quarters.
Was the winter quarter for the American army, the troops become closer, built up the basis of what becomes the army that wins the war, made America win a victory of strength and mind (In contrast: The British were comfortable in Philadelphia)
28) What help did France, Spain, and the Netherlands offer the colonies?
France: money and troops
Netherlands and Spain: money
29) What is important about Judith Sargeant Murray and Abigail Adams?
Fought for women’s rights
30) Discuss the war in the west.
31) Discuss the war in the south.
32) What is the importance of the following people: A) George Rogers Clark. B) John Paul Jones. C) Nathanael Greene. D) Comte de Rochambeau. E) Admiral Francois de Grasse.33) What is important about Washington's farewell address?
34) Why did the natives give support to the British?
35) Why did the British think their military forces were superior to those of the Americans?
36) Why was fighting on their own land an advantage for the Americans?
PART IV: The Constitution, Jefferson, War of 1812, Jackson
1) Discuss the significance of Thomas Jefferson's quote: "A little rebellion now and then is a good thing...God forbid that we should ever be twenty year without such a rebellion...The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants."
2) Why did Shay's Rebellion happen?
3) The constitution is "a political creation, hammered together in a series of artfully negotiated compromises. Discuss these compromises.
4) What was the Virginia Plan?
5) "No person held in service" was a euphemism for what?
6) List the basic Powers and Checks of the three branches of the government.
7) Who wrote the Federalist Papers and why did they write them?
Madison, Hamilton and john jay, to get support for the ratification of the constitution, why the constitution should be ratified
9) Who could wrote in the first election (what parts of the population)?
10) How did Washington D.C. come be located on the banks of the Potomac?
The leaders of Virginia wanted to have influence, they wanted to have infuence on the government
11) What did Jay's Treaty do?
Was under john adams, kept the united states out of the war with britain
12) What was the "Whiskey Rebellion" and how was it put down?
Uprising by western farmers putting tax on whiskey, to raise the money, farmers could make money out of whiskey
13) Describe the election of 1800? How was it finally resolved?
14) Who was John Marshall?
15) Why did France sell its North America possessions (the Louisiana territory) to the U.S.?
Napoleon no longer had the right over Haiti, he needed money, needed to concentrate on the war in Europe
7) What was the 1st constitution? What powers did it give the government?
The Articles of Confederation were the first constitution and it granted the government power to conduct war
8) What was the paradox of the war (at least from Britain's point of view)?
The British didn’t really want to win the war; if they won it would have cost them only more money and trouble to keep their colonies in line, if they lost they basically just lost their pride
9) What was Washington's main strength as a commander? Why did he win the war?
Discipline; he knew how to train an army. He won the war because he was able to keep the army alive and made the soldiers hold out until the British surrendered
10) What were the four points of the Peace of Paris - as laid out by John Adams?
1. Independence for America
2. Fishing rights in Newfoundland
3. Definite boundary between Canada and the US
4. Boundaries of the 13 colonies
11) Why did slavery increase during the revolution?
Soldiers needed to be replaced on the fields, the slaves were cheap labor, a lot more demand for goods needed to be satisfied
12) Who were the big losers of the war (name three)? List what they lost and explain why they are the biggest losers.
France= didn’t get anything from the war, they supported the Americans but were forgotten in the end
Britain= lose their colonies and pride, just got further in debt
Natives= were removed, their land was taken away
13) What happened to the Loyalists in America after the war?
The options:
1. Stayung in America but being put up with rebukes from their countrymen -> were treated as permanent outsiders
2. Going to Britain (British didn’t really want them either)
3. Going west (best option!)
14) What were the most important battles of the war? Why do you think they are the most important? (Note battles is plural)?
Trenton – gave Washington’s army a much needed victory
Yorktown – last major battle in the war, made America win
Princeton – another Washington victory, surprise attack on New Year’s Day
Saratoga – showed the French that the Americans could actually win -> made French join the American side
15) List at least five reasons why the Americans won.
Better leaders, population was growing, defending is easier than attacking, support of the people, America a reason to win, home court advantage, alliance with the French
16) List the importance of the following people in the cause of the Revolution.
A) Thomas Paine: wrote The Crisis and Common Sense, a propagandist
B) Thomas Jefferson: wrote Declaration of Independence, won the ideological war, but was not a was not a speaker
C) John Adams: One of the Founding Fathers, spoke on the floor of the first and second continental congress, which helped voting for independence
D) Samuel Adams: formed the Sons of Liberty, the important agitator behind the propaganda (Boston Massacre, Tea Party)
E) John Hancock: rich man from Boston, first person to sign the Declaration of Independence, the money behind the revolution (without money he wouldn’t have been important)
F) George Washington: the leader of the army and therefore face of the revolution
G) James Otis: Came up with the slogan “No taxation without representation”, Boston lawyer, influenced the Founding Fathers
H) Benjamin Franklin: convinced the French to join America, the face of America in Europe, internationally known
I) Benedict Arnold (think beyond his treason): defeats the British several times (Saratoga)
J) Patrick Henry: Give me liberty or give me death - speech, without him America probably wouldn’t have the Bill of Rights
K) Alexander Hamilton: was born in the West Indies, set up the bank of America, became right hand of Washington
17) Who was Molly Pitcher?
Took over the canon after her husband went away
18) Why did the British strategy for the war make little sense?
Just took over the major capitals, they took their time, were too kind with the Americans (thought the Americans were misguided and just needed to be brought back to normal)
19) How did the British fail to win the war in 1776? Who was the General in charge?
General Howe;
Waited too long and didn’t fight in the winter (European strategy)
20) "America was already developing the notion that all were entitled to the best if they worked hard enough, that aiming high was not only morally acceptable but admirable." Discuss the importance of this statement.
American dream
21) Who were the two most important people involved with the push towards a new constitution?
Madison, Hamilton
22) Give examples of how the Articles of Confederation failed.
They didn’t establish a strong central government:
When shay’s rebellion happened they didn’t really know what to do
Made 13 different states regulating things like trade amongst each others and dealing and breaking treaties with foreign countries on their own
They couldn’t tax money
--> 13 separate countries doing whatever they wanted
23) In your option why would some people prefer State rights over a strong Central government. What are the arguments for both sides?
Strong Central Government: Would give stability
State Rights: Government can’s misuse the power and limit the state’s rights
24) What is a nomiocracy? How do you feel about this term connected with the U.S. government?
A government run by lawyers
25) What were the three compromises on the Constitution? Which one of these seems the strangest to you?
1. slavery
2. Electing a president
3. Rights of house and senat
26) What is the irony about the President vs. a King as example by Johnson?
The President had more power than the king
27) Know the importance of Valley Forge. What happened there? What the troops had to overcome? Compare this with the British winter quarters.
Was the winter quarter for the American army, the troops become closer, built up the basis of what becomes the army that wins the war, made America win a victory of strength and mind (In contrast: The British were comfortable in Philadelphia)
28) What help did France, Spain, and the Netherlands offer the colonies?
France: money and troops
Netherlands and Spain: money
29) What is important about Judith Sargeant Murray and Abigail Adams?
Fought for women’s rights
30) Discuss the war in the west.
31) Discuss the war in the south.
32) What is the importance of the following people: A) George Rogers Clark. B) John Paul Jones. C) Nathanael Greene. D) Comte de Rochambeau. E) Admiral Francois de Grasse.33) What is important about Washington's farewell address?
34) Why did the natives give support to the British?
35) Why did the British think their military forces were superior to those of the Americans?
36) Why was fighting on their own land an advantage for the Americans?
PART IV: The Constitution, Jefferson, War of 1812, Jackson
1) Discuss the significance of Thomas Jefferson's quote: "A little rebellion now and then is a good thing...God forbid that we should ever be twenty year without such a rebellion...The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants."
2) Why did Shay's Rebellion happen?
3) The constitution is "a political creation, hammered together in a series of artfully negotiated compromises. Discuss these compromises.
4) What was the Virginia Plan?
5) "No person held in service" was a euphemism for what?
6) List the basic Powers and Checks of the three branches of the government.
7) Who wrote the Federalist Papers and why did they write them?
Madison, Hamilton and john jay, to get support for the ratification of the constitution, why the constitution should be ratified
9) Who could wrote in the first election (what parts of the population)?
10) How did Washington D.C. come be located on the banks of the Potomac?
The leaders of Virginia wanted to have influence, they wanted to have infuence on the government
11) What did Jay's Treaty do?
Was under john adams, kept the united states out of the war with britain
12) What was the "Whiskey Rebellion" and how was it put down?
Uprising by western farmers putting tax on whiskey, to raise the money, farmers could make money out of whiskey
13) Describe the election of 1800? How was it finally resolved?
14) Who was John Marshall?
15) Why did France sell its North America possessions (the Louisiana territory) to the U.S.?
Napoleon no longer had the right over Haiti, he needed money, needed to concentrate on the war in Europe
With this purchase, Jefferson made the Central Government stronger.
16) What did Lewis and Clark do? Describe their journey?
16) What did Lewis and Clark do? Describe their journey?
17) How did Hamilton incur the wrath of Aaron Burr? Was he right in what he did? How did the ordeal end?
He interfered with or stopped Burr’s ability to win President, stopped the ability to become Governor of new york, Burr war pretty much dead after that
Was he right? Hamilton thought Burr was corrupt and did things that were better for himself than for the country
18) What was Jefferson's Embargo Act? Why was it unpopular and what was it supposed to do?
During the war between France and England, Jefferson was trying to not take sides and keeping the US out of the war -> one way to do that was keeping the US out of trade -> made him extremely unpopular
19) What did Tecumseh try and do?
He tried to bring together all the Native tribes, put together an alliance against the invaders
20) Describe the Battle of Tippecanoe?
21) Most historians call the War of 1812 a draw. Why?
The treaty (outcome of the war) did nothing, didn’t answer the question that led to the war
22) Describe the Battle of New Orleans.
23) What did the Monroe Doctrine state?
No interference in the American powers by the Western hemisphere, warning to the European powers to stay out of American business
24) What was the Missouri Compromise?
25) How was the election of 1824 decided? Why was it called a "corrupt bargain"?
There were 4 candidates (Andrew Jackson, John Q Adams, Henry Clay…), while Jackson had the most votes, no candidate had the majority -> Jackson went to the House of Representatives, Henry Clay was the head of the House of Representatives
John Adams was a better candidate, Andrew Jackson was hot-headed, Adams won because he was named by Henry Clay
26) List some of the labels attached to Andrew Jackson.
27) Was Andrew Jackson an Indian hater? What did the natives call him? What "Indian Wars" did he fight in and what was the outcome? What was his native "policy" as President?
28) How did Jackson come to symbolize the common people?
29) Name the 1st seven Presidents of the United States
War of 1812
1) Importance of Fort McHenry: the National Anthem
2) Burning of D.C. by the British:
3) Battle of Baltimore (Plattsburg): where the British general is killed, war is going to an end
4) Battle of New Orleans: After the treaty had been signed, combined American forces (militia, common people, black people, pirates etc.) were fighting, most lopsided victory in American history, made Andrew Jackson a national hero, symbolized that America could stand up to a foreign invasion
5) Native Defeats: Tecumseh and the Creeks (Battle of Thames and Horseshoe Bend)
Compromises of the consitution:
1. The division of House (amount of senators based on population) and Senat (amount of senators divided equally, every state has 2 senators)
2. Slavery (not the word slave in the constitution etc.)
3. How the President was elected
1) Discuss the following during Jackson administration:
a) The changes in voting policies
1) Discuss the following during Jackson administration:
a) The changes in voting policies
Voting policy opened up; 1. only white males who owned land and paid taxes were allowed to vote, 2. all white were allowed to vote
b) The Spoils System
Jackson gave positions in the Government to his friends and followers (people who helped him get elected)
c) Changes in the Electoral College
Before Jackson: the states chose who they wanted to vote for president,
b) The Spoils System
Jackson gave positions in the Government to his friends and followers (people who helped him get elected)
c) Changes in the Electoral College
Before Jackson: the states chose who they wanted to vote for president,
During Jackson: the actual people voted for president -> it became more democratic
d) The fight between State Rights and the Central Government (think about the Tariff Debate, the Issue of Nullification, John C. Calhoun and the threat of secession). How do these issues foreshadow the Civil War?
