Group+Two

Becca Kaul, Zach Costa, Jon Freedberg, James DeChiara, Hope Flannery

Imagery & Symbolism: The Rose Bush: The rose bush symbolizes hope. The prisoners leaving the prison and entering the prison can have hope even in such a dark situation just as the rose bush survives by an ugly prison. The symbolism of the rose bush also relates to transcendental ideas as it conveys the beauty of nature. People are going into solitude were they will be alone for years and years to come. However, they can be alone and find the true meaning of life through nature and solitude as the transcendentalists depicted.
 * Chapters 1-3**

Character Behavior: Hester Prynne has good character. She did not expose the identity of her baby’s father. There are many reasons she could have done this, one being she might have wanted the father to go through what she went through.This also shows the loyalty of Hester as she stays true to her loved ones and will not reveal their name.

Interesting Passages: //The rust on the ponderous iron-work of its oaken door looked more antique than any thing else in the new world. Like all that pertains to crime, it seemed never to have known a youthful era. Before this ugly edifice, and between it and the wheel-track of the street, was a grass-plot, much overgrown with burdock, pig-weed, apple-peru, and such unsightly vegetation, which evidently found something congenial in the soil that had so early borne the black flower of civilized society, a prison. But, on one side of the portal, and rooted almost at the threshold, was a wild rose-bush, covered, in this month of June, with its delicate gems, which might be imagined to offer their fragrance and fragile beauty to the prisoner as he went in, and to the condemned criminal as he came forth to his doom, in token that the deep heart of Nature could pity and be kind to him.//

The passage shows the symbolism of the rose bush and contrasts the façade of the prison with the beauty of the rose. The rose shows hope can be present anywhere. In this case, it is nature.

Predictions: The majority of people in the town show displeasure towards Hester. She is publicly embarrassed on the scaffold. Governor Bellingham and Reverend Wilson demand that she publicly reveals the child's father. Reverend Dimmensdale however, defends claiming that she should not have reveal the identity of the father. We believe that Reverend Dimmensdale is associated with Hester’s child because he protects her when everyone else is against her.

Connects to Movies: The movie Easy A connects to __The Scarlet Letter__ in many ways. It is a story of a girl who builds a reputation of having sexual relations with multiple people. In the movie they are reading __The Scarlet Letter__ and one of the students suggests that the main character should wear a red A just as Hester did.

Pearl is a symbol of the sin that Hester committed. Her birth was because of the sin and it serves as a reminder to all people in the town that Hester is a sinner and a committer of adultery. Some people that she is a devil-child because she was born out of a sin. Therefore the townspeople believe she is a symbol of sin and the devil because of her origin.
 * Chapters 7-10**
 * Imagery & Symbolism**

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__Chillingworth__ – Chillingworth becomes obsessed with Dimmesdale and discovering his buried sins. Chillingworth is called a “leech” because he is constantly by Dimmesdale’s side trying to determine the root of his mental problems, which he believes is directly connected to his decreasing physical health. The townspeople question whether Chillingworth’s intentions are good because it seems as though he has become evil and his mysterious past adds their suspicion.=====

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__Dimmesdale__ – Dimmesdale’s physical and mental condition deteriorates throughout chapter 7 to 10. It seems as though he is suffering from the sin he is not revealing to Chillingworth or anyone. There is a dark secret that Chillingworth is determined to uncover that is eating Dimmesdale up inside.=====

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__Pearl__ – Pearl’s misbehavior is shown again in chapter 7 as her mother and her are going to the governor’s house. While they are going there a group of children began to tease Pearl and throw mud at them. Pearl fights back and scares the children away. Pearl also shows a tendency to sense evil and gravitate towards good. She shuns Wilson and immediately clings to Dimmesdale, who was the one who defended Hester as she was being publicly shamed, at the governor’s mansion.=====

Interesting Passages

__Predictions__ I predict that Dimmsdale has something to do with Hester. Because Dimmsdale speaks on behalf of her and her situation, it is possible to assume that he has a close relation with her that could possibly mean that he is the father. When Dimmsdale is questioned by Chillingworth, he refuses to share information which could also lead the reader to believe that he is hiding knowledge on who is the father. If he were to give information to Chillingworth about Hester’s situation then he would then be ruining his own reputation. At the end of chapter 10, Chillingworth enters the room the Dimmsdale is sleeping in and moves his shirt. When he looks at his chest, he is surprised and shocked at what he finds, but we don’t know yet. I predict that he is wearing a scarlet letter “A” on his chest so he can also wear his sin on his sleeve, meaning that he is Pearl’s father.

