1. His behavior towards Tom shows how strong his feeling are, and he does not care anymore about his freedom to help his friend. In the last chapters Jim's character is finally complete: his being kind, not having bad attitudes and instead having good feelings toward people make him one of the purest souls.
2. The doctor's speech helped people to understand Jim. All his words saying how good Jim had been make their judgment, and they "don't cuss at him no more". Although this shows how easily people were influenced and did not have their own idea, at the same time shows how actually his behavior was better than many white peeps'.
3. The bullet is seen by Tom as a trophy, he makes a necklace out of it and shows it off. This is significant because it's Tom's dream - he had always wanted to have this kind of adventure and the bullet, to him, is the proof that he actually is one of his books' characters... of course he is: he is a part of the Romantic society.
4. Huck decides to leave again and have more adventures because he does not feel as part of the society. He IS NOT part of it. He does see the society as corrupted and he does not want to be a part of it, therefore the only solution is escaping.
5. The book is built up with Huck's point of view. His impressions and sensations are used to give the reader the exact idea of what HE feels like. He describes things and events as he sees them, sometimes not actually as they are: his naivety makes things look a way that they might actually not be. For instance in the circus, it was hard to understand what actually was going on: in fact if Huck's perception helps us to understand HIM, on the other hand it's harder to get what is going on. Of course a third person narrator would have changed the whole book: the story would have not been as funny and ironic because it would have been a normal sequence of actions, and a lot of turnups would not have been so surprising, given the omniscence of the narrator.
Monday, December 13, 2010
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Huck does stuff. Well, so do I.
chapters 21-23/ last three questions:
1. In chapter 26 Huck steals the money to give it to the girls, in chapter 31 he decides to help Jim to escape. In the first choice, Huck blames someone else for the "crime" he committed: he says that the slaves might have stolen the money, so that he wouldn't have trouble while in the second part Huck decides to take on all the consequences of his action. Huck's struggles are quite ironic
because althouh he knows that what he does goes against the principles of the society, he does it anyway.
2-3. Huck writes the letter because he does know that free the slave will cause problems and breaks the society's rules. But writing it down makes Huck understand everything that would happen if he did NOT let Jim escape and realize that the consequences would be more weighty.
OTHER QUESTIONS
1. Chapter 31 is the climax of the story because until this moment Huck has been unsure about what he wanted to do, and he had not been involved in anything that involved criminal actions besides rafting with him while now he DECIDES to take control of the situation and do actually something to rescue Jim and free him
2. The irony in Huck's statement is that the words are his truth believes. He does think that he is damned and that his afterlife will be in the hell.
3. The description of the house at the beginning of chapter 32 reminds of a very western one. "makes it seem so lonesome and like everybody's dead and gone"this can be linked to the theme of rebirth, this means that that kind of lifestyle (his previous) is not anymore his.
4. Huck sees Providence as faith, almost as a kind of religion because of his dependence from it. He does trust Providence as a god, he feels like it gives suggestions to him. Of course Ms Watson would approve this feeling because it is a religious one.
5. The irony is used as satire: "No. Killed a nigger." "Well, it's lucky; because sometimes people do get hurt.” this shows us that she does not even consider slaves as real people
6. The theme here is romanticism versus realism since the Tom is actually the symbol of romanticism that contrast with Huck, the very symbol of realism and practicalness and here the roles are inverted.
7. Tom and Huck's reasons are different because the first one wants to have an adventure, and he wants things to be over-done and done in a romantic way while Huck just wants his friend to be free.
8. This sentence shows the good feelings of Huck and he does criticizes the negative aspects of the human soul, the being rascals and cruel. This is compared and contrasted with his pure soul, and his reflection is on the free will given to the men: they can be cruel, but don't have to.
9. Tom's reaction is quite a paradox. He allows Huck to steal, but after Huck steals the watermelon Tom blames H. because stealing is only allowed to get things that they need for escaping. It's ironic because he allows stealing... only in part.
10. Huck admires Tom very much, that's why he lets him take control. He underestimates himself and is confident about Tom's actions.
ASSIGNMENT
One of Mark Twain’s main themes in this novel is the contrast between realism and romaticism. Twain uses his main character, Huck, to underline the fact that the Romantic ideas were not the right type of literature, since they were too far from the reality. Through the whole book the reader can find many examples in which the dispise towards the previous literature is evident.
In chapter 34 Huck tells to Tom his plan to rescue the slave, a plan easy and efficient, but his friend replies: “[...] it's too blame' simple; there ain't nothing TO it. What's the good of a plan that ain't no more trouble than that? [...]" Tom doesn’t want to free Jim because animated from good feelings, but just for the ideals provoked by his books. He would risk the success of the “mission” to accomplish his fantasies. With this, Twain might say that the ideas created by Romantic literature might negatively influence the reality.
In chapter 35 Tom says to Huck to borrow a shirt so that Jim could write his journal on, but Huck replies: "Journal your granny -- JIM can't write." and answering to this response, Tom says that it does not matter. So, once again, Twain says that the ideas that romanticism inculcate are bad for the readers. It seems moreover that to Mark Twain, the idealization of the Romantic literature deforms the perception of reality.
So Twain is not just saying that Romanticism is a kind literature that does not reflect reality, but also that it changes the perception of this and might even be detrimental to the reality.
1. In chapter 26 Huck steals the money to give it to the girls, in chapter 31 he decides to help Jim to escape. In the first choice, Huck blames someone else for the "crime" he committed: he says that the slaves might have stolen the money, so that he wouldn't have trouble while in the second part Huck decides to take on all the consequences of his action. Huck's struggles are quite ironic
because althouh he knows that what he does goes against the principles of the society, he does it anyway.
2-3. Huck writes the letter because he does know that free the slave will cause problems and breaks the society's rules. But writing it down makes Huck understand everything that would happen if he did NOT let Jim escape and realize that the consequences would be more weighty.
OTHER QUESTIONS
1. Chapter 31 is the climax of the story because until this moment Huck has been unsure about what he wanted to do, and he had not been involved in anything that involved criminal actions besides rafting with him while now he DECIDES to take control of the situation and do actually something to rescue Jim and free him
2. The irony in Huck's statement is that the words are his truth believes. He does think that he is damned and that his afterlife will be in the hell.
3. The description of the house at the beginning of chapter 32 reminds of a very western one. "makes it seem so lonesome and like everybody's dead and gone"this can be linked to the theme of rebirth, this means that that kind of lifestyle (his previous) is not anymore his.
4. Huck sees Providence as faith, almost as a kind of religion because of his dependence from it. He does trust Providence as a god, he feels like it gives suggestions to him. Of course Ms Watson would approve this feeling because it is a religious one.
5. The irony is used as satire: "No. Killed a nigger." "Well, it's lucky; because sometimes people do get hurt.” this shows us that she does not even consider slaves as real people
6. The theme here is romanticism versus realism since the Tom is actually the symbol of romanticism that contrast with Huck, the very symbol of realism and practicalness and here the roles are inverted.
7. Tom and Huck's reasons are different because the first one wants to have an adventure, and he wants things to be over-done and done in a romantic way while Huck just wants his friend to be free.
8. This sentence shows the good feelings of Huck and he does criticizes the negative aspects of the human soul, the being rascals and cruel. This is compared and contrasted with his pure soul, and his reflection is on the free will given to the men: they can be cruel, but don't have to.
9. Tom's reaction is quite a paradox. He allows Huck to steal, but after Huck steals the watermelon Tom blames H. because stealing is only allowed to get things that they need for escaping. It's ironic because he allows stealing... only in part.
10. Huck admires Tom very much, that's why he lets him take control. He underestimates himself and is confident about Tom's actions.
ASSIGNMENT
One of Mark Twain’s main themes in this novel is the contrast between realism and romaticism. Twain uses his main character, Huck, to underline the fact that the Romantic ideas were not the right type of literature, since they were too far from the reality. Through the whole book the reader can find many examples in which the dispise towards the previous literature is evident.
In chapter 34 Huck tells to Tom his plan to rescue the slave, a plan easy and efficient, but his friend replies: “[...] it's too blame' simple; there ain't nothing TO it. What's the good of a plan that ain't no more trouble than that? [...]" Tom doesn’t want to free Jim because animated from good feelings, but just for the ideals provoked by his books. He would risk the success of the “mission” to accomplish his fantasies. With this, Twain might say that the ideas created by Romantic literature might negatively influence the reality.
In chapter 35 Tom says to Huck to borrow a shirt so that Jim could write his journal on, but Huck replies: "Journal your granny -- JIM can't write." and answering to this response, Tom says that it does not matter. So, once again, Twain says that the ideas that romanticism inculcate are bad for the readers. It seems moreover that to Mark Twain, the idealization of the Romantic literature deforms the perception of reality.
So Twain is not just saying that Romanticism is a kind literature that does not reflect reality, but also that it changes the perception of this and might even be detrimental to the reality.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
I forget things!
8. Lizabeth's story changes Huck’s view of Jim, at least in part.. it makes it just better. Jim moans about his children cause he misses them, and he even talks about stealing them because of his strong love although his trip gives him the chance to think about his family and his previous actions. Jim can’t forgive himself… Jim because he cares of his children and he reflects on what he has done and the effects on his and children’s lives. The slave is sorry and this shows his great humanity. Of course, we can compare his persona with others taht we have found on the book: Pap in first place, is maybe the worst dad.
9. Huck is a Tom Saywer’s friend. He lives with the widow, a woman who takes care of him, although she has a lot of rules: she makes him read the Bible, makes him go to school, doesn’t allow him to smoke. Huck hates this life and wants to run away. Tom Sawyer stops him and accepts him in his “gang”. He sneaks out at night to meet his friends. The friends pretend to steal things and kill people, although they don’t actually commit criminal actions because of Tom Saywer’s imagination and knowledge of action books. The worst “attack” was interrupting a sunday picnic, and Huck does not understand what is going on, since Tom told him that there were Arabs, elephants and diamonds. One day, Huck sees Pap’s footprints in the snow and figures out that Pap has come. Since he owned $ 600 000, money “earned” previously with Tom, decides to give all those dollars to the judge, so that Pap couldn’t get them. Pap asks for Huck to be with him, but in the court the new judge gives Huck to Pap and locks him in the cabin. Even though Huck likes this life without any more rules, he tries to escape because of Pap’s drunk behavior and attempts to kill him. Huck steals some things so that it would have seemed as robbers broke into the house. He used a pig’s blood pretending it was his and throws it into the river as if it really his corp was dragged and thrown into the water. He rushes towards Jackson Island and finds the slave Jim who’s running away too because Miss Watson (the widow’s sister) wants to sell him to the South. Huck plays the first trick on Jim, he puts a dead snake (bad luck) in Jim’s bed and the “nigger” gets bit. They find a death body on the island, and to find out what’s going on on the shore, they go to the floating house of the dead man and find dresses. Huck dresses up and goes to the shore but he fails because he doesn’t know how girls act. He finds out that Pap is more worth than Jim, and this makes us understand that a possible murderer was not considered as bad as a slave, and more useless. Then the couple arrives to the Walter Scott, a boat. There is a real gang and they figure that the criminals are gonna kill one of the members. Huck wants to save them because of his good heart and of the thought that he might end up being one of them someday. He talks to the steamboat guy and after having found out the name of the richest man in the town by chance, he tells him to go up to check the boat because there is this relative of that guy that will pay for everything, but the Walter Scott has sunk by then.
They get lost in the fog for a long night and Huck plays the second trick on Jim: the boy says that Jim was drunk and had dreamed everything, but Jim was truly worried about him.
Soon enough the raft is destroyed by a steamboat and the two arrive in the family. Huck makes friends with Buck and makes up a name. Buck wants to show Huck a snake and they find Jim (connection with Jim and snake). When they come back to the house, everyone is fighting and Huck runs away.
The last personas they meet are the king and duke who are running away and Huck saves them, but not on purpose. They pretend to be dukes and kings but it is not true, and Huck figures that is not important to tell Jim that they’re not real royalties because it would be “no use”. They put on Shakespeare spending time performing, but no one comes to the plays. With a different show, the Nonesuch, people laugh and appreciate it more because people want to have fun but the duke is sad because the couple had worked hard to play Shakespeare.
Then Huck goes to town and there is B, a drunk guy who never hurt anyone, but he gets shot by a colonel. People want to see the body of the dead, and scream and fight to see it. The mob to his house and react the shoot and they want to lynch the guy… the whole situation is a circus! Then he went to a real circus and he gets fooled but he thinks that the ringmaster was the one fooled, not understanding that it was part of the plan. Arrived on the shore again, the “gang” finds out that a rich man has dead. After having found out more details, they pretend to be the two English brothers of the dead man, Peter Wilks to get his inheritance. They give the money to the sisters of the man, but when a doctor claims them to be impostors, the eldest sister, Mary Jean, decides to give all the money to the two partners. Huck steals the money from them because he figures he can’t do something bad to these young ladies. He hides in the closet and listens to their conversation: the king and the duke will store the money in the straw under the bed (place in which Huck had decided to hide at first) but they’re worried that one of the slaves might steal it. Huck gets the money and hides it in the coffin of P.W., decided to write a letter to Mary Jean telling her where the money was. While downtown, the two “real” brothers come, and they want the money. They blame the king and the duke to be frauds, and a lawyer tries to figure out who’s telling the truth. They go to an inn and talk. After some questions, the British people ask about a tattoo on the dead’s body, questioning the king and the duke about it. They make up a story, saying that there was a little blue arrow, while the “brothers” say that there were three letters but the two folks who buried PW say that there were no tattoos. To decide who is right, they decide to get Peter out of the grave, but Huck had put money there! When everyone gathers there around (with shovels but not lanterns because they were just interested to the gruesome stuff) they find the money, and in the messed crowd Huck has the chance to run to Jim who was so worried for him. When they’re on the boat, after having floated a bit, the duke and the king go aboard and try to kill each other because they suspected of each other of having stolen the money.