The South didn’t like the tariff that Jackson put on imported goods, they believed that the states had a right to nullify the law if it didn’t help them at all
d) The fight between State Rights and the Central Government (think about the Tariff Debate, the Issue of Nullification, John C. Calhoun and the threat of secession). How do these issues foreshadow the Civil War?
The South didn’t like the tariff that Jackson put on imported goods, they believed that the states had a right to nullify the law if it didn’t help them at all
Calhoun plays with the idea of secession (does a state have the right to secede?)
Jackson supported the Central Government, Calhoun quits being Vice President to strengthen the state rights
2) Describe the Cherokee removal from their lands. Make sure you include the following:
a) How the Cherokee lived in 1830.
One of the five civilized tribes, they lived in farming societies, had a lot of things that United States people had (written language, books, newspapers), lived on land that settlers wanted (the Government of Georgia)
b) The previous treaties made to the Cherokee by the U.S. Government.
US had signed a treaty with the Cherokee as recognition, guarantee their property and their land; Georgia wanted this land
c) The Cherokee suing the state government and the ruling in the Supreme Court by John Marshall.
d) Andrew Jackson's reaction to John Marshall.
e) General Winfield Scott's role.
f) The Trail of Tears.
Thousands of cherokees died
3) Discuss Jackson's fight against the Bank of the United States.
a) What were his arguments against the bank?
He thought the bank was only for wealthy people; made wealthy people wealthier, it did nothing for the common men (Jackson himself was a selfmade man)
b) How does he win against the bank?
He took all the government’s money out of it -> bankrupt
Possible Essay Questions for Test:
4) Be able to trace self-government and the democracy from Virginia Plantation to the Jacksonian Era. Make sure you include reasons why self-government was important to the early colonies (and the earliest examples of colonists self-government), how the local governments come to have a separation of church and state, control of education, contain ideas of freedom of the press; how the French and Indian War was influence by the colonial self-government and how this begin the Revolution; the ideas found in the Declaration, Bill of Rights, and the fight between the ideas of State rights and a Strong Central Government; and who got to vote and how these voters expanded during Jackson's reign.
Self government starts with the House of Burgesses (Virginia plantations). It was important for the people in Virginia because it allowed them to make their own laws and to separate from the Virginia company. This was an important step because the company was thousands of miles away (in Britain) and it didn’t know what was going on on the plantations
The Fundamental Orders of Connecticut and the Mayflower Compact (the Pilgrims land outside of the Virginia charter, needed to have a reason/agreement to work together in order to survive) were the earliest forms of Self-Governments (South: formed for economical purposes, North: religious freedom;
Separation of church and state: Salem Witch Trials)
The control of education comes from the revival of the Great Awakening. It was a rebirth of religion, but also helped establish a lot of colleges in the US.
John Peter Zenger was responsible for the freedom of press, he tried to print articles about the Royal Government, he was found not guilty. He pushed the idea of publishing something about the royalties and not being punished.
French and Indian War was influenced by colonial self governemt: Colonies wanted to expand, British wanted the colonies’ support by giving money to them, the colonists felt that they didn’t have to listen to the British. They didn’t want to automatically follow the British Government because the British looked down on the colonists.
The Declaration of Independece included that all men are created equal. It contained the idea of democracy and that all men have certain rights. The Bill of Rights insured those rights.
Central vs. state government: what is the best for the people? Strong Central Government wins first, but idea of State Rights continues -> It’s not being revolved until the civil war
The discussion about who gets to vote was an argument of time; at first it was only white men who paid taxes, then all white men, eventually after the civil war all white men plus black men. After that, finally women were also included.
5) Be able to trace the idea of the American Dream or the Image of what it means to be an American from the Virginia Plantation (making money), to Plymouth Rock (came because of religious freedom) and the North Colonies, to the ideas of expansion, the Revolution, and the ideas of the self-made man. Be sure to include: Benjamin Franklin, Andrew Jackson, Alexander Hamilton, Thomas Jefferson, the ideas of the Revolution, and the Louisiana Purchase.
Idea of American dream starts way back in the beginning while the coonists came over, people who came over for the Virginia company came over for either making money or for religious freedom
Then the idea of expansion, the idea of going West developes because after the Eastern Coast was settled, settlers saw the possibilities of moving to the Western Coast and starting new farms there. The revoluton brought that all men are created equal and have equal rights to happiness. Everyone can own things, men who come from nothing (Ben Frankling, etc) became symbol
The Lousinia Purchase opens up the west and the United States suddenly have the right to expand and to settle on the other coast.
6) Discuss the role of slavery and its growth from its inception in 1619 through 1830. Make sure you bring up the following: the Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jefferson, the Constitution, the Compromise of 1820, Jackson's invasion of Florida, the difference between North and South economies.
Slavery started on the Virginia plantations because people were needed to harvest rice and tobacco, and slaves meant cheap labor. In the Declaration of Independence was written that all men are equal. Only slaves were not mentioned, so slaves were not included in this statement.
French and Indian War was influenced by colonial self governemt: Colonies wanted to expand, British wanted the colonies’ support by giving money to them, the colonists felt that they didn’t have to listen to the British. They didn’t want to automatically follow the British Government because the British looked down on the colonists.
The Declaration of Independece included that all men are created equal. It contained the idea of democracy and that all men have certain rights. The Bill of Rights insured those rights.
Central vs. state government: what is the best for the people? Strong Central Government wins first, but idea of State Rights continues -> It’s not being revolved until the civil war
The discussion about who gets to vote was an argument of time; at first it was only white men who paid taxes, then all white men, eventually after the civil war all white men plus black men. After that, finally women were also included.
5) Be able to trace the idea of the American Dream or the Image of what it means to be an American from the Virginia Plantation (making money), to Plymouth Rock (came because of religious freedom) and the North Colonies, to the ideas of expansion, the Revolution, and the ideas of the self-made man. Be sure to include: Benjamin Franklin, Andrew Jackson, Alexander Hamilton, Thomas Jefferson, the ideas of the Revolution, and the Louisiana Purchase.
Idea of American dream starts way back in the beginning while the coonists came over, people who came over for the Virginia company came over for either making money or for religious freedom
Then the idea of expansion, the idea of going West developes because after the Eastern Coast was settled, settlers saw the possibilities of moving to the Western Coast and starting new farms there. The revoluton brought that all men are created equal and have equal rights to happiness. Everyone can own things, men who come from nothing (Ben Frankling, etc) became symbol
The Lousinia Purchase opens up the west and the United States suddenly have the right to expand and to settle on the other coast.
6) Discuss the role of slavery and its growth from its inception in 1619 through 1830. Make sure you bring up the following: the Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jefferson, the Constitution, the Compromise of 1820, Jackson's invasion of Florida, the difference between North and South economies.
Slavery started on the Virginia plantations because people were needed to harvest rice and tobacco, and slaves meant cheap labor. In the Declaration of Independence was written that all men are equal. Only slaves were not mentioned, so slaves were not included in this statement.
Thomas Jefferson was a great writer but a mass of contradiction.
The Constitution insured slaves (3/5th comprmise) as a property that will be taxed. Like in the Declaration, the word slavery was not mentioned. The Compromise of 1820: The new states must equal out the power between free and slave states
One of Jackson’s excuse for invadind Florida was that there were runaway slaves The Constitution insured slaves (3/5th comprmise) as a property that will be taxed. Like in the Declaration, the word slavery was not mentioned. The Compromise of 1820: The new states must equal out the power between free and slave states
The North was slavery-free, in contrast to the South where slaves were needed because of economic reasons. The weather conditions in southern states offered a lot of plantation and therefore, a lot of labor was needed.
Wednesday, December 08, 2010
Huckleberry Finn
Huck Discussion Questions XXXI - XXXV
#1
Yes, because
He realizes he would literally go to hell for Jim, although he knows he is doing something wrong by running away with Jim (he is stealing someone's property), he is completely against society now; he decides to actually steal Jim
#2
He literally thinks he'll go to hell. He decides to help Jim, though.
#3
Again, Huck is reborn; he finally took a stand. The theme of death and rebirth is continued.
#4
"Providence always put the right words in my mouth."Huck sort of becomes religious with his sentence, he believes in fate. As long as he doesn't force his destiny, it will guide him through everything. Ms Watson probably would agree because she is a very religious person.
#5
He makes up a story again; she doesn't even think about the nigger as a human!
#6
Romanticism vs. realism, luck!, death and rebirth, freedom to form a plan (because he as access to insider information), help from Tom Sawyer
#7
Huck really wants to help Jim because they became friends, he feels responsible for him. Tom on the other side only wants adventure. He wants to experience an adventure he read about in his romantic books.
#8
He has a good heart. He still doesn't want them being punished this cruel although they haven't been good persons to Huck.
#9
Stealing is not okay, unless you use them for breaking out of prison.
#10
He thinks Tom knows what to do, he just follows him. He thinks Tom's way is the right way because he trusts his friend.
#1
Yes, because
He realizes he would literally go to hell for Jim, although he knows he is doing something wrong by running away with Jim (he is stealing someone's property), he is completely against society now; he decides to actually steal Jim
#2
He literally thinks he'll go to hell. He decides to help Jim, though.
#3
Again, Huck is reborn; he finally took a stand. The theme of death and rebirth is continued.
#4
"Providence always put the right words in my mouth."Huck sort of becomes religious with his sentence, he believes in fate. As long as he doesn't force his destiny, it will guide him through everything. Ms Watson probably would agree because she is a very religious person.
#5
He makes up a story again; she doesn't even think about the nigger as a human!
#6
Romanticism vs. realism, luck!, death and rebirth, freedom to form a plan (because he as access to insider information), help from Tom Sawyer
#7
Huck really wants to help Jim because they became friends, he feels responsible for him. Tom on the other side only wants adventure. He wants to experience an adventure he read about in his romantic books.
#8
He has a good heart. He still doesn't want them being punished this cruel although they haven't been good persons to Huck.
#9
Stealing is not okay, unless you use them for breaking out of prison.
#10
He thinks Tom knows what to do, he just follows him. He thinks Tom's way is the right way because he trusts his friend.
Tuesday, December 07, 2010
Huckleberry Finn
Huck Discussion Questions: XXI - XXIII
#1
Huck describes the town in Arkansaw as an area pretty dirty and muddy. The inhabitants are cruel persons, just like Twain described humans in "The Damned Human Race." They are able to lynch people of their town.
#2
Huck watches the Duke and the King in the role of an outsider. He observes them without reacting. Their ideas seem a little dubios and queer to Huck. He doesn't want to have anything to do with their role plays because he senses trouble arising from them, and he rather stays away from trouble.
#3
He says honor has to be protected with one's life, it's more important than any other value. With the scene in the drugstore he satirizes that people tend to be voyeuristic/curious. They have to be the first watching something, ALWAYS! Even in very personal situations (deaths, e.g.)
