EE Notecards Kaitlyn M.
Effects of Puritan Culture on Arthur 1 "But he opposes to me, (with a young man's over-softness, albeit wise beyond his years,) that it were wronging the very nature of woman to force her to lay open her heart's secrets in such broad daylight, and in presence of so great a multitude" Translation: But this young man refuses. He says, with a wise but too-soft heart, that it would be a wrong against your feminine nature to force you to reveal the secrets of your heart in the broad daylight and before this crowd. I have tried to convince him that the shame lays in your sin, not in your confession. Analysis: Arthur feels guilty that he is the secret, he doesn't want to be excluded from society. (Hawthorne 74)
1 Hawthorne, Nathaniel. "THE SCARLET LETTER." The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Scarlet Letter, by Nathaniel Hawthorne, The Project Gutenberg EBook, 18 Nov. 2020, www.gutenberg.org/files/25344/25344-h/25344-h.htm.
Effects of Puritan Culture on Arthur 1 "He bears no letter of infamy wrought into his garment, as thou dost; but I shall read it on his heart." Translation: He wears no letter of shame on his clothes, as you do, but I will read the shame in his heart. Analysis: Hawthrone foreshadows and shows the shame Arthur feels knowing he should be publicly punished like Hester. (Hawthorne 86)
1 Hawthorne, Nathaniel. "THE SCARLET LETTER." The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Scarlet Letter, by Nathaniel Hawthorne, The Project Gutenberg EBook, 18 Nov. 2020, www.gutenberg.org/files/25344/25344-h/25344-h.htm.
Effects of Puritan Culture on Arthur 1 "Not thy soul," he answered, with another smile. "No, not thine!" Translation: "Not your soul," he answered, with another smile. "Oh, no, not yours." Analysis: Due to the severity of the puritan punishment, Arthur did not disclose his sin, and now it may cost him his soul ( Hawthorne 89)
1 Hawthorne, Nathaniel. "THE SCARLET LETTER." The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Scarlet Letter, by Nathaniel Hawthorne, The Project Gutenberg EBook, 18 Nov. 2020, www.gutenberg.org/files/25344/25344-h/25344-h.htm.
Effects of Puritan Culture on Arthur 1 "Peradventure the guilty one stands looking on at this sad spectacle, unknown of man, and forgetting that God sees him." Translation: Perhaps the guilty man stands here in the crowd, observing this sad spectacle, and forgetting that God sees him when no one else does. Analysis: Foreshadows the guilt Arthur feels due to his sin and harsh puritan punishment (Hawthorne 71)
1 Hawthorne, Nathaniel. "THE SCARLET LETTER." The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Scarlet Letter, by Nathaniel Hawthorne, The Project Gutenberg EBook, 18 Nov. 2020, www.gutenberg.org/files/25344/25344-h/25344-h.htm.
Effects of Puritan Culture on Arthur 1 "for, believe me, Hester, though he were to step down from a high place, and stand there beside thee, on thy pedestal of shame, yet better were it so than to hide a guilty heart through life." Translation: Believe me, Hester, even if he stepped down from a place of power to stand beside you on that platform, it would be better for him to do so than to hide a guilty heart for the rest of his life. Analysis: Arthur conveys the severity of the guilt he feels of avoiding the Puritan Punishment and making Hester and their child bear it alone. (Hawthorne 77)
1 Hawthorne, Nathaniel. "THE SCARLET LETTER." The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Scarlet Letter, by Nathaniel Hawthorne, The Project Gutenberg EBook, 18 Nov. 2020, www.gutenberg.org/files/25344/25344-h/25344-h.htm.
Effects of Puritan Culture on Hester 1 "...until, on the threshold of the prison-door, she repelled him, by an action marked with natural dignity and force of character, and stepped into the open air, as if by her own of free-will." Translation: With dignity and force, she stepped into the fresh air as though it were her free choice to do so. Analysis: The Puritan culture enabled Hester into a freeway of living beyond the traditional puritan laws that defined and confined her. (Hawthorne 58)
1 Hawthorne, Nathaniel. "THE SCARLET LETTER." The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Scarlet Letter, by Nathaniel Hawthorne, The Project Gutenberg EBook, 18 Nov. 2020, www.gutenberg.org/files/25344/25344-h/25344-h.htm.