9. Huck is a Tom Saywer’s friend. He lives with the widow, a woman who takes care of him, although she has a lot of rules: she makes him read the Bible, makes him go to school, doesn’t allow him to smoke. Huck hates this life and wants to run away. Tom Sawyer stops him and accepts him in his “gang”. He sneaks out at night to meet his friends. The friends pretend to steal things and kill people, although they don’t actually commit criminal actions because of Tom Saywer’s imagination and knowledge of action books. The worst “attack” was interrupting a sunday picnic, and Huck does not understand what is going on, since Tom told him that there were Arabs, elephants and diamonds. One day, Huck sees Pap’s footprints in the snow and figures out that Pap has come. Since he owned $ 600 000, money “earned” previously with Tom, decides to give all those dollars to the judge, so that Pap couldn’t get them. Pap asks for Huck to be with him, but in the court the new judge gives Huck to Pap and locks him in the cabin. Even though Huck likes this life without any more rules, he tries to escape because of Pap’s drunk behavior and attempts to kill him. Huck steals some things so that it would have seemed as robbers broke into the house. He used a pig’s blood pretending it was his and throws it into the river as if it really his corp was dragged and thrown into the water. He rushes towards Jackson Island and finds the slave Jim who’s running away too because Miss Watson (the widow’s sister) wants to sell him to the South. Huck plays the first trick on Jim, he puts a dead snake (bad luck) in Jim’s bed and the “nigger” gets bit. They find a death body on the island, and to find out what’s going on on the shore, they go to the floating house of the dead man and find dresses. Huck dresses up and goes to the shore but he fails because he doesn’t know how girls act. He finds out that Pap is more worth than Jim, and this makes us understand that a possible murderer was not considered as bad as a slave, and more useless. Then the couple arrives to the Walter Scott, a boat. There is a real gang and they figure that the criminals are gonna kill one of the members. Huck wants to save them because of his good heart and of the thought that he might end up being one of them someday. He talks to the steamboat guy and after having found out the name of the richest man in the town by chance, he tells him to go up to check the boat because there is this relative of that guy that will pay for everything, but the Walter Scott has sunk by then.
They get lost in the fog for a long night and Huck plays the second trick on Jim: the boy says that Jim was drunk and had dreamed everything, but Jim was truly worried about him.
Soon enough the raft is destroyed by a steamboat and the two arrive in the family. Huck makes friends with Buck and makes up a name. Buck wants to show Huck a snake and they find Jim (connection with Jim and snake). When they come back to the house, everyone is fighting and Huck runs away.
The last personas they meet are the king and duke who are running away and Huck saves them, but not on purpose. They pretend to be dukes and kings but it is not true, and Huck figures that is not important to tell Jim that they’re not real royalties because it would be “no use”. They put on Shakespeare spending time performing, but no one comes to the plays. With a different show, the Nonesuch, people laugh and appreciate it more because people want to have fun but the duke is sad because the couple had worked hard to play Shakespeare.
Then Huck goes to town and there is B, a drunk guy who never hurt anyone, but he gets shot by a colonel. People want to see the body of the dead, and scream and fight to see it. The mob to his house and react the shoot and they want to lynch the guy… the whole situation is a circus! Then he went to a real circus and he gets fooled but he thinks that the ringmaster was the one fooled, not understanding that it was part of the plan. Arrived on the shore again, the “gang” finds out that a rich man has dead. After having found out more details, they pretend to be the two English brothers of the dead man, Peter Wilks to get his inheritance. They give the money to the sisters of the man, but when a doctor claims them to be impostors, the eldest sister, Mary Jean, decides to give all the money to the two partners. Huck steals the money from them because he figures he can’t do something bad to these young ladies. He hides in the closet and listens to their conversation: the king and the duke will store the money in the straw under the bed (place in which Huck had decided to hide at first) but they’re worried that one of the slaves might steal it. Huck gets the money and hides it in the coffin of P.W., decided to write a letter to Mary Jean telling her where the money was. While downtown, the two “real” brothers come, and they want the money. They blame the king and the duke to be frauds, and a lawyer tries to figure out who’s telling the truth. They go to an inn and talk. After some questions, the British people ask about a tattoo on the dead’s body, questioning the king and the duke about it. They make up a story, saying that there was a little blue arrow, while the “brothers” say that there were three letters but the two folks who buried PW say that there were no tattoos. To decide who is right, they decide to get Peter out of the grave, but Huck had put money there! When everyone gathers there around (with shovels but not lanterns because they were just interested to the gruesome stuff) they find the money, and in the messed crowd Huck has the chance to run to Jim who was so worried for him. When they’re on the boat, after having floated a bit, the duke and the king go aboard and try to kill each other because they suspected of each other of having stolen the money.
Monday, December 6, 2010
Huckie Huckie is growing up.
1. the residents are described as extremely cruel individuals, who want to lynch someone and make dogs run in circles until they die. The Arkansas' behavior is just the practical discounting back of the quote: their actions testify the cruel soul of the humans.
2. Huck is a good kid, he knows that the conduct of the two criminals is not fair, he doesn't share their ideas and besides, he doesn't want to get in trouble.
3. Twain satirizes the idea of honor - considered as a virtue that people should protect with their lives. The true episode is the murder of a drunk guy that importuned a Colonel and got killed for this.
4. The circus is an easy entertainment that does not require people to understand or focus on the actual show, while Shakespeare is a type of fun that needs educated people willing to pay attention to what they are seeing. Of course most people look for easy fun therefore the circus is much more crowded.
5. Huck's reaction underlines his naiavity and guillability because he didn't understand that the trick was played on the spectators, not on the ringmaster, whom Huck thinks to be more deceived.
6. The ad provokes men to be curious because it tells that not everyone is allowed to watch the show. People generally want to do secret things, or prohibited.
7. Twain is saying that actually the two criminals are malefactors, they are not truthful and use money of other people to their advantage, but so are the royalties: they do not reveal all the secrets that would make them look evil and avid and use money from the peasants for their luxurious life.
2. Huck is a good kid, he knows that the conduct of the two criminals is not fair, he doesn't share their ideas and besides, he doesn't want to get in trouble.
3. Twain satirizes the idea of honor - considered as a virtue that people should protect with their lives. The true episode is the murder of a drunk guy that importuned a Colonel and got killed for this.
4. The circus is an easy entertainment that does not require people to understand or focus on the actual show, while Shakespeare is a type of fun that needs educated people willing to pay attention to what they are seeing. Of course most people look for easy fun therefore the circus is much more crowded.
5. Huck's reaction underlines his naiavity and guillability because he didn't understand that the trick was played on the spectators, not on the ringmaster, whom Huck thinks to be more deceived.
6. The ad provokes men to be curious because it tells that not everyone is allowed to watch the show. People generally want to do secret things, or prohibited.
7. Twain is saying that actually the two criminals are malefactors, they are not truthful and use money of other people to their advantage, but so are the royalties: they do not reveal all the secrets that would make them look evil and avid and use money from the peasants for their luxurious life.
Friday, December 3, 2010
Huck, don't sweat it!
4. The bounty hunters want to give Huck $40 because of the story he made up: that "his father was sick". The ironic situation is due to the fact that their illegal job does not respect ethic or moral values at all, while their action for Huck's father seems to be extremely kind. This shows that these people good people, but misguided.
5. The two means of transportation are a symbol for the individual vs the society. The "naturally" created raft stands for the individual, who is lead by his feelings and acts good because of his pure soul. On the other hand the "industrially" created steamboat is a symbol of society which destroys the natural morals of humans.
6. Mark Twain wanted his book to be a sequel of Tom Sawyer. While writing his memoir he went on a cruise down the Mississippi and met interesting people that gave him the inspiration to keep on writing the book that he could use as a satire to help slavery and racism, since in the south racism was using an extreme form of violence to keep black people away from power.
7. The description makes fun of the romantic idea of death, which is distorted from the realistic view that Twain had. The family is hypocritical: their behavior does not correspond to the words they speak. The fact that they go in the church with the guns is an evident example of this hypocrisy.
9. Huck's reaction indicate his naivety, and his realism and attachment to the present and the concrete. The motif of Moses is probably used because of the action that they do: they both free slaves. And a slight irony might be caught: from Twain's not-religious point of view, this shows how good can a people act without being religious.
10. Another criticism is made to religious people: the hogs seem to go to the church everyday, while christians just go there when they have to. He might be highlighting also the contradiction in the family. The most "religious" people go to the church and appreciate the sermon and the brotherly love, but their feud continues as soon as they leave the holy place.
11. The feud is typical in the romantic literature, and of course it recalls one of Shakespeare's masterpieces- Romeo and Juliet. The satire is made over the fact that the family does not even know what is the origin of the rivalry, but they keep on fighting. Sometimes people follow someone's footprints although there is not a right or fair reason.
12. The raft is of course compared to the freedom that the two have when they're on the river, which is the moment in which Huck and Jim can be themselves and free from the corrupted society (grangerford house) in fact on the shore the situation in much different. Although the accommodation might be more comfortable by an objective point of view, Huck's pure soul can not bear the corrupted society.
13. The clothes do represent the habits of the community: on the river they are more comfortable without them, because they get rid of all the hypocrisy that they have to bear on the shore.
14. Huck does not want to have troubles, he knows that kind of people and he has learnt how to deal with them. This reaction shows a maturation of his character.
16. The amazing love story is re interpreted by two man, Juliet is a bald, liar, old man while in Shakespeare she is the most pure and beautiful girl. The motif is used to make fun both of the feud in the previous chapters and the literary idealistic thought that is so far from Twain's reality.
17. The pirate, the worst kind of criminal, is played by the "king", person that should be the noblest. The pirate wants to redeem himself, as we've seen before with Pap. The two characters have not changed as they say, but they speculate on people's religious feelings (charity, brotherly love..) to obtain what the want. The satire is used on these feelings. People do them because they want to respect their believes' criteria, although they are actually helping criminal actions.
18. Everything that they do, and the way they behave, do not correspond to the names they call themselves: King and Duke. But maybe Twain is just emphasizing his idea of the corrupted royalties.
5. The two means of transportation are a symbol for the individual vs the society. The "naturally" created raft stands for the individual, who is lead by his feelings and acts good because of his pure soul. On the other hand the "industrially" created steamboat is a symbol of society which destroys the natural morals of humans.
6. Mark Twain wanted his book to be a sequel of Tom Sawyer. While writing his memoir he went on a cruise down the Mississippi and met interesting people that gave him the inspiration to keep on writing the book that he could use as a satire to help slavery and racism, since in the south racism was using an extreme form of violence to keep black people away from power.
7. The description makes fun of the romantic idea of death, which is distorted from the realistic view that Twain had. The family is hypocritical: their behavior does not correspond to the words they speak. The fact that they go in the church with the guns is an evident example of this hypocrisy.
9. Huck's reaction indicate his naivety, and his realism and attachment to the present and the concrete. The motif of Moses is probably used because of the action that they do: they both free slaves. And a slight irony might be caught: from Twain's not-religious point of view, this shows how good can a people act without being religious.
10. Another criticism is made to religious people: the hogs seem to go to the church everyday, while christians just go there when they have to. He might be highlighting also the contradiction in the family. The most "religious" people go to the church and appreciate the sermon and the brotherly love, but their feud continues as soon as they leave the holy place.
11. The feud is typical in the romantic literature, and of course it recalls one of Shakespeare's masterpieces- Romeo and Juliet. The satire is made over the fact that the family does not even know what is the origin of the rivalry, but they keep on fighting. Sometimes people follow someone's footprints although there is not a right or fair reason.
12. The raft is of course compared to the freedom that the two have when they're on the river, which is the moment in which Huck and Jim can be themselves and free from the corrupted society (grangerford house) in fact on the shore the situation in much different. Although the accommodation might be more comfortable by an objective point of view, Huck's pure soul can not bear the corrupted society.
13. The clothes do represent the habits of the community: on the river they are more comfortable without them, because they get rid of all the hypocrisy that they have to bear on the shore.
14. Huck does not want to have troubles, he knows that kind of people and he has learnt how to deal with them. This reaction shows a maturation of his character.
16. The amazing love story is re interpreted by two man, Juliet is a bald, liar, old man while in Shakespeare she is the most pure and beautiful girl. The motif is used to make fun both of the feud in the previous chapters and the literary idealistic thought that is so far from Twain's reality.
17. The pirate, the worst kind of criminal, is played by the "king", person that should be the noblest. The pirate wants to redeem himself, as we've seen before with Pap. The two characters have not changed as they say, but they speculate on people's religious feelings (charity, brotherly love..) to obtain what the want. The satire is used on these feelings. People do them because they want to respect their believes' criteria, although they are actually helping criminal actions.
18. Everything that they do, and the way they behave, do not correspond to the names they call themselves: King and Duke. But maybe Twain is just emphasizing his idea of the corrupted royalties.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Our friend Huck strikes again.
5. The escape from his father reflects the theme of FREEDOM. He is free now, illegally. (so is Jim: he is a slave, property of Miss Watson while Huck belongs to his father according to laws.) So the escape is breaking rules that keep him linked to his father, but rules that make him actually a prisoner, that's why he becomes free escaping.
6. Huck's wish is itself ironic: he wanted to be proud of himself,and he would have obtained this feeling by showing Tom his work, alhtough he consider Tom to be better than him, but the plan wouldn't have been successuful, because Tom would have put some irrealistic details. So Huck's wish is ironic because if Tom would have been there, he wouldn't have been able to escape safely.
7. The ironic fact is that the bread arrives actually to Huck, and he is considered dead. So the believes of the superstition actually happen. Huck does not believe that prayer is linked to have concrete things anymore, after his discussion about the prayer. But here it seems that the spiritual gifts become actually real gifts. We can see the theme of rebirth, cause he is returning to life, a new life.
8. Jim is scared when he finds Huck because he is escaping too against the law, so he is also reluctant to tell Huck his story because he didn't know yet if he was a "man of word" or not. If Huck would have come back to the shore and told everyone Jim's story, this would have meant death for the slave.
9. The ribirth is given by the new situation: they both are free from their past and have a new life ahead of them. Although Huck has the chance to begin everything from the beginning, he knows the implications of his actions: he is breaking the law because he is helping a slave to escape.
10. Huck does know that what he is doing his wrong, against the society, but his honesty is too strong to betray his partner.
11. Jim sees different events and links circumstances with consequences in that paricular case, applying those to every condition similar to the one he has lived. So what actually happened is applied to general cases.
12. The trick is typical from Huck: he wants to play, and does not understand the consequences of his actions in first place. The result of this one trick is Huck's beginning of a period in which he will believe in superstitions and he is ashamed of himself at the moment, although he doesn't admit it: Huck is still a little child that will moral-develop through the book
13. Huck's trip to shore shows us another side of Huck: he is actually foxy if in the need. In fact his stratagems help him in reaching his goals.
14. The common human trait that emerges is exaggeration: he exaggerates to get people's attention, as we already saw in the previous chapters also Jim did with the witches' story.
15. The satire is something that is used to.. "change the society" making fun of it. In this case, there is a paradox: the reward is greater for the person who would find Jim who is a slave, instead of the reward for catching a (possible) murderer: pap. So here the satire is used to tell people the absurdity of the valuing: a murderer of course is a "worse" person than a slave, he should be put in prison, but the greater reward is given for a slave that works.
HERE WE GO WITH PAAAAAAAAAAART TWO!
1. Huck's distort logic makes him think that borrowing and stealing is the same think because of the different precepts heard over the years from different people. Nevertheless, he has good moral values, so he decides that he won't steal if not needed.
2. We can understand something from Huck's insistence: he is an adventurous kid and he wants to be like Tom Sawyer, or like one of the characters of his books.