#4
When the Duke and the King performed Shakespeare, hardly anyone came to watch it because the town was not educated enough for such a "high educated" performance. Changing their acting to easier entertainment (Royal Nonesuch), it became a great success. Like a circus, this was nothing to think about, the audience didn't have to use their brains for understanding it. This is why the town liked the second performances and the circus so much.
#5
Huck still is a naive boy; Twain doesn't want the readers to forget about his character and his age. He lives through so many things that you almost forget he still is a child. With this incident, Twain recalls his naivity and gullibility.
#6
It made people curious because they wanted to know why women and children were not allowed. Again, this is a hint that people need to know everything. Every secret needs to be discovered.
#7
He compares these two men to real royalties. They are unreliable and not honest too. Both are selfish and addicted to money.
#8
It shows Jim's humanity. He misses his own children and wife and feels really bad for wronging 'Lizabeth. He can't forgive himself because he didn't have any right to slap her.
#9
-Widow adopts Huck, gives him education and food everyday, a bed to sleep in, makes him a "good boy"; Huck possesses 6000 Dollars; this life makes him feel uncomfortable, wants to get away
-He runs away from her -> Tom's gang (are pretty much only wanna-be's)
-Pap appears
-Huck gives the money to the Judge, doesn't want Pap to have it
-Pap takes him with him to a cabin, makes him live an easy life, Huck likes it although he gets slapped every now and then; but in the end he decides to run away
-he fakes his death, succedes to run away to Jackson Island
-Huck finds Jim (Ms. Watson's (the widow's sister) slave)
-he plays a prank on Jim (the snake's skin) -> bad luck; they travel with their boat over the river north
-Huck goes to town, dresses like a girl, the woman he tries to fool gets his "real" identity (his plan fails); he finds out the woman's husband is going to look for Jim on the island because of bounty set on him
-the "Walter Scott" incident (gang on a boat tries to kill one of the members, the baot sinks, Huck tries to help them)
-they get lost in the fog, Huck playing a joke on Jim
-their raft hits a steam boat, they get seperated
-Huck meets the Grangerfords; meets Jim again
-they run away together eventually
-they are meeting 2 guys pretending to be a Duke/ a King (two run-aways)
-Town of Arkansaw: they are acting Shakespeare; can't convince anyone to watch it
-switch their play to "Royal Nonesuch", a great success!
-Buck gets killed in town, shows a society without rules
#1
Huck describes the town in Arkansaw as an area pretty dirty and muddy. The inhabitants are cruel persons, just like Twain described humans in "The Damned Human Race." They are able to lynch people of their town.
#2
Huck watches the Duke and the King in the role of an outsider. He observes them without reacting. Their ideas seem a little dubios and queer to Huck. He doesn't want to have anything to do with their role plays because he senses trouble arising from them, and he rather stays away from trouble.
#3
He says honor has to be protected with one's life, it's more important than any other value. With the scene in the drugstore he satirizes that people tend to be voyeuristic/curious. They have to be the first watching something, ALWAYS! Even in very personal situations (deaths, e.g.)
#4
When the Duke and the King performed Shakespeare, hardly anyone came to watch it because the town was not educated enough for such a "high educated" performance. Changing their acting to easier entertainment (Royal Nonesuch), it became a great success. Like a circus, this was nothing to think about, the audience didn't have to use their brains for understanding it. This is why the town liked the second performances and the circus so much.
#5
Huck still is a naive boy; Twain doesn't want the readers to forget about his character and his age. He lives through so many things that you almost forget he still is a child. With this incident, Twain recalls his naivity and gullibility.
#6
It made people curious because they wanted to know why women and children were not allowed. Again, this is a hint that people need to know everything. Every secret needs to be discovered.
#7
He compares these two men to real royalties. They are unreliable and not honest too. Both are selfish and addicted to money.
#8
It shows Jim's humanity. He misses his own children and wife and feels really bad for wronging 'Lizabeth. He can't forgive himself because he didn't have any right to slap her.
#9
-Widow adopts Huck, gives him education and food everyday, a bed to sleep in, makes him a "good boy"; Huck possesses 6000 Dollars; this life makes him feel uncomfortable, wants to get away
-He runs away from her -> Tom's gang (are pretty much only wanna-be's)
-Pap appears
-Huck gives the money to the Judge, doesn't want Pap to have it
-Pap takes him with him to a cabin, makes him live an easy life, Huck likes it although he gets slapped every now and then; but in the end he decides to run away
-he fakes his death, succedes to run away to Jackson Island
-Huck finds Jim (Ms. Watson's (the widow's sister) slave)
-he plays a prank on Jim (the snake's skin) -> bad luck; they travel with their boat over the river north
-Huck goes to town, dresses like a girl, the woman he tries to fool gets his "real" identity (his plan fails); he finds out the woman's husband is going to look for Jim on the island because of bounty set on him
-the "Walter Scott" incident (gang on a boat tries to kill one of the members, the baot sinks, Huck tries to help them)
-they get lost in the fog, Huck playing a joke on Jim
-their raft hits a steam boat, they get seperated
-Huck meets the Grangerfords; meets Jim again
-they run away together eventually
-they are meeting 2 guys pretending to be a Duke/ a King (two run-aways)
-Town of Arkansaw: they are acting Shakespeare; can't convince anyone to watch it
-switch their play to "Royal Nonesuch", a great success!
-Buck gets killed in town, shows a society without rules
Friday, November 19, 2010
Huckleberry Finn
Huckleberry Finn
Discussion Questions
Additions:
#1
The widow is described as a woman with a good heart. She accomodates Huck and gives him enough to eat. When he hears that the story of Moses is already thousands of years old, he doesn't like it anymore because he isn't interested in dead people.
This shows he is a realistic by that lives in the here and now.
#3
Huck doesn't want to die because he wans't to experience adventures. Death is "too boring"
#4
Tom takes the hat of Jim and puts it on one of Jim's limbs. It is a boyish trick, not meant in a bad way.
#11
Huck does not understand that Tom is just joking. He literally thinks that Tom is expecting A-rabs and elephants.
Discussion Questions
Additions:
#1
The widow is described as a woman with a good heart. She accomodates Huck and gives him enough to eat. When he hears that the story of Moses is already thousands of years old, he doesn't like it anymore because he isn't interested in dead people.
This shows he is a realistic by that lives in the here and now.
#3
Huck doesn't want to die because he wans't to experience adventures. Death is "too boring"
#4
Tom takes the hat of Jim and puts it on one of Jim's limbs. It is a boyish trick, not meant in a bad way.
#11
Huck does not understand that Tom is just joking. He literally thinks that Tom is expecting A-rabs and elephants.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Huckleberry Finn
Huckleberry Finn
Discussion Questions
#1
The irony about it is that usually, parents want their children to have a better life than they had, and to become wealthier and richer, more educated etc. Huck's father doesn't care about that.
#2
The society does not want to interfere with a family's rules. It is not like they don't want to have Huck a better life, they just don't want to break a family's traditions.
#3
With his father, he has an easy, free life. He doesn't have to go to school and to follow rules. It is a sort of freedom, which Huck really likes but is not actually good for you. Education (going to school) is hard but definitely good for you.
#4
He says: "Why does the government let a black person become something?!"
But: He neither has money nor a job nor is he living properly (he drinks a lot of alcohol). So why does he presume to have the right to live better than everyone else?
Discussion Questions
#1
The irony about it is that usually, parents want their children to have a better life than they had, and to become wealthier and richer, more educated etc. Huck's father doesn't care about that.
#2
The society does not want to interfere with a family's rules. It is not like they don't want to have Huck a better life, they just don't want to break a family's traditions.
#3
With his father, he has an easy, free life. He doesn't have to go to school and to follow rules. It is a sort of freedom, which Huck really likes but is not actually good for you. Education (going to school) is hard but definitely good for you.
#4
He says: "Why does the government let a black person become something?!"
But: He neither has money nor a job nor is he living properly (he drinks a lot of alcohol). So why does he presume to have the right to live better than everyone else?
Huckleberry Finn
Huckleberry Finn
Discussion Questions
#2
The spider and the owl are both examples of superstition in the book. They are connected with death.
#5
He was "ruined" (became cocky and stuck up) because he was a slave. And at that time, slaves were not supposed to attract attention.
#6
Tom Sawyer left 5 cents for the candles. Huck instead wouldn't have left the money. So is Tom a better person than Huck?
No, because the difference between them is that Huck wouldn't have taken the candles if he hadn't needed them. Tom on the other side does not actually need them. But because he knows he does something wrong there, he tries to pay for it. But it wasn't necessary to do something wrong.
Huck, in contrast, isn't able to think that far. He is not educated and clever enough.
#7
Tom: A clever boy, grown up in his brain, can act and think like an adult, relies on romantic literature to know what to do
Huck: Naive but a realist, innocent and childish
#8
Being called a highwayman sounds much more noble than being called a simple burglar. Stopping a carriage is much more complicated than just walking in someone's house.
#9
He understood it like: You pray for it - You get it. When he figures out he has to pray for others he doesn't understand why everyone prays then. Why doing something when you can't take advantage of it?
#10
Huck doesn't understand that Tom is actually playing a game with him. He doesn't get that it is all a big joke.
#12
He wants it rather to be in the Judge's hands than under his father's control.
Discussion Questions
#2
The spider and the owl are both examples of superstition in the book. They are connected with death.
#5
He was "ruined" (became cocky and stuck up) because he was a slave. And at that time, slaves were not supposed to attract attention.
#6
Tom Sawyer left 5 cents for the candles. Huck instead wouldn't have left the money. So is Tom a better person than Huck?
No, because the difference between them is that Huck wouldn't have taken the candles if he hadn't needed them. Tom on the other side does not actually need them. But because he knows he does something wrong there, he tries to pay for it. But it wasn't necessary to do something wrong.
Huck, in contrast, isn't able to think that far. He is not educated and clever enough.
#7
Tom: A clever boy, grown up in his brain, can act and think like an adult, relies on romantic literature to know what to do
Huck: Naive but a realist, innocent and childish
#8
Being called a highwayman sounds much more noble than being called a simple burglar. Stopping a carriage is much more complicated than just walking in someone's house.
#9
He understood it like: You pray for it - You get it. When he figures out he has to pray for others he doesn't understand why everyone prays then. Why doing something when you can't take advantage of it?
#10
Huck doesn't understand that Tom is actually playing a game with him. He doesn't get that it is all a big joke.
#12
He wants it rather to be in the Judge's hands than under his father's control.
Tuesday, November 09, 2010
Words Of The Day
Evanescent
It is driving me crazy that my German is evanescent. But at least my English is getting better :)
Veneration
Every culture practices a different kind of veneration. There are for example folks that venerate animals.
It is driving me crazy that my German is evanescent. But at least my English is getting better :)
Veneration
Every culture practices a different kind of veneration. There are for example folks that venerate animals.
Monday, November 08, 2010
Words Of The Day
Magnate
Angela Merkel is a magnate in Germany since she is our Federal Chancellor.
Malleable
Gold is malleable. Jewelers create beautiful jewelry from it.
Angela Merkel is a magnate in Germany since she is our Federal Chancellor.
Malleable
Gold is malleable. Jewelers create beautiful jewelry from it.
Saturday, November 06, 2010
The Scarlet Letter 55
The Scarlet Letter
Chapter Twenty
Entry Fifty-Five
The heading of the chapter (The minister in a maze) lets the reader assume that Arthur Dimmesdale is no longer a pastor. He buried his belief in God in the darkness of the forest when he promised Hester to flee from Boston. After he returned to town, he meets an old man with who he has a short conversation. He abandoned God so radically that
Now that he turned away form God, he offered the devil (still Chillingworth) to enter his mind. Before this, Chillingworth was never able to take over his soul completely because he couldn't compete against Arthur's love to God, but now that there is an empty space (apparently his love to Hester is not strong enough) he made entering his mind very easy.