Effects of Puritan Culture on Hester 1 "But it is not recorded that, in a single instance, her skill was called in aid to embroider the white veil which was to cover the pure blushes of a bride. The exception indicated the ever-relentless rigor with which society frowned upon her sin." Translation: But there is no record of Hester ever making a white veil to cover the pure blushes of a bride. This exception indicated the relentless condemnation society reserved for her sin. Analysis: Hester was not tasked to do embroidery on wedding veils due to her presumably adulterous nature; She is treated as bad luck due to her past sin. (Hawthorne 96)
1 Hawthorne, Nathaniel. "THE SCARLET LETTER." The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Scarlet Letter, by Nathaniel Hawthorne, The Project Gutenberg EBook, 18 Nov. 2020, www.gutenberg.org/files/25344/25344-h/25344-h.htm.
Effects of Puritan Culture on Hester 1 "But, under the leaden infliction which it was her doom to endure, she felt, at moments, as if she must needs shriek out with the full power of her lungs, and cast herself from the scaffold down upon the ground, or else go mad at once." Translation: But under the heavyweight of their solemnity, she felt at times that she would either cry out with all her might and hurl herself off of the platform or else go mad. Analysis: Hester feels a heavyweight due to the puritan punishment (Hawthorne 63)
1 Hawthorne, Nathaniel. "THE SCARLET LETTER." The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Scarlet Letter, by Nathaniel Hawthorne, The Project Gutenberg EBook, 18 Nov. 2020, www.gutenberg.org/files/25344/25344-h/25344-h.htm.
Effects of Puritan Culture on Hester 1 "Children, too young to comprehend wherefore this woman should be shut out from the sphere of human charities, would creep nigh enough to behold her plying her needle at the cottage-window, or standing in the door-way, or laboring in her little garden, or coming forth along the pathway that led townward; and, discerning the scarlet letter on her breast, would scamper off, with a strange, contagious fear." Translation: A shadow of mystery and suspicion immediately descended on the cottage. Children would creep close enough to watch Hester sewing, or standing in the doorway, or working in her little garden, or walking along the path to town. Though they were too young to understand why this woman had been shunned, they would run off with a strange fear when they saw the scarlet letter on her breast. Analysis: Hester has been ostracized from society; this excerpt acts as imagery to show how children treated her like a monster. (Hawthorne 94)
1 Hawthorne, Nathaniel. "THE SCARLET LETTER." The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Scarlet Letter, by Nathaniel Hawthorne, The Project Gutenberg EBook, 18 Nov. 2020, www.gutenberg.org/files/25344/25344-h/25344-h.htm.
Effects of Puritan Culture on Hester 1 "Had there been a Papist among the crowd of Puritans, he might have seen in this beautiful woman, so picturesque in her attire and mien, and with the infant at her bosom, an object to remind him of the image of Divine Maternity," Translation: If a Catholic had been present in that crowd of Puritans, the sight of this beautiful woman with an infant at her breast might have reminded him of the Virgin Mary. Analysis: Hawthorne uses an allusion to compare her to Virgin Mary; although she is seen as a symbol of sin to the townspeople atm. (Hawthorne 62)
1 Hawthorne, Nathaniel. "THE SCARLET LETTER." The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Scarlet Letter, by Nathaniel Hawthorne, The Project Gutenberg EBook, 18 Nov. 2020, www.gutenberg.org/files/25344/25344-h/25344-h.htm.
Effects of Puritan Culture on Hester 1 "Her prison-door was thrown open, and she came forth into the sunshine, which, falling on all alike, seemed, to her sick and morbid heart, as if meant for no other purpose than to reveal the scarlet letter on her breast." Translation: Although the light fell equally on everyone, to Hester it seemed designed to show off the scarlet letter on her breast. Analysis: Hester's sin seemed to stand out more so than others., increasing the feeling of exclusion and loneliness. (Hawthorne 91)
1 Hawthorne, Nathaniel. "THE SCARLET LETTER." The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Scarlet Letter, by Nathaniel Hawthorne, The Project Gutenberg EBook, 18 Nov. 2020, www.gutenberg.org/files/25344/25344-h/25344-h.htm.