3. The name of the boat is an irony: Walter Scott is a romantic writer. His novels included fantastic epiphanies and characters. Twain's story is, in contrast, very realistic and "normal" since his licterature wanted facts more similar to reality.
4. Huck does try to be a good person. He tries to imagine himself in the same condition, as a grown up. He does his best to help people, showing his kind side. Besides, he thinks of the murderers as his "friends", as his partners in a future life because he thinks he might end up being a murderer someday.
5. The satire is in the man's response to Huck's quest for help. Huck uses a trick to get help: he pretends that the lady in danger is a relative on a rich man mentioned previously by the boatman himself. We can see how smart he is here. The man is not moved by good feelings: his reason to help the man is because of money, not of real care. This is a criticism to the society: people does not act because of values but because of money.
6. Jim thinks he is trapped anyway because he doesn't see any solutions for a safe life after anything that could have happened, in any case it would have been a bad situation: either his death if he died or slavrey again and punishments if he got caught again
7. Huck relies his knowledge on a romantic and non precise idea of the kings. He doesn't actually know about them because of lack of education
8. Jim's understaning of kings' role is as messed up as Huck's.
Jim associates the knowledge of a small legend (of King S., who is said to have chopped a baby in a half) to all the kings' duties. (Almost like superstition, from a small single case he applies this concept to everyone) but although he doesn't understand the exact point, he does take a side against them thanks to Huck's not exact but rooted-in-thruth stories. His vehemency anyway is probably due to the allegory because the same situation of all the people dependent from one man is the same situation that happened in the fields where slaves (Jim) worked. So he is actually against the type of society because he is the one who is dominated.
6. Huck's wish is itself ironic: he wanted to be proud of himself,and he would have obtained this feeling by showing Tom his work, alhtough he consider Tom to be better than him, but the plan wouldn't have been successuful, because Tom would have put some irrealistic details. So Huck's wish is ironic because if Tom would have been there, he wouldn't have been able to escape safely.
7. The ironic fact is that the bread arrives actually to Huck, and he is considered dead. So the believes of the superstition actually happen. Huck does not believe that prayer is linked to have concrete things anymore, after his discussion about the prayer. But here it seems that the spiritual gifts become actually real gifts. We can see the theme of rebirth, cause he is returning to life, a new life.
8. Jim is scared when he finds Huck because he is escaping too against the law, so he is also reluctant to tell Huck his story because he didn't know yet if he was a "man of word" or not. If Huck would have come back to the shore and told everyone Jim's story, this would have meant death for the slave.
9. The ribirth is given by the new situation: they both are free from their past and have a new life ahead of them. Although Huck has the chance to begin everything from the beginning, he knows the implications of his actions: he is breaking the law because he is helping a slave to escape.
10. Huck does know that what he is doing his wrong, against the society, but his honesty is too strong to betray his partner.
11. Jim sees different events and links circumstances with consequences in that paricular case, applying those to every condition similar to the one he has lived. So what actually happened is applied to general cases.
12. The trick is typical from Huck: he wants to play, and does not understand the consequences of his actions in first place. The result of this one trick is Huck's beginning of a period in which he will believe in superstitions and he is ashamed of himself at the moment, although he doesn't admit it: Huck is still a little child that will moral-develop through the book
13. Huck's trip to shore shows us another side of Huck: he is actually foxy if in the need. In fact his stratagems help him in reaching his goals.
14. The common human trait that emerges is exaggeration: he exaggerates to get people's attention, as we already saw in the previous chapters also Jim did with the witches' story.
15. The satire is something that is used to.. "change the society" making fun of it. In this case, there is a paradox: the reward is greater for the person who would find Jim who is a slave, instead of the reward for catching a (possible) murderer: pap. So here the satire is used to tell people the absurdity of the valuing: a murderer of course is a "worse" person than a slave, he should be put in prison, but the greater reward is given for a slave that works.
HERE WE GO WITH PAAAAAAAAAAART TWO!
1. Huck's distort logic makes him think that borrowing and stealing is the same think because of the different precepts heard over the years from different people. Nevertheless, he has good moral values, so he decides that he won't steal if not needed.
2. We can understand something from Huck's insistence: he is an adventurous kid and he wants to be like Tom Sawyer, or like one of the characters of his books.
3. The name of the boat is an irony: Walter Scott is a romantic writer. His novels included fantastic epiphanies and characters. Twain's story is, in contrast, very realistic and "normal" since his licterature wanted facts more similar to reality.
4. Huck does try to be a good person. He tries to imagine himself in the same condition, as a grown up. He does his best to help people, showing his kind side. Besides, he thinks of the murderers as his "friends", as his partners in a future life because he thinks he might end up being a murderer someday.
5. The satire is in the man's response to Huck's quest for help. Huck uses a trick to get help: he pretends that the lady in danger is a relative on a rich man mentioned previously by the boatman himself. We can see how smart he is here. The man is not moved by good feelings: his reason to help the man is because of money, not of real care. This is a criticism to the society: people does not act because of values but because of money.
6. Jim thinks he is trapped anyway because he doesn't see any solutions for a safe life after anything that could have happened, in any case it would have been a bad situation: either his death if he died or slavrey again and punishments if he got caught again
7. Huck relies his knowledge on a romantic and non precise idea of the kings. He doesn't actually know about them because of lack of education
8. Jim's understaning of kings' role is as messed up as Huck's.
Jim associates the knowledge of a small legend (of King S., who is said to have chopped a baby in a half) to all the kings' duties. (Almost like superstition, from a small single case he applies this concept to everyone) but although he doesn't understand the exact point, he does take a side against them thanks to Huck's not exact but rooted-in-thruth stories. His vehemency anyway is probably due to the allegory because the same situation of all the people dependent from one man is the same situation that happened in the fields where slaves (Jim) worked. So he is actually against the type of society because he is the one who is dominated.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Our new friend Huck!
1. The widow she cried over me, and called me a poor lost lamb, and she called me a lot of other names, too, but she never meant no harm by it. She put me in them new clothes again, and I couldn't do nothing but sweat and sweat, and feel all cramped up. [...] The widow rung a bell for supper, and you had to come to time. When you got to the table you couldn't go right to
eating, but you had to wait for the widow to tuck down her head and grumble a little over the victuals, though there warn't really anything the matter with them"
The widow Douglas seems to be truly interested in saving Huck's condition. Although she reflects a common personality of her age, she is actually a good woman: the widow tries to make Huck a respectable teen, even though Huck does not like or is interested society's etiquette.
Huck doesn't care about Moses story. This shows us how realistic the main character is: he doesn't see the connection with the present ("Moses had been dead a considerable long time; so
then I didn't care no more about him")
2. superstition is a motif. We see more than one example over the first chapters already. It is something that is compared and constrasted with Christianity, that might symbolize the society that criticizes superstition, although it seems that also christianity is a series of superistitious rituals (according to Twain's view). Here are a couple of examples in the first chapter of Huck's superstition. Ghosts
(I heard that kind of a sound that a ghost makes when itwants to tell about something that's on its mind and can't make itself understood, and so can't rest easy in its grave, and has to go about that way every night grieving." and then "Pretty soon a spider went crawling up my shoulder. [...] I didn't need anybody to tell me that that was an awful bad sign and would fetch me some bad luck."
3. Huck's view of afterlife is different from christians (and the widow). He sees death and afterlife as a change, as something different to do - he wants to have adventures. Death is mentioned because it is a motif and it helps us to understand Huck's personality.
4. Tom and Huck play a joke on him just to have fun and -especially Tom- make fun of him
5. Huck is talking. He views Jim as a "ruined servant" since with the attention of people, and people listening and coming to him, he wouldn't have worked much any more since he would have felt important, so he was kinda useless as servant.
6. appearance vs reality. ...?
we're talking about Tom, that, knowing that he's doing something wrong, leaves the cents. He does that only because he wants to while Huck would have stolen the candles without paying cause he'd really need them.
7. Tom is a really shrewd guy, educated, he knows what he does, the consequences of his actions, he's got imagination, understands the difference between good and bad. On the other hand, Huck is really ingenuous, uneducated and innocent. He does not know what is true and what is not, but tries to be as realistic as possible.
8. Tom wants to be and feel more noble and important
9. To Huck, pray is requested to get what you what, intended as things. We can see how materialistic he is and attached to reality, while the widow sees the prayer gifts as spiritual gifts.
10. Tom calls Huck a numskull.. because he actually is. He doesn't understand the difference between reality and fantasy.
11. Huck is just showing his traits: he's a pure realist. While Tom sees things that are only in his mind, and he is so creative to be able to invent these things, Huck is apparently too realistic to figure it.
12. Huck knows that Pap is going to try to get money from Huck, since he's become famous thanks to the money he's made.
SECOND PART:
1. Pap is being an anti-dad. He's doing the exact opposite of what he should be doing. This is an example of situational irony.
2. criticism. The society does not want to break familiar bonds, they don't care about what best, but just what they're expected to do.
3. Freedom from the society which seems kind of unfair (see Huck entrusted to the drunk father). He likes to live without the society rules that he was forced to follow when he was with the widow.
4. Twain is sending a message opposite to Pap's words. What we get from the speech are the thoughts of an extremely racist man... and he wants to point out the fact that the success is gained only from the ones who deserve it.
5. we haven't read this part ye
6. Huck wants Tom to show him how good and clever he seems now. The plan would have more elaborated and maybe not successful because too elaborated.
eating, but you had to wait for the widow to tuck down her head and grumble a little over the victuals, though there warn't really anything the matter with them"
The widow Douglas seems to be truly interested in saving Huck's condition. Although she reflects a common personality of her age, she is actually a good woman: the widow tries to make Huck a respectable teen, even though Huck does not like or is interested society's etiquette.
Huck doesn't care about Moses story. This shows us how realistic the main character is: he doesn't see the connection with the present ("Moses had been dead a considerable long time; so
then I didn't care no more about him")
2. superstition is a motif. We see more than one example over the first chapters already. It is something that is compared and constrasted with Christianity, that might symbolize the society that criticizes superstition, although it seems that also christianity is a series of superistitious rituals (according to Twain's view). Here are a couple of examples in the first chapter of Huck's superstition. Ghosts
(I heard that kind of a sound that a ghost makes when itwants to tell about something that's on its mind and can't make itself understood, and so can't rest easy in its grave, and has to go about that way every night grieving." and then "Pretty soon a spider went crawling up my shoulder. [...] I didn't need anybody to tell me that that was an awful bad sign and would fetch me some bad luck."
3. Huck's view of afterlife is different from christians (and the widow). He sees death and afterlife as a change, as something different to do - he wants to have adventures. Death is mentioned because it is a motif and it helps us to understand Huck's personality.
4. Tom and Huck play a joke on him just to have fun and -especially Tom- make fun of him
5. Huck is talking. He views Jim as a "ruined servant" since with the attention of people, and people listening and coming to him, he wouldn't have worked much any more since he would have felt important, so he was kinda useless as servant.
6. appearance vs reality. ...?
we're talking about Tom, that, knowing that he's doing something wrong, leaves the cents. He does that only because he wants to while Huck would have stolen the candles without paying cause he'd really need them.
7. Tom is a really shrewd guy, educated, he knows what he does, the consequences of his actions, he's got imagination, understands the difference between good and bad. On the other hand, Huck is really ingenuous, uneducated and innocent. He does not know what is true and what is not, but tries to be as realistic as possible.
8. Tom wants to be and feel more noble and important
9. To Huck, pray is requested to get what you what, intended as things. We can see how materialistic he is and attached to reality, while the widow sees the prayer gifts as spiritual gifts.
10. Tom calls Huck a numskull.. because he actually is. He doesn't understand the difference between reality and fantasy.
11. Huck is just showing his traits: he's a pure realist. While Tom sees things that are only in his mind, and he is so creative to be able to invent these things, Huck is apparently too realistic to figure it.
12. Huck knows that Pap is going to try to get money from Huck, since he's become famous thanks to the money he's made.
SECOND PART:
1. Pap is being an anti-dad. He's doing the exact opposite of what he should be doing. This is an example of situational irony.
2. criticism. The society does not want to break familiar bonds, they don't care about what best, but just what they're expected to do.
3. Freedom from the society which seems kind of unfair (see Huck entrusted to the drunk father). He likes to live without the society rules that he was forced to follow when he was with the widow.
4. Twain is sending a message opposite to Pap's words. What we get from the speech are the thoughts of an extremely racist man... and he wants to point out the fact that the success is gained only from the ones who deserve it.
5. we haven't read this part ye
6. Huck wants Tom to show him how good and clever he seems now. The plan would have more elaborated and maybe not successful because too elaborated.
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Monday, November 8, 2010
magnate and malleable
magnate: the shy guy became a magnate of Coca Cola's society
malleable: Gold is a malleable material
malleable: Gold is a malleable material
Sunday, November 7, 2010
58 DJ
"Nothing was more remarkable than the change which took place, almost immediately after Mr. Dimmesdale's death, in the appearance and demeanour of the old man known as Roger Chillingworth. All his strength and energy, all his vital and intellectual force, seemed at once to desert him, insomuch that he positively withered up, shrivelled away and almost vanished from mortal sight, like an uprooted weed that lies wilting in the sun."
R.C. lived with the torture. He is the devil, and his life was based upon being mean to D. Now that his victim his gone, nothing can keep him alive. And the comparison with the sun shows us how C. IS the darkness. the sun kills him. he's a vampireeeeee!!!
R.C. lived with the torture. He is the devil, and his life was based upon being mean to D. Now that his victim his gone, nothing can keep him alive. And the comparison with the sun shows us how C. IS the darkness. the sun kills him. he's a vampireeeeee!!!
57 DJ
"It is singular, nevertheless, that certain persons, who were spectators of the whole scene, and professed never once to have removed their eyes from the Reverend Mr. Dimmesdale, denied that there was any mark whatever on his breast, more than on a new-born infant's."
these people, who "were spectators of the WHOLE scene" (we can understand here scene as deal, they followed the affair from the beginning) understand that actually Dimmesdale was not a sinner, because as we said his sin was not real. (infant=purity)
or, we can look at it with another point of view: after Dimmesdale confessed his sin, the symbol of the sin disappeared.
these people, who "were spectators of the WHOLE scene" (we can understand here scene as deal, they followed the affair from the beginning) understand that actually Dimmesdale was not a sinner, because as we said his sin was not real. (infant=purity)
or, we can look at it with another point of view: after Dimmesdale confessed his sin, the symbol of the sin disappeared.
56 DJ
chapter 24
"Some affirmed that the Reverend Mr. Dimmesdale, on the very day when Hester Prynne first wore her ignominious badge, had begun a course of penance, which he afterwards, in so many futile methods, followed out, by inflicting a hideous torture on himself. Others contended that the stigma had not been produced until a long time subsequent, when old Roger Chillingworth, being a potent necromancer, had caused it to appear, through the agency of magic and poisonous drugs."
we can see here two different views of evil: the human law, for which Hester was guilty, and the natural law, where R.C. was the meanest and the cause of the pain. after D.'s death, appearently C. loses his good fama of being a good doctor, but instead he is considered a NECROMANCER and related to dark magic.