Hawthorne watches this development with shame ("...we blush to tell it..."). He can't believe that Dimmesdale was seduced to easily.
But fortunately, the minister realizes that there is something wrong with him. While he was coming to the conclusion that it must be the devil taking over him, Mistress Hibbins (maybe) walks by. In the previous chapter he saw Pearl as the old witch Hibbins. Is it possible that Pearl made him go crazy and evil to teach him a lesson? He shall be honest to the society, to Hester and Pearl and to himself. Supportive to this theory is that Mistress Hibbins wears big and impressive headdress, just like Pearl did in the forest: She decorated her hair with different flowers. On the other side, it is likely that Chillingworth is misleading him.
Chapter Twenty
Entry Fifty-Five
The heading of the chapter (The minister in a maze) lets the reader assume that Arthur Dimmesdale is no longer a pastor. He buried his belief in God in the darkness of the forest when he promised Hester to flee from Boston. After he returned to town, he meets an old man with who he has a short conversation. He abandoned God so radically that
"it was only by the most careful self-control that the former could refrain from uttering certain blasphemous suggestions that rose into his mind, respecting the communion-supper."It is very sad to see that a man who used to define himself through his belief in God suddenly turns away from Him and even feels like he has to mock at Him. I don't understand why Dimmesdale still wants to sermonize at the election. He should do it because of his love to God, and not because he doesn't want to be seen as unreliable or undependable. He obviously does not know who he is and what he wants (he is in a maze of his own thoughts). When he meets another parishioner, a woman who used to turn to him to hear God's wise advice, he can't even recall any of the verses he studied for years in the bible. Another woman tried to talk to him this day. In this moment, evilness takes over his soul. He really thinks about abusing her feelings toward him to make her enter Satan's hell. Hawthorne says it is the devil leading him what Dimmesdale interprets as Hester's power coming out of him. Suddenly he discovers evil parts in his character.
Now that he turned away form God, he offered the devil (still Chillingworth) to enter his mind. Before this, Chillingworth was never able to take over his soul completely because he couldn't compete against Arthur's love to God, but now that there is an empty space (apparently his love to Hester is not strong enough) he made entering his mind very easy.
Hawthorne watches this development with shame ("...we blush to tell it..."). He can't believe that Dimmesdale was seduced to easily.
But fortunately, the minister realizes that there is something wrong with him. While he was coming to the conclusion that it must be the devil taking over him, Mistress Hibbins (maybe) walks by. In the previous chapter he saw Pearl as the old witch Hibbins. Is it possible that Pearl made him go crazy and evil to teach him a lesson? He shall be honest to the society, to Hester and Pearl and to himself. Supportive to this theory is that Mistress Hibbins wears big and impressive headdress, just like Pearl did in the forest: She decorated her hair with different flowers. On the other side, it is likely that Chillingworth is misleading him.
“(Mistress Hibbins:) The next time, I pray you to allow me only a fair warning, and I shall be proud to bear you company. Without taking overmuch upon myself, my good word will go far towards gaining any strange gentleman a fair reception from yonder potentate you wot of!”She speaks of the Black Man in the forest with the book with which he collects signatures written with one's own blood. So she is aware of the fact that he is watching the forest, always there and controling what happens there.
The Scarlet Letter 54
The Scarlet Letter
Chapter Twenty
Entry Fifty-Four
Dimmesdale and Hester decide to escape four days from their encounter in the forest. He is glad that it is after the Election Sermon, he wants noone to be able to say that he left a public duty unperformed nor ill performed. Hawthorne speaks in this paragraph directly to the reader as the omniscient narrator.
When he returns back to town he feels that something changed in the town. He can't tell what it is since the buildings or streets didn't change but he feels it.
Again, Hawthorne intervenes in the book's action. He explains what exactly changed: It is not the town, nor is it its inhabitants, but the minister itself. Hester's energy was transferred to him.
Chapter Twenty
Entry Fifty-Four
Dimmesdale and Hester decide to escape four days from their encounter in the forest. He is glad that it is after the Election Sermon, he wants noone to be able to say that he left a public duty unperformed nor ill performed. Hawthorne speaks in this paragraph directly to the reader as the omniscient narrator.
"We have had, and may still have, worse things to tell of him; but none, we apprehend, so pitiably weak; no evidence, at once so slight and irrefragable, of a subtle disease, that had long since begun to eat into the real substance of his character. No man, for any considerable period, can wear one face to himself, and another to the multitude, without finally getting bewildered as to which may be the true."The pastor isn't able anymore to decide which of his faces is the true one: The one he puts on when he is in public, or when he is the broken man who is in love with Hester Prynne. The best for them would have been if they had fled immediately. But he wants to finish his job for the society, so he still feels responsibility for the people. He shouldn't. All they should care about is how they can escape Boston and - more important - Chillingworth!
When he returns back to town he feels that something changed in the town. He can't tell what it is since the buildings or streets didn't change but he feels it.
Again, Hawthorne intervenes in the book's action. He explains what exactly changed: It is not the town, nor is it its inhabitants, but the minister itself. Hester's energy was transferred to him.
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The Scarlet Letter
Chapter Nineteen
Entry Fifty-Three
The next question she has is:
Honesty and truth is one of the most important elements for children. A childhood is not until then good, when it is based on truth. In this novel, Pearl symbolizes truth, as well as nature does. Both react immediately when something is wrong or sinful. They are guardians of right and wrong, always observant and ever-present.
Chapter Nineteen
Entry Fifty-Three
“Doth he love us?” said Pearl, looking up with acute intelligence into her mother’s face. “Will he go back with us, hand in hand, we three together, into the town?”This is the condition Pearl has if her mother wants her to accept Dimmesdale. Like so many times earlier, she behaves like an adult. She asks the right questions in the right moment and always hits the mark although I don't think she still needs to pose this question. She knows the answer, if she would not she wouldn't have reacted so strangely. She felt that honesty was missing. She only asks because she has to state the falsehood and to make the adults see what they are doing is hypocrisy.
The next question she has is:
"And will he always keep his hand over his heart?"Will he always reveal the secret? Will there be a time when is honest?
Honesty and truth is one of the most important elements for children. A childhood is not until then good, when it is based on truth. In this novel, Pearl symbolizes truth, as well as nature does. Both react immediately when something is wrong or sinful. They are guardians of right and wrong, always observant and ever-present.
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The Scarlet Letter
Chapter Nineteen
Entry Fifty-Two
Chapter Nineteen
Entry Fifty-Two
“Dost thou know thy mother now, child?” asked she, reproachfully, but with a subdued tone. “Wilt thou come across the brook, and own thy mother, now that she has her shame upon her,—now that she is sad?”Hester is disappointed from her daughter just like every other mother in the world would be. When your child is comfortable when you feel sad there is something wrong. But Pearl doesn't know any better. She is used to her mother being in a dark mood so she associates it with normality. I don't think that Pearl wants her mother to feel ashamed intendedly. She is not a bad person. But radical changes usually scare children and they feel better in familiar situations. Now that Hester looks like she did before, Pearl acknowledges her again and walks to her.
"In a mood of tenderness that was not usual with her, she drew down her mother’s head, and kissed her brow and both her cheeks. But then—by a kind of necessity that always impelled this child to alloy whatever comfort she might chance to give with a throb of anguish—Pearl put up her mouth, and kissed the scarlet letter too!"Maybe Pearl realized, due to the lack of the "A" for a moment, that she loves the letter like she loves her mother because for her it is her mother. Hester scolds Pearl for kissing the A too but Pearl doesn't even responses to it.
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The Scarlet Letter
Chapter Nineteen
Entry Fifty-One
Hester realizes that the only way to calm her daughter is to put back on the scarlet letter. She asks Pearl to pick it up from the other side of the stream to bring it to her, but Pearl answers:
Chapter Nineteen
Entry Fifty-One
Hester realizes that the only way to calm her daughter is to put back on the scarlet letter. She asks Pearl to pick it up from the other side of the stream to bring it to her, but Pearl answers:
“Come thou and take it up!”She doesn't react like a child in that moment. She lectures her mother that taking off the "A" is not the right way and therefore wants her to pick it up herself. Pearl wants Hester to vouch for her mistake. And it works: Hester comes to see that it wouldn't be good if she already took off the letter. She will wait until they fled from Boston. Like some pages earlier, it is mentioned that the forest can't hide the "A" but the big ocean between America and England "will swallow it up for ever" (just like the little stream in the forest). When Hester Prynne puts back the letter on her bosom and hides her hair again under the cap, the sunlight seems to disappear. The spell the "A" once had put on her has returned.
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The Scarlet Letter
Chapter Eighteen
Entry Fifty
Hester and Dimmesdale realize that it's the "A" what is making Pearl act so hostile. Arthur, overwhelmed by her strong and unexpected reaction begs Hester to calm Pearl anyhow.
Chapter Eighteen
Entry Fifty
Hester and Dimmesdale realize that it's the "A" what is making Pearl act so hostile. Arthur, overwhelmed by her strong and unexpected reaction begs Hester to calm Pearl anyhow.
"Save it were the cankered wrath of an old witch, like Mistress Hibbins,” added he, attempting to smile. “I know nothing that I would not sooner encounter than this passion in a child. In Pearl’s young beauty, as in the wrinkled witch, it has a preternatural effect. Pacify her, if thou lovest me!”He associates Pearl with a wrinkled witch so he interprets her supernatural look not in an elfish-fairy way but as a creature that rules over black magic. She scared him by reacting so strangely because he never lived her, he basically doesn't know her. Her presence is nothing he is used to and therefore he doesn't know how to deal with it. Is that a solid fundament for a goof father-daughter relationship?
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The Scarlet Letter
Chapter Nineteen
Entry Forty-Nine
(in addition to entry forty-eight)
Pearl is overwhelmed by how much the situation suddenly changed. She points at her mother's chest where the "A" used to be as a sign of disbelief. Her face darkens and she stomps her foot. When her mother starts to get impatient Pearl loses control and freaks out. She is twisting and turning, jumping and rolling her body in the weirdest postitions. Furthermore, she screams and yells in the strangest voices. It is her way (her childish and not-human-but-supernatural-way) to show her refusal. Nature seems to agree with her. Hawthorne describes it that
Nature in this book stands for freedom but also truth. Now that the forest agrees with Pearl it wants to warn the couple that there is something wrong here. Maybe it is meant in a good way (Pay attention to what will happen! You are not safe!) or maybe in a bad way (What you are doing here is wrong. It is against the truth)
Chapter Nineteen
Entry Forty-Nine
(in addition to entry forty-eight)
Pearl is overwhelmed by how much the situation suddenly changed. She points at her mother's chest where the "A" used to be as a sign of disbelief. Her face darkens and she stomps her foot. When her mother starts to get impatient Pearl loses control and freaks out. She is twisting and turning, jumping and rolling her body in the weirdest postitions. Furthermore, she screams and yells in the strangest voices. It is her way (her childish and not-human-but-supernatural-way) to show her refusal. Nature seems to agree with her. Hawthorne describes it that
"it seemed as if a hidden multitude were lending her their sympathy and encouragement"because all the trees around her reflect her mood.