__Connections__ In these chapters, Hester visits the Governor at his mansion. The Governor and 3 other men, one of them Chillingworth, are together at the mansion. She visits to deliver gloves she made and ask about the rumors that they would take Pearl away from her. This connects to the real world like child services. They take away children from parents who they feel are not fit to take care of their children.

Important Quotations:

“I can teach my little Pearl what I have learned from this!”- Hester Prynne
 * In this quotation Hester is pleading her case to Governor Bellingham. She is begging him to let her keep her child, Pearl. Hester will do anything to keep her child and uses her past sin as a reason. Prynne claims she can teach her daughter with her mistake.

“God gave me the child!” cried she. “He gave her, in requital of all things else, which ye had taken from me. She is my happiness!-she is my torture, none the less! Pearl keeps me here in life!” – Hester Prynne
 * This quotation explains how much Pearl means to Hester. She claim that she cannot live without Pearl. If Pearl is taken from Hester, she will willingly leave and has no point of living her life.

“Why should not the guilty ones sooner avail themselves of this unutterable solace?” -Roger Chillingworth
 * Roger Chillingworth is speaking with Reverend Dimmensdale in this quotation. He is talking about Hester Prynne’s illegitimate child. Roger Chillingworth is seeking the father of Pearl in asking this question, because he wants revenge.

“No!- not to thee!- not to an earthly physician!” – Mr. Dimmensdale
 * Roger Chillingworth has just asked his patient, Mr. Dimmensdale to open his soul to him. Dimmensdale violently declines stating he will only open his soul up to God.

The meteor that falls in the sky in the shape of an “A” can symbolize multiple things. The first thing the “A” could symbolize could be Governor Winthrop moving on to heaven because the “A” stands for angel. Most of the townspeople believe this idea that the “A” is merely Winthrop moving onto Heaven. The next thing it could symbolize could be adultery. The meteor could mean the same “A” that is on Hester’s chest because Hester is up on the scaffolds with Pearl and Dimmesdale. The meteor could be symbolizing the 3 people as a family connected by that letter “A”. The “A” and sin are the common connections between those 3 people.
 * Chapters 11-13**
 * Imagery/ Symbolism:**

Hester - Hester is gaining more importance and acceptance in society. She has more responsibilities and helps those in need. Although, her passionate caring side has changed into a harsh demeanor. She also challenges what it means to be a women in her society.
 * Character Behavior or Psychology:**

Pearl - When standing on the scaffold with Hester and Dimmesdale, Pearl questions Dimmesdale as to why he will not admit his shame to other people. Pearl, who has been around public shame her entire life, does not understand why DImmesdale cannot admit his sins to the townspeople. When she questions Dimmesdale, it increases his guilt.

Dimmesdale - Dimmesdale stands on the scaffold where Hester stood seven years ago thinking it would lessen the guilt he felt. He stood with Hester and Pearl because they are apart of the sin he is suffering. However, Hester has come to terms with her sin because she has admitted it unlike Dimmesdale.

Walking in the shadow of a dream, as it were, and perhaps actually under the influence of a species of somnambulism, Mr. Dimmesdale reached the spot, where, now so long since, Hester Prynne had lived through her first hour of public ignominy. The same platform or scaffold, black and weather-stained with the storm or sunshine of seven long years, and foot-worn, too, with the tread of many culprits who had since ascended it, remained standing beneath the balcony of the meeting-house. The minister went up the steps. –pg. 128
 * Interesting Passages (note the page number):**
 * This was a key passage in the story because it describes Dimmesdale’s movement onto the scaffold. This is the scaffold used to publicly shame criminals, and now Dimmesdale moves on the scaffold because of his personal sin.