"Some affirmed that the Reverend Mr. Dimmesdale, on the very day when Hester Prynne first wore her ignominious badge, had begun a course of penance, which he afterwards, in so many futile methods, followed out, by inflicting a hideous torture on himself. Others contended that the stigma had not been produced until a long time subsequent, when old Roger Chillingworth, being a potent necromancer, had caused it to appear, through the agency of magic and poisonous drugs."
we can see here two different views of evil: the human law, for which Hester was guilty, and the natural law, where R.C. was the meanest and the cause of the pain. after D.'s death, appearently C. loses his good fama of being a good doctor, but instead he is considered a NECROMANCER and related to dark magic.
55 DJ
chapter 23
"Ha, tempter! Methinks thou art too late!" answered the minister, encountering his eye, fearfully, but firmly. "Thy power is not what it was! With God's help, I shall escape thee now!"
obvious comparison with the devil... as the snake, he tempts A.D. Although he looks at him "firmly" because of his convinction, he's still frightned by him, of course, being him the devil. He even invokes God's help to defeat him. So, as we ve seen before, God=Jesus ->(close link to) Angel=Pearl
pearl is the angel sent to save and help him!!
"Ha, tempter! Methinks thou art too late!" answered the minister, encountering his eye, fearfully, but firmly. "Thy power is not what it was! With God's help, I shall escape thee now!"
obvious comparison with the devil... as the snake, he tempts A.D. Although he looks at him "firmly" because of his convinction, he's still frightned by him, of course, being him the devil. He even invokes God's help to defeat him. So, as we ve seen before, God=Jesus ->(close link to) Angel=Pearl
pearl is the angel sent to save and help him!!
54 DJ
chapter 22:
"Pearl immediately twined it around her neck and waist with such happy skill, that, once seen there, it became a part of her, and it was difficult to imagine her without it."
the golden thread is something that will link Pearl to Hester? The embellishment of the A is gold.
as P. always said that wanted to have the A on her bosom, now that the secret is revealed, and the A, let's say, disappears, the gold is what remains. And that gold is Hester's work, her strenght, not the society's judgment. Pearl will have something that will link her to her mother's determination, as Hester had her link with Arthur in the same way (a symbol).
I wonder why this family can't live happily without any symbols on them...
"Pearl immediately twined it around her neck and waist with such happy skill, that, once seen there, it became a part of her, and it was difficult to imagine her without it."
the golden thread is something that will link Pearl to Hester? The embellishment of the A is gold.
as P. always said that wanted to have the A on her bosom, now that the secret is revealed, and the A, let's say, disappears, the gold is what remains. And that gold is Hester's work, her strenght, not the society's judgment. Pearl will have something that will link her to her mother's determination, as Hester had her link with Arthur in the same way (a symbol).
I wonder why this family can't live happily without any symbols on them...
53 DJ
chapter 22
"The Puritans looked on, and, if they smiled, were none the less inclined to pronounce the child a demon offspring, from the indescribable charm of beauty and eccentricity that shone through her little figure, and sparkled with its activity."
the puritans like Pearl only aesthetically, they think she is a "monster" anyway. They are just attracted from her outside beauty (symptom of being superificial: they don't know the real pearl and why and how she acts towards specific things)
"She ran and looked the wild Indian in the face, and he grew conscious of a nature wilder than his own. Thence, with native audacity, but still with a reserve as characteristic, she flew into the midst of a group of mariners, the swarthy-cheeked wild men of the ocean, as the Indians were of the land; and they gazed wonderingly and admiringly at Pearl, as if a flake of the sea-foam had taken the shape of a little maid, and were gifted with a soul of the sea-fire, that flashes beneath the prow in the night-time."
all the outsiders instead recognize the value of Pearl, they appreciate her, because, not vitiated by the society, have objectivity to judge. Besides that, the comparison with the nature make us see her as result of the perfect nature (N.H.'s view).
"The Puritans looked on, and, if they smiled, were none the less inclined to pronounce the child a demon offspring, from the indescribable charm of beauty and eccentricity that shone through her little figure, and sparkled with its activity."
the puritans like Pearl only aesthetically, they think she is a "monster" anyway. They are just attracted from her outside beauty (symptom of being superificial: they don't know the real pearl and why and how she acts towards specific things)
"She ran and looked the wild Indian in the face, and he grew conscious of a nature wilder than his own. Thence, with native audacity, but still with a reserve as characteristic, she flew into the midst of a group of mariners, the swarthy-cheeked wild men of the ocean, as the Indians were of the land; and they gazed wonderingly and admiringly at Pearl, as if a flake of the sea-foam had taken the shape of a little maid, and were gifted with a soul of the sea-fire, that flashes beneath the prow in the night-time."
all the outsiders instead recognize the value of Pearl, they appreciate her, because, not vitiated by the society, have objectivity to judge. Besides that, the comparison with the nature make us see her as result of the perfect nature (N.H.'s view).
52 DJ
chapter 22:
this is not actually a symbol, just something interesting:
"Men of uncommon intellect, who have grown morbid, possess this occasional power of mighty effort, into which they throw the life of many days and then are lifeless for as many more."
first, Nate H. gives a general aphorism, but in the very following line he links this to his character:
"Hester Prynne, gazing steadfastly at the clergyman, felt a dreary influence come over her, but wherefore or whence she knew not, unless that he seemed so remote from her own sphere, and utterly beyond her reach"
He's telling us that he's going to die.
this is not actually a symbol, just something interesting:
"Men of uncommon intellect, who have grown morbid, possess this occasional power of mighty effort, into which they throw the life of many days and then are lifeless for as many more."
first, Nate H. gives a general aphorism, but in the very following line he links this to his character:
"Hester Prynne, gazing steadfastly at the clergyman, felt a dreary influence come over her, but wherefore or whence she knew not, unless that he seemed so remote from her own sphere, and utterly beyond her reach"
He's telling us that he's going to die.
51 DJ
Chapter 22
"There was no feebleness of step as at other times; his frame was not bent, nor did his hand rest ominously upon his heart. Yet, if the clergyman were rightly viewed, his strength seemed not of the body. It might be spiritual and imparted to him by angelical ministrations. [...] Nevertheless, so abstracted was his look, it might be questioned whether Mr. Dimmesdale even heard the music."
Of course, "it might be" means it is. A.D. of course is relieved: first of all, he finally decided not to feel guilty in secret, but declare it. This means that his pain has not reason to be, and the symbol of his pain is the gesture he made wih the hand. Besides, I do remember that Pearl asked one if, after they held their hands at mid-day, the hand on his heart would have been yet. Well, we see her that now that D. decided to do this, his pain disappeared.
Angelical strenght? of course we're talking about Pearl! (and Hester). She has more than once been compared to the angelical world because of her "skills", and here we see the effects of her power. Pearl is an angel sent to help A. and H., and we see here that she actually saves her father giving him the strenght.
"There was no feebleness of step as at other times; his frame was not bent, nor did his hand rest ominously upon his heart. Yet, if the clergyman were rightly viewed, his strength seemed not of the body. It might be spiritual and imparted to him by angelical ministrations. [...] Nevertheless, so abstracted was his look, it might be questioned whether Mr. Dimmesdale even heard the music."
Of course, "it might be" means it is. A.D. of course is relieved: first of all, he finally decided not to feel guilty in secret, but declare it. This means that his pain has not reason to be, and the symbol of his pain is the gesture he made wih the hand. Besides, I do remember that Pearl asked one if, after they held their hands at mid-day, the hand on his heart would have been yet. Well, we see her that now that D. decided to do this, his pain disappeared.
Angelical strenght? of course we're talking about Pearl! (and Hester). She has more than once been compared to the angelical world because of her "skills", and here we see the effects of her power. Pearl is an angel sent to help A. and H., and we see here that she actually saves her father giving him the strenght.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
sentences
esoteric- the disciples of Platon were part of his esoteric group.
vitiate- the puritan society was vitiated by immoral habits
vitiate- the puritan society was vitiated by immoral habits
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
50 DJ
chapter 21
"The dress, so proper was it to little Pearl, seemed an effluence, or inevitable development and outward manifestation of her character, no more to be separated from her than the many-hued brilliancy from a butterfly's wing, or the painted glory from the leaf of a bright flower."
VS
"Not more by its hue than by some indescribable peculiarity in its fashion, it had the effect of making her fade personally out of sight and outline; while again the scarlet letter brought her back from this twilight indistinctness, and revealed her under the moral aspect of its own illumination."
It seems here that Hester has been contaminated by the society: their sadness make her sad to, or at least her clothing: it's sad like the society. While her letter shines: that letter is Pearl, that letter is the sin committed without being moralistic guilty. So, although Hester has been changed by the society, still somthing keeps her true and soulfully pure.
On the other side, Pearl shows her difference with her clothing: she is pure, she is different in a good way from the societ, that's why all her energy and happiness and color sing off-key compared to the puritans.
VS
"Not more by its hue than by some indescribable peculiarity in its fashion, it had the effect of making her fade personally out of sight and outline; while again the scarlet letter brought her back from this twilight indistinctness, and revealed her under the moral aspect of its own illumination."
It seems here that Hester has been contaminated by the society: their sadness make her sad to, or at least her clothing: it's sad like the society. While her letter shines: that letter is Pearl, that letter is the sin committed without being moralistic guilty. So, although Hester has been changed by the society, still somthing keeps her true and soulfully pure.
On the other side, Pearl shows her difference with her clothing: she is pure, she is different in a good way from the societ, that's why all her energy and happiness and color sing off-key compared to the puritans.
49 DJ
chapter 21
"In the DARK nighttime he calls us to him, and holds thy hand and mine, as when we stood with him on the scaffold yonder! And in the deep forest, where only the old trees can hear, and the strip of sky see it, he talks with thee, sitting on a heap of moss! And he kisses my forehead, too, so that the little brook would hardly wash it off! But, here, in the SUNNY day, and among all the people, he knows us not; nor must we know him! A strange, sad man is he, with his hand always over his heart!"
evident here:
dark/no people = D. reveals himself
sun/crowded = D. denies his status
D. does not want to reveal his secret, afraid of people's reaction, as we said more than once.
Besides, it seems here that the dark (forest=dark for puritan society) comes when they are together, because they commit sin. and sin is evil, so it's dark...
"In the DARK nighttime he calls us to him, and holds thy hand and mine, as when we stood with him on the scaffold yonder! And in the deep forest, where only the old trees can hear, and the strip of sky see it, he talks with thee, sitting on a heap of moss! And he kisses my forehead, too, so that the little brook would hardly wash it off! But, here, in the SUNNY day, and among all the people, he knows us not; nor must we know him! A strange, sad man is he, with his hand always over his heart!"
evident here:
dark/no people = D. reveals himself
sun/crowded = D. denies his status
D. does not want to reveal his secret, afraid of people's reaction, as we said more than once.
Besides, it seems here that the dark (forest=dark for puritan society) comes when they are together, because they commit sin. and sin is evil, so it's dark...
48 DJ
chapter 21
Children have always a sympathy in the agitations of those connected with them: always, especially, a sense of any trouble or impending revolution, of whatever kind, in domestic circumstances; and therefore Pearl, who was the gem on her mother's unquiet bosom, betrayed, by the very dance of her spirits, the emotions which none could detect in the marble passiveness of Hester's brow.
Pearl reflects her mother's thoughts and feelings. She is the purity, she is not hypocritic and shows her real emotions, like Hester would like to do, but she can't. Hester is so excited for the upcoming leave that she can not refrain herself. But since she knows what effects her behavior would have, she just stays still, leaving to Pearl the duty of shaking out her emotions.
Children have always a sympathy in the agitations of those connected with them: always, especially, a sense of any trouble or impending revolution, of whatever kind, in domestic circumstances; and therefore Pearl, who was the gem on her mother's unquiet bosom, betrayed, by the very dance of her spirits, the emotions which none could detect in the marble passiveness of Hester's brow.
Pearl reflects her mother's thoughts and feelings. She is the purity, she is not hypocritic and shows her real emotions, like Hester would like to do, but she can't. Hester is so excited for the upcoming leave that she can not refrain herself. But since she knows what effects her behavior would have, she just stays still, leaving to Pearl the duty of shaking out her emotions.
47 DJ
chapter 20
"Again, another incident of the same nature. Hurrying along the street, the Reverend Mr. Dimmesdale encountered the eldest female member of his church, a most pious and exemplary old dame, poor, widowed, lonely, and with a heart as full of reminiscences about her dead husband and children, and her dead friends of long ago, as a burial-ground is full of storied gravestones."
What happens to D. is seeing a dame, Hester-alike (?) when this one would have been old, without the minister revealing the truth. He doesn't even remember some kind of prayers, but what he says makes the woman happy.
"The wretched minister! He had made a bargain very like it! Tempted by a dream of happiness, he had yielded himself with deliberate choice, as he had never done before, to what he knew was deadly sin."
It seems that A.D. regrets his decision! He thinks that what he committed now, deciding his future, was an even worse sin? ("And his encounter with old Mistress Hibbins, if it were a real incident, did but show its sympathy and fellowship with wicked mortals, and the world of perverted spirits.") this shows us even more how D. dissaproves his own choise...
"Again, another incident of the same nature. Hurrying along the street, the Reverend Mr. Dimmesdale encountered the eldest female member of his church, a most pious and exemplary old dame, poor, widowed, lonely, and with a heart as full of reminiscences about her dead husband and children, and her dead friends of long ago, as a burial-ground is full of storied gravestones."
What happens to D. is seeing a dame, Hester-alike (?) when this one would have been old, without the minister revealing the truth. He doesn't even remember some kind of prayers, but what he says makes the woman happy.
"The wretched minister! He had made a bargain very like it! Tempted by a dream of happiness, he had yielded himself with deliberate choice, as he had never done before, to what he knew was deadly sin."
It seems that A.D. regrets his decision! He thinks that what he committed now, deciding his future, was an even worse sin? ("And his encounter with old Mistress Hibbins, if it were a real incident, did but show its sympathy and fellowship with wicked mortals, and the world of perverted spirits.") this shows us even more how D. dissaproves his own choise...
46 DJ
chapter 20
"The pathway among the woods seemed wilder, more uncouth with its rude natural obstacles, and less trodden by the foot of man, than he remembered it on his outward journey. But he leaped across the plashy places, thrust himself through the clinging underbrush, climbed the ascent, plunged into the hollow, and overcame, in short, all the difficulties of the track, with an unweariable activity that astonished him."