Nature in this book stands for freedom but also truth. Now that the forest agrees with Pearl it wants to warn the couple that there is something wrong here. Maybe it is meant in a good way (Pay attention to what will happen! You are not safe!) or maybe in a bad way (What you are doing here is wrong. It is against the truth)
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The Scarlet Letter
Chapter Eighteen
Entry Forty-Eight
Hawthorne's position is: Yes, it is Hester's fault that Pearl can't find a way to return to her mother. Dimmesdale also realizes that. He says that the stream is a borderline between two worlds that will never meet again. Pearl sees that obviously her mother changed: Her pervious, familiar features faded, and instead happiness and joy appeared, emotions that Pearl does not know from her mother. She looks at her mother, Dimmesdale and then at both to find out what the reason is for the change. I think the relation between Dimmesdale and Hester became so strong during the past minutes that Pearl is able to feel it from the other side of the brook.
Chapter Eighteen
Entry Forty-Eight
Hawthorne's position is: Yes, it is Hester's fault that Pearl can't find a way to return to her mother. Dimmesdale also realizes that. He says that the stream is a borderline between two worlds that will never meet again. Pearl sees that obviously her mother changed: Her pervious, familiar features faded, and instead happiness and joy appeared, emotions that Pearl does not know from her mother. She looks at her mother, Dimmesdale and then at both to find out what the reason is for the change. I think the relation between Dimmesdale and Hester became so strong during the past minutes that Pearl is able to feel it from the other side of the brook.
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The Scarlet Letter
Chapter Eighteen
Entry Forty-Seven
Hester calls Pearl to them after she and Dimmesdale made plans for their future. While they were sitting on the tree, feeling passion arising again, Pearl played in the forest on the other side of the stream on her own. Hester and Arthur became unified and Pearl built a unity with nature. She played with the animals and flowers like she would play with friends if she had some. When she hears her name called by her mother she walks slowly towards them. Arrived at the water, Hester sees that the brightness of the forest was not conveyed to Pearl. Instead, she stands in gloom. This is when Hester realizes she feel sort of seperated from her daughter. The imaginary bond that holds mother and daughter together seems to be gone. Did she and Arthur think one moment ago of Pearl as the cord which makes them become one, now Hester has to see that is not true. Although Pearl is the result of their love and makes them become a family, Dimmesdale and Pearl cannot exist equally next to Hester. Either Pearl's or Arthur's invisible bond to her has to be destroyed whenever she is together with both of them. But Hester does not refer this development to her relationship to Dimmesdale but to Pearl who had left to go to the other side of the stream. With crossing the sides she left the mother-daughter-sphere. And now she can't find a way to enter back into it.
But didn't Hester send her away because she wanted privacy with Arthur Dimmesdale?
Chapter Eighteen
Entry Forty-Seven
Hester calls Pearl to them after she and Dimmesdale made plans for their future. While they were sitting on the tree, feeling passion arising again, Pearl played in the forest on the other side of the stream on her own. Hester and Arthur became unified and Pearl built a unity with nature. She played with the animals and flowers like she would play with friends if she had some. When she hears her name called by her mother she walks slowly towards them. Arrived at the water, Hester sees that the brightness of the forest was not conveyed to Pearl. Instead, she stands in gloom. This is when Hester realizes she feel sort of seperated from her daughter. The imaginary bond that holds mother and daughter together seems to be gone. Did she and Arthur think one moment ago of Pearl as the cord which makes them become one, now Hester has to see that is not true. Although Pearl is the result of their love and makes them become a family, Dimmesdale and Pearl cannot exist equally next to Hester. Either Pearl's or Arthur's invisible bond to her has to be destroyed whenever she is together with both of them. But Hester does not refer this development to her relationship to Dimmesdale but to Pearl who had left to go to the other side of the stream. With crossing the sides she left the mother-daughter-sphere. And now she can't find a way to enter back into it.
But didn't Hester send her away because she wanted privacy with Arthur Dimmesdale?
The Scarlet Letter 46
The Scarlet Letter
Chapter Eighteen
Entry Forty-Eight
Chapter Eighteen
Entry Forty-Eight
"Hester looked at him with the thrill of another joy. “Thou must know Pearl!” said she. “Our little Pearl! Thou hast seen her,—yes, I know it!—but thou wilt see her now with other eyes. She is a strange child! I hardly comprehend her! But thou wilt love her dearly, as I do, and wilt advise me how to deal with her."Now that sunshine came back into Hester and Arthur's life Pearl comes back into their minds. Hester suggests Dimmesdale to meet their daughter (Now she call her "OUR little Pearl"). She introduces her as strange but lovely and says he will tell Hester how to deal with her. What does she mean with this sentence? Is Pearl the only part in Hester's life in which she is not strong enough to stand it on her own? Is Hester overchallenged with Pearl because she can't control or shut her down like she can do it with hateful comments of the Boston society? It is easy to deny the Puritans but she can't block out her own daughter since she is made of her own flesh and blood. But Arthur Dimmesdale thinks he is not the right person to help her with Pearl. Nevertheless, Hester assures him she daughter will love him.
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The Scarlet Letter
Chapter Eighteen
Entry Forty-Five
The most important symbol in chapter eighteen is the light coming back when Hester takes off in addition to the letter her cap. Then there were two things going on at the same time: Hester comes back to her long-forgotten beauty, and finally looks like a woman again. Her eyes start to shine and shimmer and reflect the power coming over her. And suddenly her skin is not pale as death anymore but her cheeks start to blush. She looks like young lady who is full of energy and has a lot of love to give. And as soon as Hester starts to glow it seems she breaks the spell of nature. Before this it was, like Hester, trapped in darkness and forced to whisper sad tales. Now that Hester shines in new splendor she carries nature along to follow suit. Sunlight breaks through the heavy shelter of the woods turning all the sad and grim colors into powerful and gleaming colors.
Although the trigger for this happening is the taking off of the "A" and letting Hester's hair down, the actual reason for this is Dimmesdale's and Hester's love revival. It is the strongest emotion existing on earth and able to change everything.
Chapter Eighteen
Entry Forty-Five
The most important symbol in chapter eighteen is the light coming back when Hester takes off in addition to the letter her cap. Then there were two things going on at the same time: Hester comes back to her long-forgotten beauty, and finally looks like a woman again. Her eyes start to shine and shimmer and reflect the power coming over her. And suddenly her skin is not pale as death anymore but her cheeks start to blush. She looks like young lady who is full of energy and has a lot of love to give. And as soon as Hester starts to glow it seems she breaks the spell of nature. Before this it was, like Hester, trapped in darkness and forced to whisper sad tales. Now that Hester shines in new splendor she carries nature along to follow suit. Sunlight breaks through the heavy shelter of the woods turning all the sad and grim colors into powerful and gleaming colors.
Although the trigger for this happening is the taking off of the "A" and letting Hester's hair down, the actual reason for this is Dimmesdale's and Hester's love revival. It is the strongest emotion existing on earth and able to change everything.
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The Scarlet Letter
Chapter Eighteen
Entry Forty-Four
As a symbol of a new beginning, Hester takes off the "A."
Instead it lands among leaves.They represent the past and sin (the leaves belong to the fallen and moss covered trees). The "A" is now unified with its match but it does not vanish like it would if it had landed in the water.
Chapter Eighteen
Entry Forty-Four
As a symbol of a new beginning, Hester takes off the "A."
"Taking it from her bosom, threw it to a distance among the withered leaves. The mystic token alighted on the hither verge of the stream. With a hand’s breadth farther flight it would have fallen into the water, and have given the little brook another woe to carry onward, besides the unintelligible tale which it still kept murmuring about."The stream is still whispering foreshadows and if the "A" had fallen into the water it would have carried it away. In the water would be space for different tales to tale about and Dimmesdale and Hester Prynne would have never seen it again. If Hawthorne would have made that happen he would have wanted to emphasize that Hester and Arthur are finally free from harm. But the "A" did not fall into the water showing it is not over yet.
Instead it lands among leaves.They represent the past and sin (the leaves belong to the fallen and moss covered trees). The "A" is now unified with its match but it does not vanish like it would if it had landed in the water.
"But there lay the embroidered letter, glittering like a lost jewel, which some ill-fated wanderer might pick up, and thenceforth be haunted by strange phantoms of guilt, sinkings of the heart, and unaccountable misfortune."The "A" has the same function as the snake in Paradise. It deluded Eve to eat an apple of the Tree Of Knowledge. And now that the "A" is laying there, looking so seductive as a jewel in a woman's eyes, ready to allure an innocent person, its beauty has something ominous.
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The Scarlet Letter
Chapter Eighteen
Entry Forty-Three
After Hester and Dimmesdale decide to flee together, the minister is thinking about how he can justify his escape before God. He still struggles with himself because he doesn't think he deserves being released from his pain. But in the end his desire for being with Hester and away from his heartache is stronger than his connection to God. He still can't look up into His eyes but for the first time since this fateful night he thinks of his own well-being. He thinks that God has abanoned him because He doesn't want to see Dimmesdale's misery. So the pastor doesn't get a sign of mercy from God. And since he is ought to die because of sin anyway he thinks he can at least die with Hester's love.
He decided against a life with God and for a life with Hester. In my opinion this is a decision against himself (although I totally agree that it's the best for everyone when they just go away from Boston!) since God is not a 'friend or something concrete that you can talk to.' He exists in one's mind and therefore is a creation of one's thoughts. God doesn't show signs of mercy in reality, it is the transformation of one's mind that makes a good thing coming from God.
So in my opinion Dimmesdale denies his own mind and choses rather to live 'through Hester's mind.'
Chapter Eighteen
Entry Forty-Three
After Hester and Dimmesdale decide to flee together, the minister is thinking about how he can justify his escape before God. He still struggles with himself because he doesn't think he deserves being released from his pain. But in the end his desire for being with Hester and away from his heartache is stronger than his connection to God. He still can't look up into His eyes but for the first time since this fateful night he thinks of his own well-being. He thinks that God has abanoned him because He doesn't want to see Dimmesdale's misery. So the pastor doesn't get a sign of mercy from God. And since he is ought to die because of sin anyway he thinks he can at least die with Hester's love.
He decided against a life with God and for a life with Hester. In my opinion this is a decision against himself (although I totally agree that it's the best for everyone when they just go away from Boston!) since God is not a 'friend or something concrete that you can talk to.' He exists in one's mind and therefore is a creation of one's thoughts. God doesn't show signs of mercy in reality, it is the transformation of one's mind that makes a good thing coming from God.
So in my opinion Dimmesdale denies his own mind and choses rather to live 'through Hester's mind.'
The Scarlet Letter 42
The Scarlet Letter
Chapter Eighteen
Entry Forty-Two
(in addition to entry Forty-One)
In my opinion this quotation explains what the book is all about. Hester learns to forgive herself because it was the onl way to survive for her. All the other persons still have to come to this knowledge. As long you are not in peace with yourself you won't find peace in the world. This doesn't mean that you are free from making mistakes but you can deal with them because you know that it is OK. Everyone is allowed to make mistakes and even fail as long as they know how to forgive and to learn from them.
Chapter Eighteen
Entry Forty-Two
(in addition to entry Forty-One)
"The scarlet letter was her passport into regions where other women dared not tread. Shame, Despair, Solitude! These had been her teachers,—stern and wild ones,—and they had made her strong, but taught her much amiss."Hester's punishment made her see the world with different eyes, she created her own freedom in her thoughts. Persons who never felt such an isolation would never be able to see the world as she does. Hester looks at Boston in an aerial view since she was never included in it.
In my opinion this quotation explains what the book is all about. Hester learns to forgive herself because it was the onl way to survive for her. All the other persons still have to come to this knowledge. As long you are not in peace with yourself you won't find peace in the world. This doesn't mean that you are free from making mistakes but you can deal with them because you know that it is OK. Everyone is allowed to make mistakes and even fail as long as they know how to forgive and to learn from them.