Effects of Puritan Culture on Hester 1 "Her sin, her ignominy, were the roots which she had struck into the soil" Translation: Hester's sin and shame rooted her in that soil. Analysis: Hathorne uses a metaphor to convey how her shame of breaking the puritan laws, put her in chains of everyday torture. (Hawthorne 92)
1 Hawthorne, Nathaniel. "THE SCARLET LETTER." The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Scarlet Letter, by Nathaniel Hawthorne, The Project Gutenberg EBook, 18 Nov. 2020, www.gutenberg.org/files/25344/25344-h/25344-h.htm.
Effects of Puritan Culture on Hester 1 "Here, she said to herself, had been the scene of her guilt, and here should be the scene of her earthly punishment; and so, perchance, the torture of her daily shame would at length purge her soul, and work out another purity than that which she had lost; more saint-like, because the result of martyrdom." Translation: Maybe the torture of her daily shame would finally cleanse her soul and make her pure again. This purity would be different than the one she had lost: more saint-like because she had been martyred. Analysis: Hester began to think her puritan punishment of torture would cleanse her and she could finally be a part of society again. This produced false hope and bounded her to stay in puritan New England, where her troubles lay. (Hawthorne 93)
1 Hawthorne, Nathaniel. "THE SCARLET LETTER." The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Scarlet Letter, by Nathaniel Hawthorne, The Project Gutenberg EBook, 18 Nov. 2020, www.gutenberg.org/files/25344/25344-h/25344-h.htm.
Effects of Puritan Culture on Hester 1 "In a moment, however, wisely judging that one token of her shame would but poorly serve to hide another, she took the baby on her arm, and, with a burning blush, and yet a haughty smile, and a glance that would not be abashed, looked around at her towns-people and neighbors." Translation: She seemed to do so not out of motherly affection but rather to hide something attached to her dress. Realizing, however, that one shameful thing would not hide another, she took her baby on her arm. Analysis: Due to the harsh punishments of the Puritan culture, Hester is embarrassed by her symbols of shame---her baby and the scarlet letter. (Hawthorne 59)
1 Hawthorne, Nathaniel. "THE SCARLET LETTER." The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Scarlet Letter, by Nathaniel Hawthorne, The Project Gutenberg EBook, 18 Nov. 2020, www.gutenberg.org/files/25344/25344-h/25344-h.htm.
Effects of Puritan Culture on Hester 1 "It had the effect of a spell, taking her out of the ordinary relations with humanity, and enclosing her in a sphere by herself." Translation: The letter had the effect of a spell, removing her from ordinary humanity and placing her in a world by herself. Analysis: The Scarlett letter excluded her from society (Hawthorne 60)
1 Hawthorne, Nathaniel. "THE SCARLET LETTER." The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Scarlet Letter, by Nathaniel Hawthorne, The Project Gutenberg EBook, 18 Nov. 2020, www.gutenberg.org/files/25344/25344-h/25344-h.htm.
Effects of Puritan Culture on Hester 1 "It is probable that there was an idea of penance in this mode of occupation, and that she offered up a real sacrifice of enjoyment, in devoting so many hours to such rude handiwork." Translation: It's likely that Hester viewed this dull, unfulfilling of work as a sort of penance, sacrificing hours that could otherwise be spent in enjoyment. Analysis: Hester is self-punishing herself for her past sins she's already paid the crime for, this shows her troubled psyche. (Hawthorne 97)
1 Hawthorne, Nathaniel. "THE SCARLET LETTER." The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Scarlet Letter, by Nathaniel Hawthorne, The Project Gutenberg EBook, 18 Nov. 2020, www.gutenberg.org/files/25344/25344-h/25344-h.htm.