Although D. thinks of having made the right choise, the Nature is warning him. His decision is right, but his cowardness tells him to escape right after the speech, so he will be safe. D's choise, anyway, gives him the pysichal strenght that he hadn't before, without his family to help him and the Devil torturing him. Now, having decided what to do (the right thing, admitting it), his condition gets better.
"The pathway among the woods seemed wilder, more uncouth with its rude natural obstacles, and less trodden by the foot of man, than he remembered it on his outward journey. But he leaped across the plashy places, thrust himself through the clinging underbrush, climbed the ascent, plunged into the hollow, and overcame, in short, all the difficulties of the track, with an unweariable activity that astonished him."
Although D. thinks of having made the right choise, the Nature is warning him. His decision is right, but his cowardness tells him to escape right after the speech, so he will be safe. D's choise, anyway, gives him the pysichal strenght that he hadn't before, without his family to help him and the Devil torturing him. Now, having decided what to do (the right thing, admitting it), his condition gets better.
45 DJ
chapter 20
"The minister had inquired of Hester [... ]the precise time at which the vessel might be expected to depart. It would probably be on the fourth day from the present. «This is most fortunate!».[...] because on the third day from the present, he was to preach the Election Sermon; and, as such an occasion formed an honourable epoch in the life of a New England Clergyman, he could not have chanced upon a more suitable mode and time of terminating his professional career. «At least, they shall say of me*,» thought this exemplary man, «that I leave no public duty unperformed or ill-performed!»"
Probably Pearl and Hester gave D. the streght that he couldn't find by himself. Finally, he decides to become strong and say the truth. The punishment received actually spurs him toward a better behavior, as the letter A helped Hester to become a better person. Nevertheless, A.D. seems more concerned about people's reputation - it seems that he does what he does because of people's opinion*- unlike Hester, that suffered for the society's thoughts but never did anything to change them.
"The minister had inquired of Hester [... ]the precise time at which the vessel might be expected to depart. It would probably be on the fourth day from the present. «This is most fortunate!».[...] because on the third day from the present, he was to preach the Election Sermon; and, as such an occasion formed an honourable epoch in the life of a New England Clergyman, he could not have chanced upon a more suitable mode and time of terminating his professional career. «At least, they shall say of me*,» thought this exemplary man, «that I leave no public duty unperformed or ill-performed!»"
Probably Pearl and Hester gave D. the streght that he couldn't find by himself. Finally, he decides to become strong and say the truth. The punishment received actually spurs him toward a better behavior, as the letter A helped Hester to become a better person. Nevertheless, A.D. seems more concerned about people's reputation - it seems that he does what he does because of people's opinion*- unlike Hester, that suffered for the society's thoughts but never did anything to change them.
44 DJ
chapter 19
"But, whether influenced by the jealousy that seems instinctive with every petted child towards a dangerous rival, or from whatever caprice of her freakish nature, Pearl would show no favour to the clergyman."
Pearl's reaction is not just a childish capirice, but a punishment for D. for not having said the truth. Pearl's love will arrive only in the moment in which he will confess his sin (in fact, she runs and kisses him when he reveals it) but now what A.D. is looking for is a familiar love, and he can't find it: Pearl does not grant it: this is the cruel punishment for not having said the truth.
"But, whether influenced by the jealousy that seems instinctive with every petted child towards a dangerous rival, or from whatever caprice of her freakish nature, Pearl would show no favour to the clergyman."
Pearl's reaction is not just a childish capirice, but a punishment for D. for not having said the truth. Pearl's love will arrive only in the moment in which he will confess his sin (in fact, she runs and kisses him when he reveals it) but now what A.D. is looking for is a familiar love, and he can't find it: Pearl does not grant it: this is the cruel punishment for not having said the truth.
43 DJ
chapter 19:
" "And will he always keep his hand over his heart?" inquired Pearl. "Foolish child, what a question is that!" exclaimed her mother. "Come, and ask his blessing!" "
of couse Pearl's question is not foolish. She reflects her mother's feelings, and probably is what Hester wonders about. A.D.'s gesture. Hawt. is pointing out that actually, when they three will be together, recognized by the society, his pain will disappear. His touching his heart is both the thought of his family (touching his heart he can feel his love for the family) and the A. What Pearl says is the explicit form of A.D's pain, finally.
" "And will he always keep his hand over his heart?" inquired Pearl. "Foolish child, what a question is that!" exclaimed her mother. "Come, and ask his blessing!" "
of couse Pearl's question is not foolish. She reflects her mother's feelings, and probably is what Hester wonders about. A.D.'s gesture. Hawt. is pointing out that actually, when they three will be together, recognized by the society, his pain will disappear. His touching his heart is both the thought of his family (touching his heart he can feel his love for the family) and the A. What Pearl says is the explicit form of A.D's pain, finally.
42 DJ
chapter 19
"And beneath, in the mirror of the brook, there was the flower-girdled and sunny image of little Pearl, pointing her small forefinger too. [...] In the brook, again, was the fantastic beauty of the image, with its reflected frown, its pointed finger, and imperious gesture, giving emphasis to the aspect of little Pearl.[...]Seen in the brook once more was the shadowy wrath of Pearl's image, crowned and girdled with flowers, but stamping its foot, wildly gesticulating, and, in the midst of all, still pointing its small forefinger at Hester's bosom."
Once again, a lot of emphasis is given to the reflection of Pearl. Now she makes it clear that maybe she couldn't come become she was actually not esisting: she is the A. Having Hester thrown away the A, Pearl was thrown away too. To every Pearl's action, Hawt. remarks what happens in the brook. As soon as Hester takes back the letter, Pearl goes over the pond and the reflection disappears.
"And beneath, in the mirror of the brook, there was the flower-girdled and sunny image of little Pearl, pointing her small forefinger too. [...] In the brook, again, was the fantastic beauty of the image, with its reflected frown, its pointed finger, and imperious gesture, giving emphasis to the aspect of little Pearl.[...]Seen in the brook once more was the shadowy wrath of Pearl's image, crowned and girdled with flowers, but stamping its foot, wildly gesticulating, and, in the midst of all, still pointing its small forefinger at Hester's bosom."
Once again, a lot of emphasis is given to the reflection of Pearl. Now she makes it clear that maybe she couldn't come become she was actually not esisting: she is the A. Having Hester thrown away the A, Pearl was thrown away too. To every Pearl's action, Hawt. remarks what happens in the brook. As soon as Hester takes back the letter, Pearl goes over the pond and the reflection disappears.
41 DJ
"Just where she had paused, the brook chanced to form a pool so smooth and quiet that it reflected a perfect image of her little figure, with all the brilliant picturesqueness of her beauty, in its adornment of flowers and wreathed foliage, but more refined and spiritualized than the reality. This image, so nearly identical with the living Pearl, seemed to communicate somewhat of its own shadowy and intangible quality to the child herself.
Again the reflection. In this moment it appears perfec: the letter A and Pearl both represent A.D and Hester's link, that had never been in the previous years.Now that they are together, that symbol, the A, does not have to be there, to remind Hester her love. As well as the A, Pearl, who is the living link, the living A, now seems to be just a reflection, something that does not exist: the impossible event (the couple staying together) has now been won: no symbols need to stand for what they miss, cause they aren't missing anything anymore.
Again the reflection. In this moment it appears perfec: the letter A and Pearl both represent A.D and Hester's link, that had never been in the previous years.Now that they are together, that symbol, the A, does not have to be there, to remind Hester her love. As well as the A, Pearl, who is the living link, the living A, now seems to be just a reflection, something that does not exist: the impossible event (the couple staying together) has now been won: no symbols need to stand for what they miss, cause they aren't missing anything anymore.
40 DJ
chapter 18
"The objects that had made a shadow hitherto, embodied the brightness now. The course of the little brook might be traced by its merry gleam afar into the wood's heart of mystery, which had become a mystery of joy. Such was the sympathy of Nature, that wild, heathen Nature of the forest, never subjugated by human law, nor illumined by higher truth, with the bliss of these two spirits! Love, whether newly-born, or aroused from a death-like slumber, must always create a sunshine, filling the heart so full of radiance, that it overflows upon the outward world."
here, once again, Hawt. is reversing the puritan believes. The Nature is not seen as evil, and especially now that the two souls are again together, the forest becomes a paradise. A BRIGHT paradise ("brighness") compared to the dark and hypocritic society. "never subjugated by human law" -- reminds to A.D., who doesn't want to be subjugated by law, so this is actually a place in which he can feel safe - cause he's with his woman, and admitting his sin in that moment.
"The objects that had made a shadow hitherto, embodied the brightness now. The course of the little brook might be traced by its merry gleam afar into the wood's heart of mystery, which had become a mystery of joy. Such was the sympathy of Nature, that wild, heathen Nature of the forest, never subjugated by human law, nor illumined by higher truth, with the bliss of these two spirits! Love, whether newly-born, or aroused from a death-like slumber, must always create a sunshine, filling the heart so full of radiance, that it overflows upon the outward world."
here, once again, Hawt. is reversing the puritan believes. The Nature is not seen as evil, and especially now that the two souls are again together, the forest becomes a paradise. A BRIGHT paradise ("brighness") compared to the dark and hypocritic society. "never subjugated by human law" -- reminds to A.D., who doesn't want to be subjugated by law, so this is actually a place in which he can feel safe - cause he's with his woman, and admitting his sin in that moment.
39 DJ
"The stigma gone, Hester heaved a long, deep sigh, in which the burden of shame and anguish departed from her spirit. O exquisite relief! She had not known the weight until she felt the freedom!
By another impulse, she took off the formal cap that confined her hair, and down it fell upon her shoulders, dark and rich, with at once a shadow and a light in its abundance, and imparting the charm of softness to her features."
what happens here!!! Hester changes her image, unties her hair and takes off the A. This very last gesture probably means that, symbolizing the A also her relationship with D., now that she's with D. is not that important. She kept the letter to keep A.D. with her, and her very holiness is due to that letter, due to the exile from the society. Now that Arthur is with her, the symbol of that A becomes alive and is next to her, so she doesn't need to have it on her bosom.
Does A stand also for Arthur???
By another impulse, she took off the formal cap that confined her hair, and down it fell upon her shoulders, dark and rich, with at once a shadow and a light in its abundance, and imparting the charm of softness to her features."
what happens here!!! Hester changes her image, unties her hair and takes off the A. This very last gesture probably means that, symbolizing the A also her relationship with D., now that she's with D. is not that important. She kept the letter to keep A.D. with her, and her very holiness is due to that letter, due to the exile from the society. Now that Arthur is with her, the symbol of that A becomes alive and is next to her, so she doesn't need to have it on her bosom.
Does A stand also for Arthur???
38 DJ
chapter 18
"It was the exhilarating effect, upon a prisoner just escaped from the dungeon of his own heart, of breathing the wild, free atmosphere of an unredeemed, unchristianised, lawless region."
we can see again the link to the jail: it is not only the jail of the society, but also of his heart. The admittance of his sin is not something seen as bad, he doesn't have a punishment right away (cause he was already dying, i don't think this is the punishment, instead he has the chance to save himself), but instead the truth will make him be free. The wild is again the recall to nature, as well as free. "lawless" makes us think that D. likes this new condition cause his greatest fear is actually law... and "unchristianised" is not seen bad either, while in that period it was the most important thing. Here it seems to me that Hawt. is talking about the ipocrisy of the puritan (christian) society.
"It was the exhilarating effect, upon a prisoner just escaped from the dungeon of his own heart, of breathing the wild, free atmosphere of an unredeemed, unchristianised, lawless region."
we can see again the link to the jail: it is not only the jail of the society, but also of his heart. The admittance of his sin is not something seen as bad, he doesn't have a punishment right away (cause he was already dying, i don't think this is the punishment, instead he has the chance to save himself), but instead the truth will make him be free. The wild is again the recall to nature, as well as free. "lawless" makes us think that D. likes this new condition cause his greatest fear is actually law... and "unchristianised" is not seen bad either, while in that period it was the most important thing. Here it seems to me that Hawt. is talking about the ipocrisy of the puritan (christian) society.
37 DJ
chapter 18
"But this had been a sin of passion, not of principle, nor even purpose. "
in this line Hawt. makes clear that the sin, as well as the kid Pearl (before being recognized by his father*) does not exist- is unreal (ex. the reflection of pearl in the water) because committed with love. He forgives D, as we have seen more than once. "nor even purpose" on the other hand makes me think that he didn't love Hester, but actually his "purpose" was not to go against the sociey, against the law. (weak!!)
*After that, Pearl will become real, and will not have to be next to the mother to have a life.
"But this had been a sin of passion, not of principle, nor even purpose. "
in this line Hawt. makes clear that the sin, as well as the kid Pearl (before being recognized by his father*) does not exist- is unreal (ex. the reflection of pearl in the water) because committed with love. He forgives D, as we have seen more than once. "nor even purpose" on the other hand makes me think that he didn't love Hester, but actually his "purpose" was not to go against the sociey, against the law. (weak!!)
*After that, Pearl will become real, and will not have to be next to the mother to have a life.
36 DJ
chapter 18
"The minister, on the other hand, had never gone through an experience calculated to lead him beyond the scope of generally received laws; although, in a single instance, he had so fearfully transgressed one of the most sacred of them."
The minister, besides being weak, is also a fake. His weakness doesn't allow him to trasgress law and reveal his sin, but at the same time, he actually is a big liar and guilty.
Therefore, we can read through lines that A.D. exiled himself from the society because he feels guilty and because of his weakness.
"The minister, on the other hand, had never gone through an experience calculated to lead him beyond the scope of generally received laws; although, in a single instance, he had so fearfully transgressed one of the most sacred of them."
The minister, besides being weak, is also a fake. His weakness doesn't allow him to trasgress law and reveal his sin, but at the same time, he actually is a big liar and guilty.
Therefore, we can read through lines that A.D. exiled himself from the society because he feels guilty and because of his weakness.
35 DJ
chapter 18
"The tendency of her fate and fortunes had been to set her free. The scarlet letter was her passport into regions where other women dared not tread."
the letter now adopts the symbol of a passaport that allows Hester to escape from the jail (the society in which she is in). As well as before, the A becomes not the symbol of infamy, but the emblem of a holy and wise woman. The very A makes her special: always exiliated because different from the other women, but in a good way.
"The tendency of her fate and fortunes had been to set her free. The scarlet letter was her passport into regions where other women dared not tread."
the letter now adopts the symbol of a passaport that allows Hester to escape from the jail (the society in which she is in). As well as before, the A becomes not the symbol of infamy, but the emblem of a holy and wise woman. The very A makes her special: always exiliated because different from the other women, but in a good way.
essay /
Exile is seen as a dramatic experience, where a person is ripped out from his or her “home” intended as a birthplace, family, homeland.