“Come up hither, Hester, thou and little Pearl,” said the Reverend Mr. Dimmesdale. “Ye have both been here before, but I was not with you. Come up hither once again, and we will stand all three together!” page 133 Dimmesdale is saying that the last time Hester was on the scaffold, she was by herself and not with the other adulterer. Possibly, he is accepting the fact that he has sinned and he wants the punishment to get rid of the guilt he feels.

“Wilt thou stand here with mother and me, to-morrow noontide”? inquired Pearl. “Nay; not so, my little Pearl!” answered the minister; for, with the new energy of the moment, all the dread of public exposure. –pg.133


 * In this passage Dimmesdale is speaking with Hester and Pearl on the scaffold. Pearl wants to know if he will stand there with them in broad daylight tomorrow. Dimmesdale however, declines as he is not ready to publicly admitted his sin.

“She never battled with the public, but submitted uncomplainingly to its worst usage; she made no claim upon it, in requital for what she suffered; she did not weigh upon its sympathies.” Page 140 In this passage, the author is explaining how Hester has changed. It says that she has taken this problem with stride and did not let the situation get the best of her. Hawthorne says how it is a credit to human nature how she has handled her circumstance.

I predict that Dimmsdale will not have to stand on the scaffold that Hester once stood on because Hester will help him. I believe this because she has found out about what Chillingworth has done and realizes that the reason why he is so miserable isn't only because of his guilt for not coming forward about it, but it is also because of Chillingworth. Being in his position before, I believe that Hester will try as hard as she can to prevent Dimmsdale from feeling the same kind of shame and humiliation that she once felt standing on the same scaffold.
 * Questions/ Predictions you have:**

16. a) Dimmesdale stands on the scaffold at night so no one can see him, just as he hides his sin from the people so no one can see it. Hester stood on the scaffold in daylight in front of all of the townspeople. Her sin was exposed to all of the people just as the sunlight exposed Hester. She was able to come to terms with her sin rather than hide from it like Dimmesdale.

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c) Hawthorne provides many examples of sounds while Dimmesdale is on the scaffold. For example Dimmesdale shrieked aloud that he thought the whole town would hear. However, no one woke up and even noticed his “devil’s shriek,” as Hawthorne describes it. Also, Reverend Wilson could not hear many of Dimmesdale’s cries and screams to him, as Wilson passed. This represents a lonely atmosphere for Dimmesdale as he is trapped on the scaffold.====== d. The physical description of scene is stated when Hawthorne says that "But the town was all asleep. There was no peril of discovery." It shows that the night was silent and no one was out. Just the Reverend on the scaffold was that only thing out. Some more descriptions of the night are in the first few sentences. "It was an obscure night of early May. An unvaried pall of cloud muffled the whole expanse of sky from zenith to horizon. e) Hawthorne's images of sight, sound, and feeling provide the reader with the feelings that Dimmesdale is encountering. Every little thing Dimmesdale hears or sees scares him into thinking someone from the town will see and therefore he will then have to explain why he is on the scaffold, which would expose his sin.

__**Chapters 14-16**__ During Chapters 14-16, the scarlet “A” becomes talked about more and more. Hester believes that Hester is too young to know the true symbolic meaning of the “A”. The “A” stands for adultery but it is symbolic for the sin that created Pearl. The “A” on Hester’s chest is to cause her pain for her sin through public humiliation. Dimmesdale always feels his chest where a scarlet letter would be. This hints that Dimmesdale also has the scarlet letter because he is the father. The “A” is a symbol of Pearl because that sin brought Pearl into this world and Hester is able to live with that.
 * Imagery & Symbolism**


 * Predictions**: The climax of the story will be a showdown between Dimmesdale and Chillingworth of some type. Since it is becoming more clear that Dimmesdale is the father, Chillingworth will find out that he is the father. There will be a show down because Chillingworth is so bent on getting revenge on the man who did this that he will go to any length to have his revenge.