Effects of Puritan Culture on Hester 1 "It would be greatly for the public behoof, if we women, being of mature age and church-members in good repute, should have the handling of such malefactresses as this Hester Prynne. What think ye, gossips? If the hussy stood up for judgment before us five, that are now here in a knot together, would she come off with such a sentence as the worshipful magistrates have awarded? Marry, I trow not!" Translation: "Ladies," said one hard-faced woman of fifty, "I'll give you a piece of my mind. It would serve the public good if mature, church-going women like us were allowed to deal with hussies like Hester Prynne. What do you say, ladies? If the five of us passed judgment on this slut, would she have gotten off as lightly as she has before the magistrates? I don't think so." Analysis: The author shows the climate of Puritan New England----the self righteous vs the rational/humble Christians. This particular quote shows the older generation, self-righteous townspeople. (Hawthorne 56)
1 Hawthorne, Nathaniel. "THE SCARLET LETTER." The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Scarlet Letter, by Nathaniel Hawthorne, The Project Gutenberg EBook, 18 Nov. 2020, www.gutenberg.org/files/25344/25344-h/25344-h.htm.
Effects of Puritan Culture on Hester 1 "Mercy on us, goodwife," exclaimed a man in the crowd, "is there no virtue in woman, save what springs from a wholesome[58] fear of the gallows? That is the hardest word yet! Hush, now, gossips! for the lock is turning in the prison-door, and here comes Mistress Prynne herself. Translation: "Have mercy, ma'am," shouted a man in the crowd. "Are women only virtuous when they fear punishment? That's the worst thing I've heard today! Quiet now, you gossips. Analysis: The author shows the climate of Puritan New England----the self righteous vs the rational/humble Christians. This particular quote shows the rational/humble christain townspeople. Perhaps, this character is speaking for the author's pov. (Hawthorne 58)
1 Hawthorne, Nathaniel. "THE SCARLET LETTER." The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Scarlet Letter, by Nathaniel Hawthorne, The Project Gutenberg EBook, 18 Nov. 2020, www.gutenberg.org/files/25344/25344-h/25344-h.htm.
Effects of Puritan Culture on Hester 1 "Perhaps there was a more real torture in her first unattended footsteps from the threshold of the prison, than even in the procession and spectacle that have been described, where she was made the common infamy, at which all mankind was summoned to point its finger." Translation: Those first steps out of the prison may have been a greater torture than the elaborate public humiliation described before, when the entire town gathered to point its finger at her Analysis: Conveys the severity of the puritan punishment on Hester's psyche. (Hawthorne 91)
1 Hawthorne, Nathaniel. "THE SCARLET LETTER." The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Scarlet Letter, by Nathaniel Hawthorne, The Project Gutenberg EBook, 18 Nov. 2020, www.gutenberg.org/files/25344/25344-h/25344-h.htm.
Effects of Puritan Culture on Hester 1 "She could no longer borrow from the future, to help her through the present grief. To-morrow would bring its own trial with it; so would the next day, and so would the next; each its own trial, and yet the very same that was now so unutterably grievous to be borne." Translation: This would be her everyday life, and she could use only everyday resources to endure it, or else she would be crushed by it. Tomorrow would bring its own struggle, and the next day, and the day after that—every day its own struggle, just like the one that was so unbearable today. Analysis: Conveys the longevity of the puritan punishment on Hester's psyche. How her life will only get harder and unbearable. (Hawthorne 91)
1 Hawthorne, Nathaniel. "THE SCARLET LETTER." The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Scarlet Letter, by Nathaniel Hawthorne, The Project Gutenberg EBook, 18 Nov. 2020, www.gutenberg.org/files/25344/25344-h/25344-h.htm.
Effects of Puritan Culture on Hester 1 "She was lady-like, too, after the manner of the feminine gentility of those days; characterized by a certain state and dignity, rather than by the delicate, evanescent, and indescribable grace, which is now recognized as its indication." Translation: The young woman was tall and elegant. Her thick, dark hair gleamed in the sunlight. Her beautiful face, with well-formed features and perfect complexion, was impressive in a way that young faces rarely are. She held herself in a stately and dignified manner, like upper-class ladies of that time, not delicate like women are today. Analysis: The author describes her differently from how the self-righteous town people viewed her. Despite, the labels the Puritans gave her, she looked and acted in the opposite manner. (Hawthorne 60)
1 Hawthorne, Nathaniel. "THE SCARLET LETTER." The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Scarlet Letter, by Nathaniel Hawthorne, The Project Gutenberg EBook, 18 Nov. 2020, www.gutenberg.org/files/25344/25344-h/25344-h.htm.