Cicero and Napoleon are two famous personalities that, separated by centuries, felt the same way about their exile: the feeling of not being home, not feeling safe, loving something that they couldn’t be in touch with- changed their lives and their point of view.
Nathaniel Hawthorne writes about two kinds of exile in his book –The Scarlet Letter. Hester Prynne is subjected to the pitfalls of a place new and different from the one in which she has always lived. A second type of exile, less concrete, is the exile caused by alienation from society: his main character remains physically in the society itself, but is any longer part of it. This makes Hester’s condition even more difficult, and hard to live and deal with.
After having reached the New World, having lost therefore her own family and birthplace, Hester has to deal all by herself a series of problems, such as integration in the society that will kick her out, settling a place to live and how to earn bread. Although this might be a main point, the real pain is cause by Hester’s sin and her life after that.
Hester Prynne is left alone to fight the difficulties of her new life, and her husband is not there to help her. Guilty of love, her love itself will cause seclusion from society. The punishment of carrying an ‘A’ on her bosom seems a too merciful one: people say that she should have been marked on the forehead with an iron, but to Hester it burns as if she had been scarred.
The letter seems to be a cruel mark that will never help Hester, but remind her how evil she is. Maybe this is what makes Hester do her best to improve her condition: the ‘A’ is a constant reminder to Hester to help others and be kind in response to others’ offences. Therefore, the letter becomes not anymore a symbol of shame and infamy, but even its meaning changes to the society’s eyes: A stands for Angel.
The exile that the society tried to punish Hester with, actually helped her to become a better, almost holy person.
If she hadn’t been exiled, or if she had stayed among her relatives, protected with familiar love, her life would have been different, her character wouldn’t have become sweeter and kinder, but Hester would have remained a normal woman who once committed a sin. But the fact that her alienation and punishment changed her soul in good, changes her figure from sinner to saint.
Cicero and Napoleon are two famous personalities that, separated by centuries, felt the same way about their exile: the feeling of not being home, not feeling safe, loving something that they couldn’t be in touch with- changed their lives and their point of view.
Nathaniel Hawthorne writes about two kinds of exile in his book –The Scarlet Letter. Hester Prynne is subjected to the pitfalls of a place new and different from the one in which she has always lived. A second type of exile, less concrete, is the exile caused by alienation from society: his main character remains physically in the society itself, but is any longer part of it. This makes Hester’s condition even more difficult, and hard to live and deal with.
After having reached the New World, having lost therefore her own family and birthplace, Hester has to deal all by herself a series of problems, such as integration in the society that will kick her out, settling a place to live and how to earn bread. Although this might be a main point, the real pain is cause by Hester’s sin and her life after that.
Hester Prynne is left alone to fight the difficulties of her new life, and her husband is not there to help her. Guilty of love, her love itself will cause seclusion from society. The punishment of carrying an ‘A’ on her bosom seems a too merciful one: people say that she should have been marked on the forehead with an iron, but to Hester it burns as if she had been scarred.
The letter seems to be a cruel mark that will never help Hester, but remind her how evil she is. Maybe this is what makes Hester do her best to improve her condition: the ‘A’ is a constant reminder to Hester to help others and be kind in response to others’ offences. Therefore, the letter becomes not anymore a symbol of shame and infamy, but even its meaning changes to the society’s eyes: A stands for Angel.
The exile that the society tried to punish Hester with, actually helped her to become a better, almost holy person.
If she hadn’t been exiled, or if she had stayed among her relatives, protected with familiar love, her life would have been different, her character wouldn’t have become sweeter and kinder, but Hester would have remained a normal woman who once committed a sin. But the fact that her alienation and punishment changed her soul in good, changes her figure from sinner to saint.
sentences!
Opaque- the opaque glass didn't allow Sally to see what was going on beyond the window.
Propensity- one of the main trait of Chillingworth's character was the propensity to the evil
Propensity- one of the main trait of Chillingworth's character was the propensity to the evil
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Vocabulary
1) opaque - adj. not clear; not transmitting or reflecting light or radiant energy;
2) Propensity - noun a disposition to behave in a certain way;
3) Esoteric - adj intended to be understood by only a small number of people with a specialized knowledge or interest
4) Vitiated - adj
5) Magnate - noun
6) Malleable - adj capable of being shaped or bent or drawn out/ easily influenced
7) Dearth - noun (paucity) an insufficient quantity or number
8) Florid - adj elaborately or excessively ornamented;
9) Evanescent - adj
10) Veneration - noun religious zeal; willingness to serve
2) Propensity - noun a disposition to behave in a certain way;
3) Esoteric - adj intended to be understood by only a small number of people with a specialized knowledge or interest
4) Vitiated - adj
| ruined in character or quality |
| a very wealthy or powerful businessman; |
7) Dearth - noun (paucity) an insufficient quantity or number
8) Florid - adj elaborately or excessively ornamented;
9) Evanescent - adj
| tending to vanish like vapo |
Monday, November 1, 2010
34 DJ
17 chapter
"Dost thou not see what I would say? That old man!... the physician!... he whom they call Roger Chillingworth!... he was my husband!"
the fact that Hester has the strenght to tell A. that R.C. is her husband is another demonstration of how Hester is stronger compared to her lover. She didn't have to tell A.D. that he was her husband, but she's pure and honest and her soul is actually "clean" cause she has no secrets now.
"Dost thou not see what I would say? That old man!... the physician!... he whom they call Roger Chillingworth!... he was my husband!"
the fact that Hester has the strenght to tell A. that R.C. is her husband is another demonstration of how Hester is stronger compared to her lover. She didn't have to tell A.D. that he was her husband, but she's pure and honest and her soul is actually "clean" cause she has no secrets now.
33 DJ
17 c
"More misery, Hester!... Only the more misery!" answered the clergyman with a bitter smile. " As concerns the good which I may appear to do, I have no faith in it. It must needs be a delusion. What can a ruined soul like mine effect towards the redemption of other souls?... or a polluted soul towards their purification? And as for the people's reverence, would that it were turned to scorn and hatred!" [...]
"Happy are you, Hester, that wear the scarlet letter openly upon your bosom! Mine burns in secret!"
A.D. must be a good man, because his pain is evident, and his whole sould is exploding with regret. But at the same time, this very line (happy..) tells us that Dimm. is not strong enough to tell people what happened, although he had the chance. And her being strong is shown also when the people wanted to take the A out of her bosom, and she didn't want to, to show that she had actually cheated on her husband, but also to "keep" dimm. with her all the time.
"More misery, Hester!... Only the more misery!" answered the clergyman with a bitter smile. " As concerns the good which I may appear to do, I have no faith in it. It must needs be a delusion. What can a ruined soul like mine effect towards the redemption of other souls?... or a polluted soul towards their purification? And as for the people's reverence, would that it were turned to scorn and hatred!" [...]
"Happy are you, Hester, that wear the scarlet letter openly upon your bosom! Mine burns in secret!"
A.D. must be a good man, because his pain is evident, and his whole sould is exploding with regret. But at the same time, this very line (happy..) tells us that Dimm. is not strong enough to tell people what happened, although he had the chance. And her being strong is shown also when the people wanted to take the A out of her bosom, and she didn't want to, to show that she had actually cheated on her husband, but also to "keep" dimm. with her all the time.
32 DJ
17 c
"It was no wonder that they thus questioned one another's actual and bodily existence, and even doubted of their own. So strangely did they meet in the dim wood that it was like the first encounter in the world beyond the grave of two spirits who had been intimately connected in their former life, but now stood coldly shuddering in mutual dread, as not yet familiar with their state, nor wonted to the companionship of disembodied beings."
The two "spirits" are both alienated by society and they hadn’t talked openly to each other in maybe 7 years. This relationship has got colder because of their non-talking, but at the same time they feel the strong love that they have felt for each other and that didn't fade.
"It was no wonder that they thus questioned one another's actual and bodily existence, and even doubted of their own. So strangely did they meet in the dim wood that it was like the first encounter in the world beyond the grave of two spirits who had been intimately connected in their former life, but now stood coldly shuddering in mutual dread, as not yet familiar with their state, nor wonted to the companionship of disembodied beings."
The two "spirits" are both alienated by society and they hadn’t talked openly to each other in maybe 7 years. This relationship has got colder because of their non-talking, but at the same time they feel the strong love that they have felt for each other and that didn't fade.
31 DJ
16 chapter
To Hester's eye, the Reverend Mr. Dimmesdale exhibited no symptom of positive and vivacious suffering, except that, as little Pearl had remarked, he kept his hand over his heart.
A.D. is simply shattered, and Hester perhaps realizes that she should have helped him before.
And the fact that the only thing that stands out from his deathly life is the gesture-touching his heart. this might symbolize that the only thing that keeps him alive is the same love for Hester (and Pearl) symbolized by his letter.
-promemoria: from now on 3 per time
To Hester's eye, the Reverend Mr. Dimmesdale exhibited no symptom of positive and vivacious suffering, except that, as little Pearl had remarked, he kept his hand over his heart.
A.D. is simply shattered, and Hester perhaps realizes that she should have helped him before.
And the fact that the only thing that stands out from his deathly life is the gesture-touching his heart. this might symbolize that the only thing that keeps him alive is the same love for Hester (and Pearl) symbolized by his letter.
-promemoria: from now on 3 per time
30 DJ
chapter 16
"See!" answered Hester, smiling; "now I can stretch out my hand and grasp some of it." As she attempted to do so, the sunshine vanished.
As we said that the light is the good, and the dark is the evil, it seems that the sun, the good, avoids the sinner in this moment. Maybe it's not the sin itself, because pearl is always in the sun
("or, to judge from the bright expression that was dancing on Pearl's features, her mother could have fancied that the child had absorbed it into herself, and would give it forth again, with a gleam about her path, as they should plunge into some gloomier shade.")
but H. might be blaming the fact that the secret is being kept secret by hester, and this makes her a sinner.
"See!" answered Hester, smiling; "now I can stretch out my hand and grasp some of it." As she attempted to do so, the sunshine vanished.
As we said that the light is the good, and the dark is the evil, it seems that the sun, the good, avoids the sinner in this moment. Maybe it's not the sin itself, because pearl is always in the sun
("or, to judge from the bright expression that was dancing on Pearl's features, her mother could have fancied that the child had absorbed it into herself, and would give it forth again, with a gleam about her path, as they should plunge into some gloomier shade.")
but H. might be blaming the fact that the secret is being kept secret by hester, and this makes her a sinner.
29 DJ
chapter 16
the whole chapter describes a beautiful, magic place. Although the forest in the puritan society was seen as a dark, evil place, here it's completely reversed: the sun avoids only Hester, but it blesses the whole forest and the sin itself (the little evil Pearl) and the little river gives even a sense of peace and tranquillity.
the whole chapter describes a beautiful, magic place. Although the forest in the puritan society was seen as a dark, evil place, here it's completely reversed: the sun avoids only Hester, but it blesses the whole forest and the sin itself (the little evil Pearl) and the little river gives even a sense of peace and tranquillity.
28 DJ
chapter 15
"Truly do I!" answered Pearl, looking brightly into her mother's face. "It is for the same reason that the minister keeps his hand over his heart!" [...] "[...] 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?"
at the same time, Pearl gives a reason and almost denies it. Maybe she even knows what the secret is, but she wants her mother to say it in public, the same reason for which she keeps on asking the minister to walk with in public. She wants the secret to be revealed, as it should be. Maybe also to prevent some evil and cruel destiny that might happen if they don't say their sin?
"Truly do I!" answered Pearl, looking brightly into her mother's face. "It is for the same reason that the minister keeps his hand over his heart!" [...] "[...] 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?"
at the same time, Pearl gives a reason and almost denies it. Maybe she even knows what the secret is, but she wants her mother to say it in public, the same reason for which she keeps on asking the minister to walk with in public. She wants the secret to be revealed, as it should be. Maybe also to prevent some evil and cruel destiny that might happen if they don't say their sin?
27 DJ
chapter 15
"Soon finding, however, that either she or the image was unreal, she turned elsewhere for better pastime."
Here maybe, Hath. is trying to tell us that her, symbol of sin, was actually unreal, because committed with love.
I'm trying to say that Pearl is the symbol of the sin that Hester and Arthur committed. But if "either SHE or the image WAS UNREAL" it seems to me that the sin is therefore unreal as well, being her the sin, because H. and A. love each other.
"Soon finding, however, that either she or the image was unreal, she turned elsewhere for better pastime."
Here maybe, Hath. is trying to tell us that her, symbol of sin, was actually unreal, because committed with love.
I'm trying to say that Pearl is the symbol of the sin that Hester and Arthur committed. But if "either SHE or the image WAS UNREAL" it seems to me that the sin is therefore unreal as well, being her the sin, because H. and A. love each other.
26 DJ
chapter 15
"I hate the man!"
She upbraided herself for the sentiment, but could not overcome or lessen it. Attempting to do so, she thought of those long-past days in a distant land, when he used to emerge at eventide from the seclusion of his study and sit down in the firelight of their home, and in the light of her nuptial smile.
Hester tries not to hate "the man", because she knows that it's a bad feeling, that should not be proved for anyone, although the situation gives her reasons to hate her (former?) husband. This can just show us what a sweet and fair person Hester is.
"I hate the man!"
She upbraided herself for the sentiment, but could not overcome or lessen it. Attempting to do so, she thought of those long-past days in a distant land, when he used to emerge at eventide from the seclusion of his study and sit down in the firelight of their home, and in the light of her nuptial smile.
Hester tries not to hate "the man", because she knows that it's a bad feeling, that should not be proved for anyone, although the situation gives her reasons to hate her (former?) husband. This can just show us what a sweet and fair person Hester is.
25 DJ
chapter 15
"Did the sun, which shone so brightly everywhere else, really fall upon him? Or was there, as it rather seemed, a circle of ominous shadow moving along with his deformity whichever way he turned himself? And whither was he now going?"
R.C. seems to be the symbol of the evil, the dark opposed to the light. Even the sun avoids him, while a SHADOW is all around him, everytime. And his mishaping might be a link with the greek "kalokagathia" : his evil mentality is reflected on his body, while the beautiful and handsome Hester reveals a pure spirit.
"Did the sun, which shone so brightly everywhere else, really fall upon him? Or was there, as it rather seemed, a circle of ominous shadow moving along with his deformity whichever way he turned himself? And whither was he now going?"
R.C. seems to be the symbol of the evil, the dark opposed to the light. Even the sun avoids him, while a SHADOW is all around him, everytime. And his mishaping might be a link with the greek "kalokagathia" : his evil mentality is reflected on his body, while the beautiful and handsome Hester reveals a pure spirit.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
24 DJ
in the beginning of chapter four PG 147
"hester..water"before the evil figure of chillingworth, we see the purity and beuty of the "elf", the innocence of the little girl that plays with her very reflection.
in constrast, the deformed, ugly and evil physician.