__//**Important and Interesting Passages:**//__ “Mother,” said little Pearl, “the sunshine does not love you. It runs away and hides itself, because it is afraid of something on your bosom. . . . It will not flee from me, for I wear nothing on my bosom yet!” “Nor ever will, my child, I hope,” said Hester.  “And why not, mother?” asked Pearl, stopping short. . . . “Will it not come of its own accord, when I am a woman grown?” This passage is important because we have a clear understanding that Pearl believes that darkness is taking over her mother because of her A. Comparing darkness and light


 * Character Behavior:**

Roger Chillingworth: Hester Prynne: > Pearl:
 * Beginning with Chapter 14 the reader starts to see the violent change in Chillingworth. Hester has just had a conversation with Chillingworth and she plans to reveal his true identity to Reverend Dimmesdale. At this time, Chillingworth also becomes certain that Dimmesdale is Hester’s lover. As the conversation continues, Chillingworth’s expressions and personality become very violent. It is clear that he is seeking harsh revenge.
 * Hester begins to feel more and more sympathy for her lover, Dimmesdale. She wants to tell her lover who Chillingworth actually is but is scared Chillingworth will use violence considering he warned Hester to remain quiet. Hester also begins to despise her husband and love Dimmesdale more and more.
 * Pearl continues to remain fascinated with the scarlet letter. She puts things on her chest in the shape of an A and continually asks her mother questions about the scarlet letter. She even relates the scarlet letter to the way Dimmesdale puts his hand over her chest. This foreshadowing gives the reader ideas that Dimmesdale may have something to do with the scarlet letter as well.

In Chapter 15 Pearl puts grass on her chest in the shape of an "A" as Hester is talking to Chillingworth. Children many times have a tendency to imitate those around them. Children will dress up or act like their fathers, mothers, or siblings. Pearl is obsessed with the "A" her mother wears and wants to know the meaning.
 * Connections**

__**Chapters 17-21**__ In these chapters, Hester and Dimmesdale visit the forest where they may speak alone. The forest is symbolic of an escape from the harsh life they had been living and it allows them to relax, speak freely, and be themselves. In the forest, Hester is able to admit that Chillingworth is her husband. It allows them to escape the public eye and escape from Chillingworth. In the forest, they are also able to make their plans to set sail for Europe to live a new life.The forest is the ultimate symbol of a great escape, a retreat from the harsh realities of life. It allows Hester and Dimmesdale to become comfortable to speak freely and be together.
 * Imagery/Symbolism:**


 * Predictions**: After the eventual fallout between Chillingworth and Dimmesdale, Hester will end up with Dimmesdale. The two of them will move away and marry eachother. The three of them live together and live a good life together. Pearl will eventually forgive Dimmesdale for not saying that it was him and accept him as her father.

**Character Behavior**

Hester Prynne: Pearl:
 * Hester meets Dimmesdale in the forest with just her daughter Pearl nearby. They began to discuss Chillingworth’s intentions and she realizes that she loves Dimmesdale. They decide to move to Europe to live together and Hester looks and feels beautiful for the first time in a while. However, the next day Hester finds out that Chillingworth will be the doctor on the ship to Europe and becomes horrified
 * As Hester and Dimmesdale talk in the forest, Pearl is playing in the stream nearby. She comes over and kisses her mom, who encourages her to embrace Dimmesdale. Pearl has always liked Dimmesdale even though she does not know he is her dad. Pearl kisses Dimmesdale but as always, becomes angry when Dimmesdale will not go with them into public.

Reverend Dimmesdale:
 * Dimmesdale has become rejuvenated after he and Hester hatched the plot to move to Europe. He seems healthier and happier. His mind is also in a strange state as he walks through town and seems to forget his religious ideals. Dimmesdale returns to his home and tells Chillingworth that he no longer needs his assistance.

Roger Chillingworth:
 * Dimmesdale comes back to his home and relieves Chillingworth of his medical duties. Chillingworth knows, but is afraid to ask Dimmesdale outright if he is Hester’s lover. Chillingworth’s intentions become clear to the reader as he plans to board the same ship as Dimmesdale and Hester.