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The Scarlet Letter
Chapter Seventeen
Entry Forty-One
Chapter Seventeen emphasizes definitely the difference between public and private sin. Hester stands for the public part, Dimmesdale for the private suffering. She, who had been put down by the Bostonians ends up being strong. All the contemptuous and scornful glances made her feel enough hate to eventually be srtonger than everyone else. In this hard time she only had herself (and Pearl, but she couldn't talk to her) as a friend so she learned to live on her own. All the negative experiences of the past seven years made her hard enough to look forward now and to know what she wants and what not: She wants to start her life all over somewhere else along with Arthur and Pearl.
Dimmesdale, on the opposite suffers in silence and unnoticed from the Puritans. He plays the strong and all-knowing pastor who has always a good advice for his parihioners. But pretending having nothing to with Hester's sin and having to deny his daughter makes him perish. He punishes himself for his weakness which this makes him getting even weaker.
He can't make the best of the situation like Hester does because he has never felt the harsh rejection from an entire society.
Chapter Seventeen
Entry Forty-One
Chapter Seventeen emphasizes definitely the difference between public and private sin. Hester stands for the public part, Dimmesdale for the private suffering. She, who had been put down by the Bostonians ends up being strong. All the contemptuous and scornful glances made her feel enough hate to eventually be srtonger than everyone else. In this hard time she only had herself (and Pearl, but she couldn't talk to her) as a friend so she learned to live on her own. All the negative experiences of the past seven years made her hard enough to look forward now and to know what she wants and what not: She wants to start her life all over somewhere else along with Arthur and Pearl.
Dimmesdale, on the opposite suffers in silence and unnoticed from the Puritans. He plays the strong and all-knowing pastor who has always a good advice for his parihioners. But pretending having nothing to with Hester's sin and having to deny his daughter makes him perish. He punishes himself for his weakness which this makes him getting even weaker.
He can't make the best of the situation like Hester does because he has never felt the harsh rejection from an entire society.
The Scarlet Letter 40
The Scarlet Letter
Chapter Seventeen
Entry Forty
When Hester and Dimmesdale sit on the tree, the forest switches its 'mood.' Now it seems to create a holy atmosphere although it is very gloomy around them. But they decide to stay, the don't escape from the world around them, so obviously it doesn't make them feel uncomfortable. Hawthorne describes the woods as turbulent and agitated. They seem to try to tell the couple's story or to give them warning of doom. But still they don't flee from it. For this short moment they feel strong enough to endure the approaching calamity.
And suddenly, in this speacial light, they see each other with different eyes:
Chapter Seventeen
Entry Forty
When Hester and Dimmesdale sit on the tree, the forest switches its 'mood.' Now it seems to create a holy atmosphere although it is very gloomy around them. But they decide to stay, the don't escape from the world around them, so obviously it doesn't make them feel uncomfortable. Hawthorne describes the woods as turbulent and agitated. They seem to try to tell the couple's story or to give them warning of doom. But still they don't flee from it. For this short moment they feel strong enough to endure the approaching calamity.
And suddenly, in this speacial light, they see each other with different eyes:
"Here, seen only by his eyes, the scarlet letter need not burn into the bosom of the fallen woman! Here, seen only by her eyes, Arthur Dimmesdale, false to God and man, might be, for one moment, true!"They look into each other's sould which are unconcealed and naked. They are finally true to their feelings.
The Scarlet Letter 39
The Scarlet Letter
Chapter Seventeen
Entry Thirty-Nine
Hester and Dimmesdale sit down together, side by side and hand in hand on the tree which symbolizes their sin. So they sit down on their sin. This action emphasizes that from now on they are going to form an unity, which will deal with the sin together. Their intention is not to forget about it (the fallen tree is the underground they are sitting on -> the sin is the fundament on which they are going construct their future), they will always be marked with sin and shame, but now they will both responsible for the consequences.
Chapter Seventeen
Entry Thirty-Nine
Hester and Dimmesdale sit down together, side by side and hand in hand on the tree which symbolizes their sin. So they sit down on their sin. This action emphasizes that from now on they are going to form an unity, which will deal with the sin together. Their intention is not to forget about it (the fallen tree is the underground they are sitting on -> the sin is the fundament on which they are going construct their future), they will always be marked with sin and shame, but now they will both responsible for the consequences.
The Scarlet Letter 38
The Scarlet Letter
Chapter Seventeen
Entry Thirty-Eight
For the first time in this book, Hawthorne lets the readers participate in Hester's and Dimmesdale's love. They tell each other that they never forgot their love and start holding hands. The invisible power that held them off each other seems to be broken.
They sit down
This can symbolize Hester and Dimmesdale's sin. It happened long ago and made them both fall. And during this time they stopped moving (physically -> they didn't leave Boston; and mentally -> they couldn't let go of their thoughts of sin) but there was someone creeping around them: Chillingworth. He befell their souls and made them go under. Now that he has already covered them he can devour them including their souls and hearts.
Chapter Seventeen
Entry Thirty-Eight
For the first time in this book, Hawthorne lets the readers participate in Hester's and Dimmesdale's love. They tell each other that they never forgot their love and start holding hands. The invisible power that held them off each other seems to be broken.
They sit down
"on the mossy trunk of the fallen tree."The tree is old, broken, destroyed and with age it has been overrun with moss. Moss appears when something stands still so it can make its way over this object.
This can symbolize Hester and Dimmesdale's sin. It happened long ago and made them both fall. And during this time they stopped moving (physically -> they didn't leave Boston; and mentally -> they couldn't let go of their thoughts of sin) but there was someone creeping around them: Chillingworth. He befell their souls and made them go under. Now that he has already covered them he can devour them including their souls and hearts.
Friday, November 05, 2010
The Scarlet Letter 37
The Scarlet Letter
Chapter Seventeen
Entry Thirty-Seven
In this chapter, Hester finally confesses Dimmesdale that Chillingworth is her husband and that she made a pact with him. Arthur has big problems dealing with that. He seems not able to forgive her. But why? First, he is a pastor and knows the bible by heart. One of Jesus' most important teachings is that you shall forgive. Because Dimmesdale devoted his life to God he should live like he wants human beings to live.
And furthermore, it seems he forgot that Hester forgave him too. He stayed in disguised for years when she suffered for both of them. Of course, he suffered too - probably more than she did. But if he would have stood up to avouch it would have helped Hester a lot. But he was too scared.
So in my opinion he doesn't have the right to be unforgiving. I don't know if he actually realized that in the end, maybe not, but he shows mercy eventually.
Chapter Seventeen
Entry Thirty-Seven
In this chapter, Hester finally confesses Dimmesdale that Chillingworth is her husband and that she made a pact with him. Arthur has big problems dealing with that. He seems not able to forgive her. But why? First, he is a pastor and knows the bible by heart. One of Jesus' most important teachings is that you shall forgive. Because Dimmesdale devoted his life to God he should live like he wants human beings to live.
And furthermore, it seems he forgot that Hester forgave him too. He stayed in disguised for years when she suffered for both of them. Of course, he suffered too - probably more than she did. But if he would have stood up to avouch it would have helped Hester a lot. But he was too scared.
So in my opinion he doesn't have the right to be unforgiving. I don't know if he actually realized that in the end, maybe not, but he shows mercy eventually.
The Scarlet Letter 36
The Scarlet Letter
Chapter Seventeen
Entry Thirty-Six
The title of chapter seventeen in 'The Pastor and his Parishioner' so Hawthorne wants to point out Dimmesdale's function as a pastor (for comparison: in chapter twenty he is named minister) and Hester's position as his parishioner. His job is to take of the members of Boston's church and so of Hester too. He should listen to their sorrows and release them from their guilt (shrift). Also have an advice for him. In this chapter however, their parts are switched: Hester listens to him and has a plan up her sleeve. She says what to do to get out of their misery. He in contrast is not able to see clear and is too weak.
This situation shows the role allocation between them; she has the strong part of them. Dimmesdale just follows her.
I am actually surprised that such a strong woman used to (and still does) love such a confused man. Maybe he used to be like her but the long lasting suffering destroyed so much of his character that he is not able to think himself anymore.
Chapter Seventeen
Entry Thirty-Six
The title of chapter seventeen in 'The Pastor and his Parishioner' so Hawthorne wants to point out Dimmesdale's function as a pastor (for comparison: in chapter twenty he is named minister) and Hester's position as his parishioner. His job is to take of the members of Boston's church and so of Hester too. He should listen to their sorrows and release them from their guilt (shrift). Also have an advice for him. In this chapter however, their parts are switched: Hester listens to him and has a plan up her sleeve. She says what to do to get out of their misery. He in contrast is not able to see clear and is too weak.
This situation shows the role allocation between them; she has the strong part of them. Dimmesdale just follows her.
I am actually surprised that such a strong woman used to (and still does) love such a confused man. Maybe he used to be like her but the long lasting suffering destroyed so much of his character that he is not able to think himself anymore.
Thursday, November 04, 2010
Words Of The Day
Esoteric
I don't want you to know that because it is esoteric.
Vitiate
A German saying is that when you are in love you vitiate the soup because you put too much salt in it.
I don't want you to know that because it is esoteric.
Vitiate
A German saying is that when you are in love you vitiate the soup because you put too much salt in it.
The Revolutionary War - Project
Who is Who?
Helen - Sir Henry Moore, a British colonial leader who served as royal Governor o Providence of New York from 1765 to 1769.
The Scarlet Letter 35
The Scarlet Letter
Chapter Seventeen
Entry Thirty-Five
Dimmesdale and Hester begin to talk to each other again after seven years. She realizes he had changed a lot during this time. The pain he had to endure made him weak and unable to go on in his life. He is trapped in his embittered soul that is angry at the Puritan's (for not letting him love the way he wants to) and at himself (for not being able to change his situation). So she starts to build him up again. She tries to draw his attention to the good actions he does. He is allowed to use them to make himself feel better, as signs for repentance and then as guerdon. She tries to show him they have suffered enough now; now it is time to go on.
In fact, he has a big problem with forgiving - although he is a priest of christianity and one of Jesus' "rules" is to forgive other people. So why does Dimmesdale have such a hard time with that?
Chapter Seventeen
Entry Thirty-Five
Dimmesdale and Hester begin to talk to each other again after seven years. She realizes he had changed a lot during this time. The pain he had to endure made him weak and unable to go on in his life. He is trapped in his embittered soul that is angry at the Puritan's (for not letting him love the way he wants to) and at himself (for not being able to change his situation). So she starts to build him up again. She tries to draw his attention to the good actions he does. He is allowed to use them to make himself feel better, as signs for repentance and then as guerdon. She tries to show him they have suffered enough now; now it is time to go on.
“You wrong yourself in this. You have deeply and sorely repented. Your sin is left behind you, in the days long past. Your present life is not less holy, in very truth, than it seems in people’s eyes. Is there no reality in the penitence thus sealed and witnessed by good works? And wherefore should it not bring you peace?”She tells him what she did for herself. She worked so much for other people until she feels like she atoned enough. Now she wants him to do the same thing, because then they are able to live together in happiness. But Dimmesdale does not deal as easy as she does with his sin. For him it is not that uncomplicated to forgive himself.
In fact, he has a big problem with forgiving - although he is a priest of christianity and one of Jesus' "rules" is to forgive other people. So why does Dimmesdale have such a hard time with that?