"hester..water"before the evil figure of chillingworth, we see the purity and beuty of the "elf", the innocence of the little girl that plays with her very reflection.
in constrast, the deformed, ugly and evil physician.
23 DJ
in chapter 14
we see how hester tries to save the man she loved. loves?
after the scaffold, she understands how much Arthur needs her, and the only help she can think of for help is talk to R.C., which gets even more crazy to the couple after the conversation. In his last sentence (pg 152) he repeats more than once "dark" and talks about darkness, blaming Hester as the cause of his behavior against Dimmesdale.
we see how hester tries to save the man she loved. loves?
after the scaffold, she understands how much Arthur needs her, and the only help she can think of for help is talk to R.C., which gets even more crazy to the couple after the conversation. In his last sentence (pg 152) he repeats more than once "dark" and talks about darkness, blaming Hester as the cause of his behavior against Dimmesdale.
22 DJ
the 13 chapter offers an overview over Hester, and what an incredible woman she is. Her behiavior, the very A developed her moral skills such as charity and kindness. not that she was not before, but the entire thing made Hester almost a holy person. the glow around the A seems almost halo around a saint's head.
21 DJ
pg 143, L12
"she was... transfigured"
we can see the onniscent point of view from the last sentence, that says "we'll see.. afterwards", maybe meaning that she would actually be.
besides, these lines might indicate that the public opinion was changing because of her behavior in the community.
"she was... transfigured"
we can see the onniscent point of view from the last sentence, that says "we'll see.. afterwards", maybe meaning that she would actually be.
besides, these lines might indicate that the public opinion was changing because of her behavior in the community.
20 DJ
the gray bearded sexton met him, holding up a black glove, which the minister recognized as his own. "it was found.... to cover it!" page 138, L 22
The glove that dropped from the hand of the minister and that has been FOUND on the SCAFFOLD makes the sexton say that it was impossible that such a holy person was on that scaffold, so he assigns this fact to Satan, adding that a pure "hand" doesn't need to cover anything. This makes things even worse, firt of all because the minister knows that he's not pure, and he indeed needs "a glove" to cover his hand- being sinner, and the refering to Satan might indicate malignancy of the sin itself.
The glove that dropped from the hand of the minister and that has been FOUND on the SCAFFOLD makes the sexton say that it was impossible that such a holy person was on that scaffold, so he assigns this fact to Satan, adding that a pure "hand" doesn't need to cover anything. This makes things even worse, firt of all because the minister knows that he's not pure, and he indeed needs "a glove" to cover his hand- being sinner, and the refering to Satan might indicate malignancy of the sin itself.
Monday, October 11, 2010
sentenceznsnzzzz
Acquiscence
She usually nodded to acquiscence to what people asked
Abstinence
The abstinence from marriage is required to catholic priests.
She usually nodded to acquiscence to what people asked
Abstinence
The abstinence from marriage is required to catholic priests.
Friday, October 8, 2010
sents.
the mother admonished the kid because of his hyperactivity
the abstract humorism of the comedian was not so fun since it was too complicated.
the abstract humorism of the comedian was not so fun since it was too complicated.
Thursday, October 7, 2010
sentence.s.
aesthetic -
the aesthetic was an important deal among Greeks.
aggrandizement -
the aggrandizement of the small rustic house is very expensive.
the aesthetic was an important deal among Greeks.
aggrandizement -
the aggrandizement of the small rustic house is very expensive.
19 DJ
Why everyone comes back from the death of the Governor? Is his death a symbol? A symbol of the end of Dimmesdale's cowardness? It can't be, cause the man doesn't agree in holding her hand. But then, why eveyone comes from there? And why does Mr Wilson do not turn his head toward him?
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
new senteces.
affinity
The affinity among the team was great.
aberration
the aberration of human actions never ends.
The affinity among the team was great.
aberration
the aberration of human actions never ends.
18 DJ
"It came to pass, not long after the scene above recorded, that the Reverend Mr. Dimmesdale, noon-day, and entirely UNAWARES, fell into a DEEP, DEEP slumber, sitting in his chair, with a large black-letter volume open before him on the table.
It must have been a work of vast ability in the somniferous school of literature."
The medicines prescribed seem to be a little aggressive on the priest, and something in H.'s words gives us the sensation that R.C. was trying to make his patient deeply asleep, to find something hidden in HIS bosom.. as we'll see in the following paragraph. He actually achieved his goal.
It must have been a work of vast ability in the somniferous school of literature."
The medicines prescribed seem to be a little aggressive on the priest, and something in H.'s words gives us the sensation that R.C. was trying to make his patient deeply asleep, to find something hidden in HIS bosom.. as we'll see in the following paragraph. He actually achieved his goal.
17 DJ
"They mostly do," said the clergyman, griping hard at his breast, as if afflicted with an importunate throb of pain.
the motif. The two are "indirectly" talking about Mr D.'s secret, thing that makes him touch his heart, maybe not completely for real pain, but for trying to push back or just caressing the wound caused by his silence.
the motif. The two are "indirectly" talking about Mr D.'s secret, thing that makes him touch his heart, maybe not completely for real pain, but for trying to push back or just caressing the wound caused by his silence.
16 DJ the grave and the jewel
He now dug into the poor clergyman's heart, like a miner searching for gold; or, rather, like a sexton delving into a grave, possibly in quest of a jewel that had been buried on the dead man's bosom, but likely to find nothing save mortality and corruption.
The figured used to link a jewel, a dead mean, and the bosom is probabily just a metaphor, composed by symbols and figures.
it seems that R.C. is looking for something VALUABLE (jewel) that was on a DEAD MAN (dead as: become hypocritical- lost his values, also because of his physical conditions)'s BOSOM (the place where the scarlet letter is).
so, R.C. seems to be looking for the valuable secret hidden beyond the scarlet letter on her wife's bosom.
The figured used to link a jewel, a dead mean, and the bosom is probabily just a metaphor, composed by symbols and figures.
it seems that R.C. is looking for something VALUABLE (jewel) that was on a DEAD MAN (dead as: become hypocritical- lost his values, also because of his physical conditions)'s BOSOM (the place where the scarlet letter is).
so, R.C. seems to be looking for the valuable secret hidden beyond the scarlet letter on her wife's bosom.
15 DJ
"in which every remedy contained a multitude of far-fetched and heterogeneous ingredients, as elaborately compounded as if the proposed result had been the Elixir of Life."
the studies R.C. took up were linked to cure, since he was a doctor. But this line tells us something mysterious and sinister about his job: the comparison between his "benefic" potions and the Elixir of Life remindes us alchemy, a science considered evil, which seems here the way he uses to cure people.
the studies R.C. took up were linked to cure, since he was a doctor. But this line tells us something mysterious and sinister about his job: the comparison between his "benefic" potions and the Elixir of Life remindes us alchemy, a science considered evil, which seems here the way he uses to cure people.
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
we write sentences
he advocated his wife's cause using all the effort he could.
the acclaimed premiere was as fantantis as they thought it would have been.
the acclaimed premiere was as fantantis as they thought it would have been.
voc
advocate (Verb & Noun) - to defend somebody // a lawyer
acclaim (verb) - praise enthusiastically and public
Affinity (noun) - Connection to another person / object
Aberration (noun) - a departure from what is normal, usual, or expected, typically one that is unwelcome
Aesthetic (adjective) - beautiful
Abstinence (Noun) - chastity, not to do something specific
Aggrandizement (Noun) - Exaggeration
Admonish (verb) - to urge
Abstract (Noun) - general, generally
Acquisce (verb) - to endure, to agree, to suffer
acclaim (verb) - praise enthusiastically and public
Affinity (noun) - Connection to another person / object
Aberration (noun) - a departure from what is normal, usual, or expected, typically one that is unwelcome
Aesthetic (adjective) - beautiful
Abstinence (Noun) - chastity, not to do something specific
Aggrandizement (Noun) - Exaggeration
Admonish (verb) - to urge
Abstract (Noun) - general, generally
Acquisce (verb) - to endure, to agree, to suffer
Sunday, October 3, 2010
14 DJ
"At this wild and singular appeal, which indicated that Hester Prynne's situation had provoked her to little less than madness, the young minister at once came forward, pale, and holding his hand over his heart, as was his custom whenever his peculiarly nervous temperament was thrown into agitation. "
the minister understood wanted of course to help Hester in keeping her daughter, and his excessive reaction, as we can understand, or anyway his "agitation" lets us understand that the response to Hester's demand is not just a priest's duty, but there is something more.
"He looked now more careworn and emaciated than as we described him at the scene of Hester's public ignominy; and whether it were his failing health, OR WHATEVER THE CAUSE MIGHT BE, his large dark eyes had a world of pain in their troubled and melancholy depth."
Here H., taking again a few words to link with the previous paragraph, talking again of a different element in his normal temperament, is telling us that there is something more besides a priest's love for his follower.
the minister understood wanted of course to help Hester in keeping her daughter, and his excessive reaction, as we can understand, or anyway his "agitation" lets us understand that the response to Hester's demand is not just a priest's duty, but there is something more.
"He looked now more careworn and emaciated than as we described him at the scene of Hester's public ignominy; and whether it were his failing health, OR WHATEVER THE CAUSE MIGHT BE, his large dark eyes had a world of pain in their troubled and melancholy depth."
Here H., taking again a few words to link with the previous paragraph, talking again of a different element in his normal temperament, is telling us that there is something more besides a priest's love for his follower.
13 DJ hypocriticsm in puritan society
"The impression made by his aspect.. their grasp."
this shows the great controversy of Puritans: if they confessed in poverty, in a life without any enjoyment, even laugh (considered evil), why would one of the main leader of Puritans have lived a life so "fun"? H. shows how hypocritical were puritans in one paragraph.
this shows the great controversy of Puritans: if they confessed in poverty, in a life without any enjoyment, even laugh (considered evil), why would one of the main leader of Puritans have lived a life so "fun"? H. shows how hypocritical were puritans in one paragraph.
Friday, October 1, 2010
12 Dj the building.
"Without further adventure.. dusky chambers. Then, however...there was the freshness of the passing year on its exterior, and the cheerfulness, gleaming forth from the sunny windows, of a human habitation, into which death had never entered."
"then however" indicates the strong comparison between what now is the building, how it would be considered, old, passed, like the puritan mentality BUT in that time it was an important one, as the main way of thinking was the puritan one.
SUNNY is an adjective positioned in a strange context. Puritans have always been described by H. as close minded people, linked to the uglyness, cold, dark, extremely ortodox.
Then why this very building had "a very cheery aspect" "It was further decorated ...for the admiration of after times."
we understand that this building is different, maybe like the person who lives inside that?
For instance, this character could be different from the other puritans because it will give a chance to Hester to keep her child and the building is just a symbol of its diversity- contrast with the puritan? (example: puritans- dark colors, building-colorful)
"then however" indicates the strong comparison between what now is the building, how it would be considered, old, passed, like the puritan mentality BUT in that time it was an important one, as the main way of thinking was the puritan one.
SUNNY is an adjective positioned in a strange context. Puritans have always been described by H. as close minded people, linked to the uglyness, cold, dark, extremely ortodox.
Then why this very building had "a very cheery aspect" "It was further decorated ...for the admiration of after times."
we understand that this building is different, maybe like the person who lives inside that?
For instance, this character could be different from the other puritans because it will give a chance to Hester to keep her child and the building is just a symbol of its diversity- contrast with the puritan? (example: puritans- dark colors, building-colorful)
11 DJ
Pearl does not like other children, and H. underlines the extreme aggressive behavior of this one child. But the dislike for them seems justified, because of the description of those "the children of the Puritans looked up from their play,... or what passed for play with those sombre little urchins... and spoke gravely one to another." they are described are children of PURITANS, remarking that they were almost evil because of their parents' tradition.
"But Pearl, who was a dauntless child, after frowning, stamping her foot, and shaking her little hand with a variety of threatening gestures, suddenly made a rush at the knot of her enemies, and put them all to flight.
She resembled, in her fierce pursuit of them, an infant pestilence, the scarlet fever, or some such half-fledged ANGEL of judgment, whose mission was to punish the sins of the rising generation. She screamed and shouted, too, with a terrific volume of sound, which, doubtless, caused the hearts of the fugitives to quake within them."
why an angel? it must be a leif-motif, since it is the third, fourth time we find comparisons with angels.
Maybe her peculiar features are meant to be a good example for the others, she might be the person which children should learn from, and not a symbol of evill.
"But Pearl, who was a dauntless child, after frowning, stamping her foot, and shaking her little hand with a variety of threatening gestures, suddenly made a rush at the knot of her enemies, and put them all to flight.
She resembled, in her fierce pursuit of them, an infant pestilence, the scarlet fever, or some such half-fledged ANGEL of judgment, whose mission was to punish the sins of the rising generation. She screamed and shouted, too, with a terrific volume of sound, which, doubtless, caused the hearts of the fugitives to quake within them."
why an angel? it must be a leif-motif, since it is the third, fourth time we find comparisons with angels.
Maybe her peculiar features are meant to be a good example for the others, she might be the person which children should learn from, and not a symbol of evill.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
10 DJ
Pearl: the title is emblematic, giving more emphasis to the symbol of the girl. As the writer writes, pearl has a double meaning: the valuable object and the little child. The only thing she actually has is the girl, and is both the only thing as the most valuable thing (as a pearl) she has. The great contrast is between this little child and her parents. It seems that her mother is the symbol of shame, uglyness, compared to the little perfect "angel". we can see another comparison with angels , seen already at the end of chapter 4: here hester is the "mortal man", inferior, but Pearl is even above the magistrates (angels) because she ahd been brought to Eden to stay with them.
on pg 81 L9 we can see the link with angels, light, maybe also with a saint? (hester, saintlike)
L 14 wild flower: compare rose, wild rose and perfection of nature.
pg 82, L 15 "LONELY MOTHER OF THIS ONE CHILD" compare to ch 4 "had she sinned alone?" why does H. remark her being alone in the sin?
on pg 81 L9 we can see the link with angels, light, maybe also with a saint? (hester, saintlike)
L 14 wild flower: compare rose, wild rose and perfection of nature.
pg 82, L 15 "LONELY MOTHER OF THIS ONE CHILD" compare to ch 4 "had she sinned alone?" why does H. remark her being alone in the sin?
Monday, September 27, 2010
9 DJ
ph 79 L 16 - end
these lines and the whole chapter show the ignominy of carrying such a letter on the breast, and these line in particular are the evidence of what importance had this kind of punishment in the puritans' age.
these lines and the whole chapter show the ignominy of carrying such a letter on the breast, and these line in particular are the evidence of what importance had this kind of punishment in the puritans' age.
8 DJ
pg 72 L 1-18
will be taught to look at her... shame.