Effects of Puritan Culture on Hester 1 "Stretching forth the official staff in his left hand, he laid his right upon the shoulder of a young woman, whom he thus drew forward;" Translation: Holding the official staff in front of him with his left hand, he laid his right on the shoulder of a young woman. Analysis: context: She is getting taken out of prison (Punishment). (Dextera Domini "right hand of the Lord" in Latin) or God's right hand may refer to the Bible and common speech as a metaphor for the omnipotence of God and as a motif in art. In the Bible, to be at the right side "is to be identified as being in the special place of honor".) God's hand is on Hester...later on she feeds the homeless and cares for the sick. The people start to respect her. (Hawthorne 58)
1 Hawthorne, Nathaniel. "THE SCARLET LETTER." The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Scarlet Letter, by Nathaniel Hawthorne, The Project Gutenberg EBook, 18 Nov. 2020, www.gutenberg.org/files/25344/25344-h/25344-h.htm.
Effects of Puritan Culture on Hester 1 "The chain that bound her here was of iron links, and galling to her inmost soul, but never could be broken. Translation: The chain that bound her to this place was made of iron, and though it troubled her soul, it could not be broken." Analysis: Hester was metaphorically bounded to Puritan New England by a chain, this bound did severe trouble to her psyche. (Hawthorne 92)
1 Hawthorne, Nathaniel. "THE SCARLET LETTER." The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Scarlet Letter, by Nathaniel Hawthorne, The Project Gutenberg EBook, 18 Nov. 2020, www.gutenberg.org/files/25344/25344-h/25344-h.htm.
Effects of Puritan Culture on Hester 1 "The infant, during the latter portion of her[79] ordeal, pierced the air with its wailings and screams;" Translation: Toward the end of the sermon, the infant pierced the air with its cries. Analysis: Baby Pearl reflects Hester's inner emotions; In her internal, Hester is screaming due to the shame and embarrassment she is feeling. (Hawthorne 79)
1 Hawthorne, Nathaniel. "THE SCARLET LETTER." The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Scarlet Letter, by Nathaniel Hawthorne, The Project Gutenberg EBook, 18 Nov. 2020, www.gutenberg.org/files/25344/25344-h/25344-h.htm.
Effects of Puritan Culture on Hester 1 "The magistrates are God-fearing gentlemen, but merciful overmuch,—that is a truth," added a third autumnal matron. "At the very least, they should have put the brand of a hot iron on Hester Prynne's forehead. Madam Hester would have winced at that, I warrant me. But she,—the naughty baggage,—little[57] will she care what they put upon the bodice of her gown! Why, look you, she may cover it with a brooch, or such like heathenish adornment, and so walk the streets as brave as ever!" Translation: "The magistrates may be God-fearing, but they are too merciful—and that's the truth!" added a middle-aged woman. "At the very least, they should have branded Hester Prynne's forehead with a hot iron. She would have winced then, for sure. But—the dirty *****—what will she care about something pinned to her dress? She could cover it with a brooch or some other sinful jewelry and walk the streets as proud as ever." Analysis: The author shows the climate of Puritan New England----the self-righteous vs the rational/humble Christians. This particular quote shows the older generation, self-righteous townspeople. Shows the negative view the townspeople have on Hester---the exclusion. (Hawthorne 57)
1 Hawthorne, Nathaniel. "THE SCARLET LETTER." The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Scarlet Letter, by Nathaniel Hawthorne, The Project Gutenberg EBook, 18 Nov. 2020, www.gutenberg.org/files/25344/25344-h/25344-h.htm.