The Scarlet Letter 34
The Scarlet Letter
Chapter Seventeen
Entry Thirty-Four
After Dimmesdale and Hester touch each other to make sure 1. they are alive and 2. that their old connection still exists, they walk to
Chapter Seventeen
Entry Thirty-Four
After Dimmesdale and Hester touch each other to make sure 1. they are alive and 2. that their old connection still exists, they walk to
"(sit) down on the heap of moss where she and Pearl had before been sitting."This is the first inication of Pearl being left aside. Now it is not Hester and Pearl, but Hester and Arthur. They are going to exclude her from their relationship because he simply replaces her. Of course, Pearl does not like this. Later, a physical boundary appears: The brook. So Hawthorne lets her feel her loneliness in two ways.
The Scarlet Letter 33
The Scarlet Letter
Chapter Seventeen
Entry Thirty-Three
Hester and Arthur meet in the forest. Pearl is sent away to play somewhere alone. The first thing they say is asking each other whether they are alive. An untypical beginning of a conversation, but for them it might be the most important thing to know. They want to make sure that it is not only a "hollow body" (the mind already died because of its pain). After that, Dimmesdale touches Hester's hand; this movement is breaking an imaginary spell lying over them. Although their hands are both "chill as death" (any energy was sucked out), it recreates their old connection. Now they are able to talk about their feelings.
Chapter Seventeen
Entry Thirty-Three
Hester and Arthur meet in the forest. Pearl is sent away to play somewhere alone. The first thing they say is asking each other whether they are alive. An untypical beginning of a conversation, but for them it might be the most important thing to know. They want to make sure that it is not only a "hollow body" (the mind already died because of its pain). After that, Dimmesdale touches Hester's hand; this movement is breaking an imaginary spell lying over them. Although their hands are both "chill as death" (any energy was sucked out), it recreates their old connection. Now they are able to talk about their feelings.
The Scarlet Letter 32
The Scarlet Letter
Chapter Seventeen
Entry Thirty-Two
Arthur Dimmesdale appears to be petrified. Due to the previous seven years he has become incredibly weak and lifeless. All the actions he does in the book are always motivated by someone else or happen in darkness. In the first scene he appears, the governor called on him to make Hester speak the sinner's name. Then, he moves with Chillingworth in a house because of the Puritans telling him to do so. The only self-initiated action was when he stepped on the scaffold - nightly. It might be the right step in the right direction, but still he is not fully convinced of what he is doing. If he was then he would have chosen the broad daylight to confess his sin. The plan to escape from Boston was also proposed by Hester. Dimmesdale is not able to make his own ideas because his mind is caught in shock about his pain. Maybe this is a sort of self-protection. Because if he was living in the here and now he would have to deal with his misery. This consciousness might kill him from the inside, so his body rather choses to live in trance than to die.
Chapter Seventeen
Entry Thirty-Two
Arthur Dimmesdale appears to be petrified. Due to the previous seven years he has become incredibly weak and lifeless. All the actions he does in the book are always motivated by someone else or happen in darkness. In the first scene he appears, the governor called on him to make Hester speak the sinner's name. Then, he moves with Chillingworth in a house because of the Puritans telling him to do so. The only self-initiated action was when he stepped on the scaffold - nightly. It might be the right step in the right direction, but still he is not fully convinced of what he is doing. If he was then he would have chosen the broad daylight to confess his sin. The plan to escape from Boston was also proposed by Hester. Dimmesdale is not able to make his own ideas because his mind is caught in shock about his pain. Maybe this is a sort of self-protection. Because if he was living in the here and now he would have to deal with his misery. This consciousness might kill him from the inside, so his body rather choses to live in trance than to die.
Wednesday, November 03, 2010
The Scarlet Letter 31
The Scarlet Letter
Chapter Sixteen
Entry Thirty-One
Chapter Sixteen
Entry Thirty-One
"So Pearl, who had enough of shadow in her own little life [...] She set herself, therefore, to gathering violets and wood-anemones, and some scarlet columbines that she found growing in the crevices of a high rock."Pearl, being sent away from Hester because she wants to talk to Dimmesdale in privacy, walks away to pick some flowers. Noticeable is that all three flowers are red. Again is it mentioned that her life is surrounded of blackness. To escape from it she turns to red flowers, an image symbolizing vitality, energy, passion and generally activity. This is what she longs for: A life in which she pulls the strings. She doesn't want to live in a society that has the power to determine over her future. Neither does she want to end up like her mother who accepted the Puritan rules. But it is hard for her to get to this status because "it is growing in the crevices of a high rock." The high rock could stand for the situation she is stuck in at the moment. She is not allowed to be happy or to live in freedom as she wants to, but she has to behave appropriately (how Boston expects an Adulterer's child to live). It is a severe, strict and dreary life which she is not able to change (-> a big rock). Only her mother (she in turn needs Dimmesdale) is able to help her out of her miserable life.
Words Of The Day
opaque
The forest in "The Scarlet Letter" is described as opaque and mysterious. It contains a lot of symbols.
propensity
My propensity to procrastinate is going to kill me someday.
The forest in "The Scarlet Letter" is described as opaque and mysterious. It contains a lot of symbols.
propensity
My propensity to procrastinate is going to kill me someday.
The Scarlet Letter 30
The Scarlet Letter
Chapter Sixteen
Entry Thirty
Pearl and Hester sit down in the forest at a place where they are invisible to persons walking by. Next to them, a stream runs down. The picture of the brook created by Hawthorne looks magical to me, like something supernatural appearing in the middle of a dark and mysterious forest. The big, old trees let their leaves hang over it as protection, on the ground of the water are pebbles and brown, sparkling sand. In some parts, the sunlight is reflected, but soon it disappears and gets lost in the woods. To Hester and Pearl, it seems like the the intention of the forest is to make sure that the brook in its liveliness does not reveal long kept secrets. They compare it to a young child which normally are unexperienced, venturous, not afraid of anything and always in a good mood. But this child is different: It is
Chapter Sixteen
Entry Thirty
Pearl and Hester sit down in the forest at a place where they are invisible to persons walking by. Next to them, a stream runs down. The picture of the brook created by Hawthorne looks magical to me, like something supernatural appearing in the middle of a dark and mysterious forest. The big, old trees let their leaves hang over it as protection, on the ground of the water are pebbles and brown, sparkling sand. In some parts, the sunlight is reflected, but soon it disappears and gets lost in the woods. To Hester and Pearl, it seems like the the intention of the forest is to make sure that the brook in its liveliness does not reveal long kept secrets. They compare it to a young child which normally are unexperienced, venturous, not afraid of anything and always in a good mood. But this child is different: It is
"kind, quiet, soothing, but melancholy."All in all, it is a sad child. For Pearl it is hard to "listen" to the brook's sad mood because she is the total opposite of it. She never gets sad and is always full of temperament. So she tells the stream to
"Pluck up a spirit, and (not to be) sighing and murmuring all the time.”Hawthorne mentions that both of them have the same origin. Pearl and the brook's roots come from something mysterious and dark (the forest and adultery). But in contrast to the stream, Pearl doesn't let it get her down. She is happy and sparkly as ever.
The Scarlet Letter 29
The Scarlet Letter
Chapter Sixteen
Entry Twenty-Nine
Considered superficially, she uses the sunshine as an excuse so she doesn't have to tell the truth or even make something up (to lie). But there could be a deeper meaning in it. The sunlight represents freedom and happiness. By sending Pearl there, she wants her to get out of the darkness before she gets caught in it. But the little girl has to hurry because there will be a point in life when it gets too late to escape from it.
This is another loving action from Hester. She wants Pearl to have a better life than hers is
Chapter Sixteen
Entry Twenty-Nine
Pearl asks her mother if she does not get an "A" stuck on her chest like Hester does. Until now, she thought it would be a normal development. Hester avoids answering this question and sends her back to play.
“Will not it come of its own accord, when I am a woman grown?”
"Run away, child,” answered her mother, “and catch the sunshine. It will soon be gone."
Considered superficially, she uses the sunshine as an excuse so she doesn't have to tell the truth or even make something up (to lie). But there could be a deeper meaning in it. The sunlight represents freedom and happiness. By sending Pearl there, she wants her to get out of the darkness before she gets caught in it. But the little girl has to hurry because there will be a point in life when it gets too late to escape from it.
This is another loving action from Hester. She wants Pearl to have a better life than hers is
The Scarlet Letter 28
The Scarlet Letter
Chapter Sixteen
Entry Twenty-Eight
After Pearl told her mother what she knows about the Black Man Hester is wondering why she knows all that. Pearl replies that "it was the old woman in the chimney corner, at the sick house where you watched last night.” Further, she explains this lady talked about many people signing in his black and mysterious book. Mistress Hibbins did so too. She was titled as a witch in previous chapters. A witch does not symbolize total evilness, they are more women who were greatly wronged since they were burned at the stake. People believed they were able to jinx persons and therefore could will everyone they wanted to (which has to be regarded as a sin).
In the next question, Pearl wants to know whether her mother goes to meet the Black Man too. At this point, another person could be meant with the Black Man:
But when she would meet with Chillingworth the "A" would glow since it is made by Chillingworth (as I explained in previous blog entries). And as soon it gets closer to its origin, their connection might become stronger so that it starts to glow.
Anyway, Hester negates meeting with the Black Man in the night.
Chapter Sixteen
Entry Twenty-Eight
After Pearl told her mother what she knows about the Black Man Hester is wondering why she knows all that. Pearl replies that "it was the old woman in the chimney corner, at the sick house where you watched last night.” Further, she explains this lady talked about many people signing in his black and mysterious book. Mistress Hibbins did so too. She was titled as a witch in previous chapters. A witch does not symbolize total evilness, they are more women who were greatly wronged since they were burned at the stake. People believed they were able to jinx persons and therefore could will everyone they wanted to (which has to be regarded as a sin).
In the next question, Pearl wants to know whether her mother goes to meet the Black Man too. At this point, another person could be meant with the Black Man:
"And, mother, the old dame said that this scarlet letter was the Black Man’s mark on thee, and that it glows like a red flame when thou meetest him at midnight, here in the dark wood. Is it true, mother? And dost thou go to meet him in the night-time?"Hester Prynne could meet Dimmesdale nightly. To cover their secret meeting they choose the forest which is dark and keeps every secret silently. But because they are not allowed to meet (1. it would be against the Puritan rules, 2. Hester would deny Pearl and 3. Dimmesdale did not reveal that he is the father of Pearl), the "A" is gleaming as a warning.
But when she would meet with Chillingworth the "A" would glow since it is made by Chillingworth (as I explained in previous blog entries). And as soon it gets closer to its origin, their connection might become stronger so that it starts to glow.
Anyway, Hester negates meeting with the Black Man in the night.
The Scarlet Letter 27
The Scarlet Letter
Chapter Sixteen
Entry Twenty-Seven
After Pearl stoppes catching sunshine she asks her mother for telling her a story. But she doesn't want to hear just any story, no, she wants to hear something about the Black Man.
Meant by the term The Black Man is Roger Chillingworth, unseen striking terror into people's hearts.
The book he carries around in Pearls story is his pacts he makes. She exactly describes the situation when Hester promised him to never reveal who Roger Chillingworth really is. She signed an invisible agreement which she never dared to break. The question whether her mother had ever met him seems already answered by Pearl herself. She knows it. Basically, she already revealed everyone's hidden secret, she's only missing their relation and context.
Chapter Sixteen
Entry Twenty-Seven
After Pearl stoppes catching sunshine she asks her mother for telling her a story. But she doesn't want to hear just any story, no, she wants to hear something about the Black Man.