First of all, Hester's thoughts are seemed to focus not on her sin, but on the symbol she has become for the community: a sinner. She does not want to be one, she is ashamed to be, but she does not wonder about her action but the impression given to the others. So the wish is to escape (go away, back to Europe), expressed in a comparison with the nature again.
will be taught to look at her... shame.
First of all, Hester's thoughts are seemed to focus not on her sin, but on the symbol she has become for the community: a sinner. She does not want to be one, she is ashamed to be, but she does not wonder about her action but the impression given to the others. So the wish is to escape (go away, back to Europe), expressed in a comparison with the nature again.
7 DJ
pg 67 L 3
"a gaze that made her heart shrink..... cold"
This line shows how Helen is still scared from her husband, and does not know him well although they had spent years together. this might help us to understand that of course there was no love in the relatioship, since one should feel safe in the other's eyes and that the reticent man kept many secrets for himself, making Hester scared of the things he might hide.
"a gaze that made her heart shrink..... cold"
This line shows how Helen is still scared from her husband, and does not know him well although they had spent years together. this might help us to understand that of course there was no love in the relatioship, since one should feel safe in the other's eyes and that the reticent man kept many secrets for himself, making Hester scared of the things he might hide.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
5 DJ
Pg 61, L 18 "Mr Dimmesdale; a young clergyman...speech of an angel" Nathaniel H. is pointing out Dimmesdale's great personality and tenderness of charachter. He is a sinner, but still his qualities are well described. Is it possible that H. feels sympathy for this man? The comparison with the angel is maybe opposite to the evil face of Hester's husband (snake).
6 DJ
Pg 66, L 21 "Here!...father's"
We can understand that Helen's husband does not want to be recognized as the child's father, because of "paying" the "dishonor of a faithless woman". Maybe from his speech it is possible to assume that he does not love the woman, otherwise he would have helped her and recognized the child: they both define their marriage as a mistake. But if there is no love, no intenction in living a love/family story, why coming back and risk to be recognized as her husband, to be ashamed?
We can understand that Helen's husband does not want to be recognized as the child's father, because of "paying" the "dishonor of a faithless woman". Maybe from his speech it is possible to assume that he does not love the woman, otherwise he would have helped her and recognized the child: they both define their marriage as a mistake. But if there is no love, no intenction in living a love/family story, why coming back and risk to be recognized as her husband, to be ashamed?
4 DJ
"it was sufficiently evident...hear it" pg 56
In a couple of lines H. describes the relation between Helen and her husband (he does mark out this man because of the mentioned deformed figure) and he tells the reaction of the woman at his sight. We can so understand that Hester is scared by this man, but we don't know why. We can imagine that there is not a good relationship between the twos, but what I think is important to highlight is the very physical reaction of the woman: she pushes Pearl against her bosom, as to protect her from her very husband.
In a couple of lines H. describes the relation between Helen and her husband (he does mark out this man because of the mentioned deformed figure) and he tells the reaction of the woman at his sight. We can so understand that Hester is scared by this man, but we don't know why. We can imagine that there is not a good relationship between the twos, but what I think is important to highlight is the very physical reaction of the woman: she pushes Pearl against her bosom, as to protect her from her very husband.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
new sentences
obtuse: the girl was so obtuse that she didn't understand any lesson.
adroit: his adroit skills made him one of the most clever students among the 7th graders
deleterious: the fat foods are deleterious for models' bodies.
adroit: his adroit skills made him one of the most clever students among the 7th graders
deleterious: the fat foods are deleterious for models' bodies.
3 DJ
"the grim rigidy that petrified... in hand" pg 47, l 6.
Hawthorne here describes visually the scene: people are terrified by the person in the prison, as if s/he were a bloody murderer. To me, this sentences shows the mentality of that period: something against the Church was harshly punished and considered impure, criminal. But the great contrast is developed in the next pages: the ferocious outlaw is a beautiful girl, fierce and proud despite people's believes, and whose outstanding beauty leaves crowd without many words.
Hawthorne here describes visually the scene: people are terrified by the person in the prison, as if s/he were a bloody murderer. To me, this sentences shows the mentality of that period: something against the Church was harshly punished and considered impure, criminal. But the great contrast is developed in the next pages: the ferocious outlaw is a beautiful girl, fierce and proud despite people's believes, and whose outstanding beauty leaves crowd without many words.
Friday, September 17, 2010
2 DJ
"the founders of a new colony, whatever Utopia of human virtue and happiness they might originally project, have invariably recognized it among their earliest practical necessities to allot a portion of the virgin soil as a cemetry, and another portion as the site of a prison"
The purpose with which the colony was founded was completed faded by reality when the colony started settling, and what they actually needed was not anymore a happy place, but a cemetry and a prison. So H. might indicate that the original thoughts of the Riform were actually not unfair, but they degenerated with the time because of people's perversion (avidity etc). Yet, the prison and the cemetry one next to the other, could symbolize the world viewed as a prison, and the only way to get out of it was death.
The purpose with which the colony was founded was completed faded by reality when the colony started settling, and what they actually needed was not anymore a happy place, but a cemetry and a prison. So H. might indicate that the original thoughts of the Riform were actually not unfair, but they degenerated with the time because of people's perversion (avidity etc). Yet, the prison and the cemetry one next to the other, could symbolize the world viewed as a prison, and the only way to get out of it was death.
1 DJ
"A throng of bearded men, in sad-colored garments and gay, steeple-crowned hats, intemixed with woman, some wearing hoods, and others bareheaded, was assembled in front of a wooden edifice, the door of which was heavily timbered with oak, and studded with iron spikes"
Hawthorne is opening his book revealing in one sentence his criticism to the society: a group of people, not different one from the other, standing in front of a building.
But beyond the words, we can see what H. is trying to say: the confomity of the people, who did not tell their ideas, but they would just accept what they were supposed to believe and say, is actually criticized. This might be an anticipation to the contrast which will put Anne Hutchinson (defined a bright bush, "sainted") next to the uniformed society (black building).
Hawthorne is opening his book revealing in one sentence his criticism to the society: a group of people, not different one from the other, standing in front of a building.
But beyond the words, we can see what H. is trying to say: the confomity of the people, who did not tell their ideas, but they would just accept what they were supposed to believe and say, is actually criticized. This might be an anticipation to the contrast which will put Anne Hutchinson (defined a bright bush, "sainted") next to the uniformed society (black building).
questions the scarlet letter
What colony is the setting for the novel?
The setting for the novel is Boston, the Massachussets colony.
Where in the colony does the opening chapter take place?
It takes place in the vicinity of Cornhill, the author describes its prison-house.
For what 2 “practical necessities” did the new colony set aside land?
The colony set aside land for allotting a portion of the soil as a cemetery, and another portior as the side of the prison.
Who is Anne Hutchinson? How does Hawthorne feel about her?
Anne Hutchinson was a strong woman who had the courage to talk about her religious ideas, which were different from the Puritans' tradition. Therefore, she was banished because of her "blasphemy" and went to Rhode Island. It seems to me that Hawtorne likes this woman for her bravery to rebel to the corrupted tradition, and he calls her "sainted".
What 2 possible symbols does the rose have for the reader?
The rose might symbolize both the bright natural purity compared to the black and old human building, so simbolizing the purity of nature. But another possible explanation is that the bush represents yes, the purity, but Anne's one, put side by side to the society.
The setting for the novel is Boston, the Massachussets colony.
Where in the colony does the opening chapter take place?
It takes place in the vicinity of Cornhill, the author describes its prison-house.
For what 2 “practical necessities” did the new colony set aside land?
The colony set aside land for allotting a portion of the soil as a cemetery, and another portior as the side of the prison.
Who is Anne Hutchinson? How does Hawthorne feel about her?
Anne Hutchinson was a strong woman who had the courage to talk about her religious ideas, which were different from the Puritans' tradition. Therefore, she was banished because of her "blasphemy" and went to Rhode Island. It seems to me that Hawtorne likes this woman for her bravery to rebel to the corrupted tradition, and he calls her "sainted".
What 2 possible symbols does the rose have for the reader?
The rose might symbolize both the bright natural purity compared to the black and old human building, so simbolizing the purity of nature. But another possible explanation is that the bush represents yes, the purity, but Anne's one, put side by side to the society.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
sentences
alacrity: her main esteem was alacrity: she couldn't stop working.
timorous: he approched timorous and asked if he could talk to his recovered mother.
timorous: he approched timorous and asked if he could talk to his recovered mother.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
other sentences
reticent: You couldn't say he was not a reticent guy: he tried to avoid conversation about his life and his experiences.
rigor: the only skill he missed was rigor: he was too tender towards his students who often took advantage of him.
rigor: the only skill he missed was rigor: he was too tender towards his students who often took advantage of him.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
timorous: timid by nature or revealing timidity; (adj)
obtuse: slow to learn or understand; lacking intellectual acuity; (adj)
adroit: quick or skillful or adept in action or thought; "an exceptionally adroit pianist"; an adroit technician (adj)
deleterious: harmful to living things (adj)
brevity (noun): the attribute of being brief or fleeting
obtuse: slow to learn or understand; lacking intellectual acuity; (adj)
adroit: quick or skillful or adept in action or thought; "an exceptionally adroit pianist"; an adroit technician (adj)
deleterious: harmful to living things (adj)
brevity (noun): the attribute of being brief or fleeting
| adulation (noun(: servile flattery; exaggerated and hypocritical praise |
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
new sentences
Capitulate: Germany capitulated when its generals undestood that they were going to lose the war.
Celestial: the celestial aura that surrounded her instilled peace into the people she talked to
Celestial: the celestial aura that surrounded her instilled peace into the people she talked to
Friday, September 3, 2010
new sentences
Catalyst: the catalyst of the French Revolution is not known for sure, but the people had been unhappy for many years
Caustic: The caustic liquid burnt his right hand's living tissues, making him unable to write for that day on
Caustic: The caustic liquid burnt his right hand's living tissues, making him unable to write for that day on
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
answers - Iroquois constitution
1a. Dekanawidah and the five nation confederate lords plant and name the Tree of the Great Peace.
2a. Dekanawidah is speaking to the confederacy and Adodaroh is the Chief confederate lord of onondaga on whose land the council was lit
3a. A candidate shows his pledge to the council by furnishing "four strings of shells (or wampum) one span in length bound together at one end.": the object might symbolize the four nations, tight together in one knot which would represent the fifth nation, the one that the candidate is applying for.
4a. It incorporates all the surrounding nature when the candidate's speech comes to the acknowledgments since the nature was viewed evenly as origin of life.
5a. I think that the Iroquois Constitution is one of the greatest documents ever made: everything is set in order to guarantee people's well being and peace among the nations. For instance, the constitution says :" in all your official acts, self-interest shall be cast into oblivion". It means that all the members of the confederation must behave in their people's interest. A representative should be a datum point for its people, being always calm so that people can feel safe even listening to their representative talking. ("with endless patience you
shall carry out your duty and your firmness shall be tempered with tenderness for your people.") .
1.b The meeting's purpose is to "plant the Tree of the Great Peace" but also to establish the rules linked to the candidates' behavior and to officially gather Five Nations' chiefs. The oratory skills were fundamental since oral was the only way to communicate, and being a good speaker implied not being too emotional for example, thing that would have changed people's opinion and being calm also when the situation would become stretched.
2b. The assembled lords are not related to one other, but they feel as a family since they all share the same values, that's why Dekanawidah feels related to everyone.
3b. A candidate should be proof against anger, offensive reactions and criticism. His heart should be filled with peace and hood will and his mind filled with a yearning for the welfare of the people of the confederacy. He should carry out his duty and his firmness should be tempered with tenderness for his people. Neither angry or fury should find lodgment in his mind and all his words and action should be marked with calm deliberation (that's why a candidate should be a good orator, 1b), his self-interest should be cast into oblivion.
4b. The native Americans regarded Nature as Mother Nature, something from everything came. They viewed every event, every object as a gift from Mother Nature, that's why they honored so much the environment around them.
5b. The Iroquois Constitution seems to me a reasonable agreement. A lot of politicians now don't care very much about their people, that is especially way I would include the last part of the Constitution's extract (duties of a candidate). I would regulate by law also candidate's family behavior, and I would of course not consider the pledges Iroquois asked for, but I would make candidates swear.
2a. Dekanawidah is speaking to the confederacy and Adodaroh is the Chief confederate lord of onondaga on whose land the council was lit
3a. A candidate shows his pledge to the council by furnishing "four strings of shells (or wampum) one span in length bound together at one end.": the object might symbolize the four nations, tight together in one knot which would represent the fifth nation, the one that the candidate is applying for.
4a. It incorporates all the surrounding nature when the candidate's speech comes to the acknowledgments since the nature was viewed evenly as origin of life.
5a. I think that the Iroquois Constitution is one of the greatest documents ever made: everything is set in order to guarantee people's well being and peace among the nations. For instance, the constitution says :" in all your official acts, self-interest shall be cast into oblivion". It means that all the members of the confederation must behave in their people's interest. A representative should be a datum point for its people, being always calm so that people can feel safe even listening to their representative talking. ("with endless patience you
shall carry out your duty and your firmness shall be tempered with tenderness for your people.") .
1.b The meeting's purpose is to "plant the Tree of the Great Peace" but also to establish the rules linked to the candidates' behavior and to officially gather Five Nations' chiefs. The oratory skills were fundamental since oral was the only way to communicate, and being a good speaker implied not being too emotional for example, thing that would have changed people's opinion and being calm also when the situation would become stretched.
2b. The assembled lords are not related to one other, but they feel as a family since they all share the same values, that's why Dekanawidah feels related to everyone.
3b. A candidate should be proof against anger, offensive reactions and criticism. His heart should be filled with peace and hood will and his mind filled with a yearning for the welfare of the people of the confederacy. He should carry out his duty and his firmness should be tempered with tenderness for his people. Neither angry or fury should find lodgment in his mind and all his words and action should be marked with calm deliberation (that's why a candidate should be a good orator, 1b), his self-interest should be cast into oblivion.
4b. The native Americans regarded Nature as Mother Nature, something from everything came. They viewed every event, every object as a gift from Mother Nature, that's why they honored so much the environment around them.
5b. The Iroquois Constitution seems to me a reasonable agreement. A lot of politicians now don't care very much about their people, that is especially way I would include the last part of the Constitution's extract (duties of a candidate). I would regulate by law also candidate's family behavior, and I would of course not consider the pledges Iroquois asked for, but I would make candidates swear.
writing sentences with 'c' words
Callous: the old woman was callous because of her afflicted life
The killer was a callous man who had lost his family
Capricious: The man bought everything that the capricious woman wanted
The capricious little girl asked for toys everyday
Capitulate: At the end of the war, Germany capitulated.
The killer was a callous man who had lost his family
Capricious: The man bought everything that the capricious woman wanted
The capricious little girl asked for toys everyday
Capitulate: At the end of the war, Germany capitulated.
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