Effects of Puritan Culture on Hester 1 "Those who had before known her, and had expected to behold her dimmed and obscured by a disastrous cloud, were astonished, and even startled, to perceive how her beauty shone out, and made a halo of the misfortune and ignominy in which she was enveloped." Translation: Those who knew her and expected to see her diminished by her circumstance were startled to find that her beauty radiated like a halo to obscure the clouds of misfortune that surrounded her. Analysis: Hawthorne describes her as an angel; although she is seen as a symbol of sin to the townspeople atm. (Hawthorne 60)
1 Hawthorne, Nathaniel. "THE SCARLET LETTER." The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Scarlet Letter, by Nathaniel Hawthorne, The Project Gutenberg EBook, 18 Nov. 2020, www.gutenberg.org/files/25344/25344-h/25344-h.htm.
Effects of Puritan Culture on Hester 1 "Throughout them all, giving up her individuality, she would become the general symbol at which the preacher and moralist might point, and in which they might vivify and embody their images of woman's frailty and sinful passion." Translation: Through them all, she would be a symbol for the preacher and the moralist to point at: the symbol of feminine frailty and lust. Analysis: Hester has now become the symbol of sin, the one thing hated and viewed as evil by many. This undoubtedly produces her ostracism from the town. (Hawthorne 91)
1 Hawthorne, Nathaniel. "THE SCARLET LETTER." The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Scarlet Letter, by Nathaniel Hawthorne, The Project Gutenberg EBook, 18 Nov. 2020, www.gutenberg.org/files/25344/25344-h/25344-h.htm.
Effects of Puritan Culture on Hester 1 "What do we talk of marks and brands, whether on the bodice of her gown, or the flesh of her forehead?" cried another female, the ugliest as well as the most pitiless of these self-constituted judges. "This woman has brought shame upon us all, and ought to die. Is there not law for it? Truly, there is, both in the Scripture and the statute-book." Analysis: We can see by how the author describes the self-righteous woman calling for the punishment of Hester's crimes to be death, that the author does not like her. He does not agree with her judgment, calling her the cruelest of the 3 women. (Hawthorne 57)
1 Hawthorne, Nathaniel. "THE SCARLET LETTER." The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Scarlet Letter, by Nathaniel Hawthorne, The Project Gutenberg EBook, 18 Nov. 2020, www.gutenberg.org/files/25344/25344-h/25344-h.htm.
Effects of Puritan Culture on Hester 1 "With her native energy of character, and rare capacity, it could not entirely cast her off, although it had set a mark upon her, more intolerable to a woman's heart than that which branded the brow of Cain." Translation: the world could not entirely cast her away, even though it had set a mark upon her more awful for a woman than the mark of Analysis: Hawthorne uses an Allusion to convey how great the townspeople and Hester viewed her sin. (Cain In the Bible, the first murderer, branded by God as a warning to others.) (Hawthorne 97)
1 Hawthorne, Nathaniel. "THE SCARLET LETTER." The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Scarlet Letter, by Nathaniel Hawthorne, The Project Gutenberg EBook, 18 Nov. 2020, www.gutenberg.org/files/25344/25344-h/25344-h.htm.
Effects of Puritan Culture on Hester 1 "for, haughty as her demeanour was, she perchance underwent an agony from every footstep of those that thronged to see her, as if her heart had been flung into the street for them all to spurn and trample upon." Translation: "Hester would have felt every step of every person in the crowd as though they had landed on her heart. Analysis: Hawthorne uses this simile to show the burden Hester felt of her Puritan punishment (Hawthorne 61)
1 Hawthorne, Nathaniel. "THE SCARLET LETTER." The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Scarlet Letter, by Nathaniel Hawthorne, The Project Gutenberg EBook, 18 Nov. 2020, www.gutenberg.org/files/25344/25344-h/25344-h.htm.
Effects of Puritan Culture on Hester 1 "let her cover the mark as she will, the pang of it will be always in her heart." Translation: "she can cover the mark however she likes, but it will still weigh on her heart." Analysis: Powerful metaphor showing the Scarlett letter effect on Hester's psyche. (Hawthorne 57)
1 Hawthorne, Nathaniel. "THE SCARLET LETTER." The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Scarlet Letter, by Nathaniel Hawthorne, The Project Gutenberg EBook, 18 Nov. 2020, www.gutenberg.org/files/25344/25344-h/25344-h.htm.