“How he haunts this forest, and carries a book with him,—a big, heavy book, with iron clasps; and how this ugly Black Man offers his book and an iron pen to every body that meets him here among the trees; and they are to write their names with their own blood. And then he sets his mark on their bosoms! Didst thou ever meet the Black Man, mother?”By giving her mother such a detailed description of what she wants to hear, it actually becomes redundant to tell her a story about it. Pearl just needs a reason to talk about the Black Man.
Meant by the term The Black Man is Roger Chillingworth, unseen striking terror into people's hearts.
The book he carries around in Pearls story is his pacts he makes. She exactly describes the situation when Hester promised him to never reveal who Roger Chillingworth really is. She signed an invisible agreement which she never dared to break. The question whether her mother had ever met him seems already answered by Pearl herself. She knows it. Basically, she already revealed everyone's hidden secret, she's only missing their relation and context.
The Scarlet Letter 26
The Scarlet Letter
Chapter Sixteen
Entry Twenty-Six
The forest reflects all that by holding off its rays of sunshine. Pearl notices this and says to her mother:
There is another message behind this calling.
But to me she doesn't sound like she is afraid of it. Why? Is she already so callous that she doesn't care about an unhappy life? Or did she already become so adult that she is able to deal with this knowledge?
Chapter Sixteen
Entry Twenty-Six
"(The road) straggled onward into the mystery of the primeval forest. This hemmed it in so narrowly, and stood so black and dense on either side, and disclosed such imperfect glimpses of the sky above, that, to Hester’s mind, it imaged not amiss the moral wilderness in which she had so long been wandering."Hester Prynne and Pearl are on their way into the forest because Hester wants to reveal Dimmesdale the truth. In this moment, the forest represents a mysterious, unfamiliar and looming. She doesn't know what is going to happen after he learned the truth so she is in an uncertain mood.
The forest reflects all that by holding off its rays of sunshine. Pearl notices this and says to her mother:
“Mother,” said little Pearl, “the sunshine does not love you. It runs away and hides itself, because it is afraid of something on your bosom. Now, see! There it is, playing, a good way off. Stand you here, and let me run and catch it. I am but a child. It will not flee from me; for I wear nothing on my bosom yet!”The sunshine stays away from Hester because it is afraid of the dark and evil vibrancy of the "A". Pearl associates sunshine with something lovely that everyone should possess. One of her favorite games is trying to catch it. By offering her mother to go grab it for her she shows love. She doesn't want her mother to be sad and depressed (to remain in the shadow) but to feel happy and to enjoy her life (to step out into the sunshine). At the same time, she knows that she is not like her mother trapped in darkness but is able to stand on the bright side of life. So Pearl is able to be in sunlight and she wants to use it for making her mother stand there too.
There is another message behind this calling.
"I am but a child. It will not flee from me; for I wear nothing on my bosom yet!”Adults are caught in a sad and lonesome life. They suffer under a heavy cloud hanging over them which carries around a big and unsolvable secret. Children are carefree and can live in joy. But as soon as they grow up their life gets dark. This is Pearl's view of the world. She expects this to happen for herself too.
But to me she doesn't sound like she is afraid of it. Why? Is she already so callous that she doesn't care about an unhappy life? Or did she already become so adult that she is able to deal with this knowledge?
Tuesday, November 02, 2010
The Scarlet Letter 25
The Scarlet Letter
Chapter Sixteen
Entry Twenty-Five
Like in many chapters before, this chapter mentions the forest again. Pearl and Hester walk through it after they had the discussion about Pearl wanting to know the truth behind the "A".The forest is like a border seperating the Puritan society from Hester's house (seperating rules and therefore pain and repressing her real feelings from her soul).
A forest stands for safety, security and protection from storms, rain etc. But it also has something mysterious. You never know what creatures are hiding in the dark and endless shadows coming from big, old trees.
In this book, the forest changes its meanings several times, depending who was walking through it. For Pearl, for instance, it is like her home since she is associated with nature and a forest represents pure nature. So when she walks through it it must seem to her like coming home.
Chapter Sixteen
Entry Twenty-Five
Like in many chapters before, this chapter mentions the forest again. Pearl and Hester walk through it after they had the discussion about Pearl wanting to know the truth behind the "A".A forest stands for safety, security and protection from storms, rain etc. But it also has something mysterious. You never know what creatures are hiding in the dark and endless shadows coming from big, old trees.
In this book, the forest changes its meanings several times, depending who was walking through it. For Pearl, for instance, it is like her home since she is associated with nature and a forest represents pure nature. So when she walks through it it must seem to her like coming home.
The Scarlet Letter 24
The Scarlet Letter
Chapter Fifteen
Entry Twenty-Four
Hester's relationship to Pearl suddenly changes when she realizes that Pearl is not
This refers back to Chillingworth. He is the black light leading into the tunnel, surrounding its inner parts and sticking around until you come to the end of it. And then you see Pearl, a ray of light lighting up the evil gloom. It guides you safely to the tunnel's end and makes sure you are not swallowed up by the darkness.
For a brief moment, Hester Prynne thinks about telling Pearl everything. That would make Pearl a friend and sort of confederate at the same time. But to protect her she decided against doing so.
I think, with this decision she shows real motherly love. It probably is the first real showing of affection towards Pearl. Although it would help Hester dealing with her soul's pain she rather protects her daughter from being pulled into the difficulty of living an adult's life. Especially in the Puritan society.
Chapter Fifteen
Entry Twenty-Four
Hester's relationship to Pearl suddenly changes when she realizes that Pearl is not
"a design of justice and retribution"but rather
" (has a) purpose of mercy and beneficence."Pearl is not only there to remind Hester of her sin and to make sure she never forgets it, but also as a sign of hope that there will be better times if she keeps on going on, and that forgiveness still exists. She has a helping function. She can help her mother out of her miserable situation (for instance, she insists on Dimmesdale proving his love to them publicly -> she knows that this is the way to go if Dimmesdale and Hester want to be happy - together or not); she is like a light shining at the end of a long and dark tunnel.
This refers back to Chillingworth. He is the black light leading into the tunnel, surrounding its inner parts and sticking around until you come to the end of it. And then you see Pearl, a ray of light lighting up the evil gloom. It guides you safely to the tunnel's end and makes sure you are not swallowed up by the darkness.
For a brief moment, Hester Prynne thinks about telling Pearl everything. That would make Pearl a friend and sort of confederate at the same time. But to protect her she decided against doing so.
I think, with this decision she shows real motherly love. It probably is the first real showing of affection towards Pearl. Although it would help Hester dealing with her soul's pain she rather protects her daughter from being pulled into the difficulty of living an adult's life. Especially in the Puritan society.
The Scarlet Letter 23
The Scarlet Letter
Chapter Fifteen
Entry Twenty-Three
It must be very hard for Pearl growing up under this condition. Maybe it was mutual (so maybe Pearl didn't know how to love her mother, too) but I think this attitude towards her daughter made Pearl the way she is. I am sure Hester didn't have a bad intention (she just couldn't find any connection to a child embodying her sin), but she made Pearl feel like a person who doesn't belong to the earth. Her strangeness is due to how Hester treated her -> like a symbol, a thing, an abstract term. It is only naturally that Pearl developes in a not normal way.
Chapter Fifteen
Entry Twenty-Three
"But in good earnest now, mother dear, what does this scarlet letter mean?—and why dost thou wear it on thy bosom?—and why does the minister keep his hand over his heart?”With asking her mother these questions, Pearl makes Hester see her daughter in a different light. Until now, she used to love Pearl in a difficult way. It was more a cold and vulnerable type of love (Hawthorne compares it to an April breeze), never able to grab and hold on to.
It must be very hard for Pearl growing up under this condition. Maybe it was mutual (so maybe Pearl didn't know how to love her mother, too) but I think this attitude towards her daughter made Pearl the way she is. I am sure Hester didn't have a bad intention (she just couldn't find any connection to a child embodying her sin), but she made Pearl feel like a person who doesn't belong to the earth. Her strangeness is due to how Hester treated her -> like a symbol, a thing, an abstract term. It is only naturally that Pearl developes in a not normal way.
The Scarlet Letter 22
The Scarlet Letter
Chapter Fifteen
Entry Twenty-Two
Pearl passes the time she has to wait for her mother with playing in nature. Out of a clear blue sky she decides to form an "A" similar to her mother's. It is made out of green grass which she sticks on her dress.
When Hester returns, she is so surprised that she doesn't know how to react. Acting on instinct, she asks Pearl whether she actually knows the meaning of the "A" or why Hester is wearing it. She replies:
This astonished Hester, too. Her first thought is that it is just a strange coincidence that she actually hit the mark, but then she struggles with this thought: She definitely doesn't put it past her daughter to be clever enough (or is it cleverness at all? Maybe she doesn't put it past her because she is a little weird anyway...).
To make sure Pearl doesn't know too much she asks her what she means by assuming this. She answers that is all she knows and poses counter questions:
Chapter Fifteen
Entry Twenty-Two
Pearl passes the time she has to wait for her mother with playing in nature. Out of a clear blue sky she decides to form an "A" similar to her mother's. It is made out of green grass which she sticks on her dress.
When Hester returns, she is so surprised that she doesn't know how to react. Acting on instinct, she asks Pearl whether she actually knows the meaning of the "A" or why Hester is wearing it. She replies:
“It is for the same reason that the minister keeps his hand over his heart!”So for some reason Pearl saw the connection between her mother and Dimmesdale. This is something very remarkable since Pearl is still very young and not able to understand anything like adultery, sex or cheating on someone. So she shouldn't be able to link these two adults but obviously she is.
This astonished Hester, too. Her first thought is that it is just a strange coincidence that she actually hit the mark, but then she struggles with this thought: She definitely doesn't put it past her daughter to be clever enough (or is it cleverness at all? Maybe she doesn't put it past her because she is a little weird anyway...).
To make sure Pearl doesn't know too much she asks her what she means by assuming this. She answers that is all she knows and poses counter questions:
"What does this scarlet letter mean?—and why dost thou wear it on thy bosom?—and why does the minister keep his hand over his heart?”She seems to use the unique opportunity to solve the big secret surrounding her mother. But she doesn't get an answer so far.
Words Of The Day
Opaque - n, v
not able to be seen through; not transparent
Propensity - n
an inclination or natural tendency to behave in a particular way
Esoteric - adj
intended for or likely to be understood by only a small number of people with a specialized knowledge or interest
Vitiated - adj
to spoil or impair the quality or efficiency
Magnate - n
a wealthy and influential person, esp. in business
Malleable - adj
(of a metal or other material) able to be hammered or pressed permanently out of shape without breaking or cracking
Dearth - n
a scarcity or lack of something
Florid - adj
having a red or flushed complexion, elaborately or excessively intricate or complicated, (of a disease or its manifestations) occurring in a fully developed form
Evanescent - adj
soon passing out of sight, memory, or existence; quickly fading or disappearing
Veneration - n
regard with great respect; revere
not able to be seen through; not transparent
Propensity - n
an inclination or natural tendency to behave in a particular way
Esoteric - adj
intended for or likely to be understood by only a small number of people with a specialized knowledge or interest
Vitiated - adj
to spoil or impair the quality or efficiency
Magnate - n
a wealthy and influential person, esp. in business
Malleable - adj
(of a metal or other material) able to be hammered or pressed permanently out of shape without breaking or cracking
Dearth - n
a scarcity or lack of something
Florid - adj
having a red or flushed complexion, elaborately or excessively intricate or complicated, (of a disease or its manifestations) occurring in a fully developed form
Evanescent - adj
soon passing out of sight, memory, or existence; quickly fading or disappearing
Veneration - n
regard with great respect; revere
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