Many times in life people will run away from their problems rather than dealing with them. Rather than dealing with the townspeople and the punishment for his sin Dimmesdale makes plans to run away from Boston and move to Europe with Hester and Pearl. The movie Runaway Bride with Julia Roberts is an example of running away from fear. The main character runs away from all of her relationships rather than taking the risk.
 * Connections**

"Thou little knowest what a relief it is, after the torment of a seven years' cheat, to look into an eye that recognizes me for what I am!" Chapter 17, page 176. This is important because it shows that even though Dimmsdale isn't happy that people know that it was him, that he seems to be happy that the weight is off his shoulders and that someone still appreciates him.
 * Important Passages/Quotes**

"There played around her mouth, and beamed out of her eyes, a radiant and tender smile, that seemed gushing form the very heart of womanhood. A crimson flush was glowing on her cheek, that had been long so pale." Chapter 18, pg. 185 This passage is important because it shows the first sign of real emotion that Pearl has.

**Chapters: 21-24** The scaffold is used as place for the public to see an event whether it is for public humiliation or a public service announcement by a governor or minister. In the Scarlet Letter this scaffold is a key location for many important plot events through the story. The scaffold is a symbol of Hester's life. Everything known about her has been learned at that scaffold. Hester is declared a sinner on that scaffold and Dimmesdale is announced as the father on that scaffold. Without the scaffold for public humiliation, Hester's life would be so different. The scaffold represents both the good and bad parts of Hester's life.
 * Imagery/Symbolism:**


 * Other/Connections:**


 * As Reverend Dimmesdale prepares to deliver his sermon on Election Day, the townspeople gather in the market. It seems as if the whole town is together for games, tournaments, and food. These celebrations are not common in Puritan society as people drink and smoke as well, disobeying Puritan laws. We find this interesting because we did not expect these unified town celebrations in Puritan society.
 * People leave the church satisfied and pondering. Many people speak about how powerful Dimmesdale’s sermon was. This is due to the fact that Dimmesdale has been through an experience. He has gained wisdom and knowledge in his experience with Chillingworth, Hester, and Pearl. Today, priests often deliver sermons based on personal stories and accounts. They make connections to their personal lives, which enhances the sermon; exactly what Dimmesdale did.
 * Reverend Dimmesdale reaches for Hester and Pearl to assist him on the scaffold. He tears off his shirt and claims he is Hester’s lover and has sinned. Revered Dimmesdale then dies on the scaffold. Some people say they saw the letter A engraved in his chest, but others say they saw nothing. We can relate this to the death of E. Howard Hunt. Hunt worked for the CIA and was arrested for Watergate. However in his final years, and on his deathbed he revealed his sin as well. He claimed him and others working for the CIA as well as then vice-president Lyndon B Johnson were part of the Kennedy assassination conspiracy. As people were unsure of what they saw on Dimmesdale’s chest, people were unsure of Hunt’s allegations as he passed away.
 * Questions**
 * Why did Hester and Pearl wait to leave after Chillingworth dies?
 * Did anyone realize that Chillingworth left a large sum of money to pearl? If so, what would they think of that?
 * Why would Hester return to a place that treated her so horribly?
 * At his time of death, did Chillingworth actually regret his earlier actions?
 * How come it took the Minister to say that men can be guilty of a sin for the townspeople to believe it? Why didn't they believe it all along?

Pearl - Pearl finally embraces Dimmesdale after he admits to everyone that he is the father of Pearl. Pearl never understood before this why Dimmesdale didn't admit his shame because she grew up around her mother who wore her shame for anyone to see. Also, after Dimmesdale's admits to being her father it is seen that Pearl becomes "human". She is no longer must question Dimmesdale about hiding his sins and wonder why it such a secret, when she herself is living proof.
 * Character Behavior**

Dimmesdale - Dimmesdale finally comes clean about his past sins and is finally set free from his internal turmoil. Now that he has admitted to his sin he is free from his suffering and can die peacefully.

Chillingworth - Soon after Dimmesdale died Chillingworth did as well. He no longer had a purpose because Dimmesdale had come to terms with his sin and Chillingworth could no longer seek revenge on him or Hester. He died alone and unhappy, which was his karma for seeking revenge and torturing Dimmesdale.

Hester- The shame from the scarlet no longer exists and Hester has become someone who the society looks up. Women turn to her for support and guidance.

"The physician knew then, that, in the minister's regard, he was no longer a trusted friend, but his bitterest enemy." Chapter 20, pg. 204
 * Important Passages/Quotations**

"'What a strange, sad man is he!' said the child, as if speaking partly to herself. 'In the dark night-time 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!'" Chapter 21, pg. 209