Effects of Puritan Culture on Hester 1 So forcibly did he dwell upon this symbol, for the hour or more during which his periods were rolling over the people's heads, that it assumed new terrors in their imagination, and seemed to derive its scarlet hue from the flames of the infernal pit. Translation: He emphasized this symbol with such force during his hour-long speech that it took on new terrors in the minds of the people. The letter seemed as red as hellfire Analysis: The puritan culture over condemned Hester for her sin, making Hester feel marginalized and degraded (Hawthorne 79)
1 Hawthorne, Nathaniel. "THE SCARLET LETTER." The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Scarlet Letter, by Nathaniel Hawthorne, The Project Gutenberg EBook, 18 Nov. 2020, www.gutenberg.org/files/25344/25344-h/25344-h.htm.
Harsh Puritan Laws (Civilians) 1 "On the other hand, a penalty, which, in our days, would infer a degree of mocking infamy and ridicule, might then be invested with almost as stern a dignity as the punishment of death itself." Translation: Back then, even a light penalty—the sort that might be laughed off today—was handed out as sternly as a death sentence. Analysis: Hawthorne conveys the severity of the Puritan punishments. (Can be used in a paragraph about how Puritan culture affected civilians (people other than the main characters) (Hawthorne 55)
1 Hawthorne, Nathaniel. "THE SCARLET LETTER." The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Scarlet Letter, by Nathaniel Hawthorne, The Project Gutenberg EBook, 18 Nov. 2020, www.gutenberg.org/files/25344/25344-h/25344-h.htm.
Harsh Puritan Laws 1 "It might be that a sluggish bond-servant, or an undutiful child, whom his parents had given over to the civil authority, was to be corrected at the whipping-post. " Translation: Perhaps a lazy servant or rebellious child was about to be publicly whipped. Analysis: Gives examples of the harsh punishments awaiting those who dont follow the puritan way, showcasing the harshness of purtian law. (Hawthorne 55)
1 Hawthorne, Nathaniel. "THE SCARLET LETTER." The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Scarlet Letter, by Nathaniel Hawthorne, The Project Gutenberg EBook, 18 Nov. 2020, www.gutenberg.org/files/25344/25344-h/25344-h.htm.
Harsh Puritan Laws 1 "It might be, that an Antinomian, a Quaker, or other heterodox religionist was to be scourged out of the town, or an idle and vagrant Indian, whom[55] the white man's fire-water had made riotous about the streets, was to be driven with stripes into the shadow of the forest." Translation: Maybe a religious heretic was to be beaten out of town or an Indian, drunk on the settlers' whiskey, was to be lashed back into the woods. Analysis: Gives examples of acts that will be punished harshly by Puritans (Hawthorne 55)
1 Hawthorne, Nathaniel. "THE SCARLET LETTER." The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Scarlet Letter, by Nathaniel Hawthorne, The Project Gutenberg EBook, 18 Nov. 2020, www.gutenberg.org/files/25344/25344-h/25344-h.htm.
Harsh Puritan Laws 1 "It might be, too, that a witch, like old Mistress Hibbins, the bitter-tempered widow of the magistrate, was to die upon the gallows." Translation: It could be that a witch like old Mistress Hibbins, the foul-tempered widow of the local judge, was to be hanged. Analysis: Gives examples of acts that will be punished harshly by Puritans (Hawthorne 55)
1 Hawthorne, Nathaniel. "THE SCARLET LETTER." The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Scarlet Letter, by Nathaniel Hawthorne, The Project Gutenberg EBook, 18 Nov. 2020, www.gutenberg.org/files/25344/25344-h/25344-h.htm.
Harsh Puritan Laws 1 "It might be, too, that a witch, like old Mistress Hibbins, the bitter-tempered widow of the magistrate, was to die upon the gallows." Translation: It could be that a witch like old Mistress Hibbins, the foul-tempered widow of the local judge, was to be hanged. Analysis: Gives examples of acts that will be punished harshly by Puritans; shows witches were unacceptable in Puritan society (Hawthorne 55)
1 Hawthorne, Nathaniel. "THE SCARLET LETTER." The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Scarlet Letter, by Nathaniel Hawthorne, The Project Gutenberg EBook, 18 Nov. 2020, www.gutenberg.org/files/25344/25344-h/25344-h.htm.
Harsh Puritan Laws 1 "it had all the effect of a last and fitting decoration to the apparel which she wore; and which was of a splendor in accordance with the taste of the age, but greatly beyond what was allowed by the sumptuary regulations of the colony." Translation: An outfit that was as rich as the tastes of the age but far fancier than anything permitted by the sumptuary laws of the colony. Analysis: Hawthorne conveys the severity of the Puritan laws (Hawthorne 59)
1 Hawthorne, Nathaniel. "THE SCARLET LETTER." The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Scarlet Letter, by Nathaniel Hawthorne, The Project Gutenberg EBook, 18 Nov. 2020, www.gutenberg.org/files/25344/25344-h/25344-h.htm.
Harsh Puritan Laws 1 "But, in that early severity of the Puritan character, an inference of this kind could not so indubitably be drawn." Translation: But given the harsh Puritan character, one could not be so sure about the cause for this scene. Analysis: Hawthrone describes the puritan character as severe. This gives us the author's pov on puritan laws and shows the perspective he will present it as. (Hawthorne 55))
1 Hawthorne, Nathaniel. "THE SCARLET LETTER." The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Scarlet Letter, by Nathaniel Hawthorne, The Project Gutenberg EBook, 18 Nov. 2020, www.gutenberg.org/files/25344/25344-h/25344-h.htm.
Harsh Puritan Laws 1 "In either case, there was very much the same solemnity of demeanor on the part of the spectators; as befitted a people amongst whom religion and law were almost identical, and in whose character both were so thoroughly interfused, that the mildest and the severest acts of public discipline were alike made venerable and awful." Translation: This cold demeanor suited a community in which religion and law so intermixed in the hearts of the people that mild punishments were just as terrifying as the serious ones. Analysis: Hawthorne conveys the severity of the Puritan punishments (Hawthorne 55)
1 Hawthorne, Nathaniel. "THE SCARLET LETTER." The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Scarlet Letter, by Nathaniel Hawthorne, The Project Gutenberg EBook, 18 Nov. 2020, www.gutenberg.org/files/25344/25344-h/25344-h.htm.
Effect of Puritan Culture on Hester "Taking a handful of these, she arranged them along the lines of the scarlet letter that decorated the maternal bosom, to which the burrs, as their nature was, tenaciously adhered." Translation: In response, little Pearl stopped to pick the prickly burrs from a plant that grew beside the grave. She took a handful and arranged them around the scarlet letter that decorated her mother's bosom. Analysis: the burrs on infidelity cling to her and they're prickly conveying pain. (Hawthorne 161)
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Effect of Puritan Culture on Hester "child stood still and gazed at Hester, with that little, laughing image of a fiend peeping out—or, whether it peeped or no, her mother so imagined it—from the unsearchable abyss of her black eyes." Translation: That little laughing image of a demon peeped out from the deep abyss of Pearl's black eyes—or if it didn't, Hester imagined it did. Analysis: Hester now hallucinates that Pearl is being possessed by a demon due to old Catholic legends showcasing the emotional toil she's experiencing. (Hawthorne 116)
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Effect of Puritan Culture on Pearl "All this enmity and passion had Pearl inherited, by inalienable right, out of Hester's heart." Translation: Pearl had inherited all of this hatred and passion, as if by right, directly from Hester's heart. Analysis: Hawthrone shows the emotional toil the culture has on Pearl. (Hawthorne 111)
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Effect of Puritan Culture on Pearl "Pearl, seeing the rose-bushes, began to cry for a red rose, and would not be pacified." Translation: Upon seeing the rose bushes, Pearl demanded a red rose. Analysis: Roses are most commonly associated with love and romance. Roses can also mean secrecy or confidentiality. And on the Death card, it's a reminder of purity, clarity, and transparency of intent. (Hawthorne 128)
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Effect of Puritan Culture on Pearl "the child finally announced that she had not been made at all, but had been plucked by her mother off the bush of wild roses, that grew by the prison-door." Translation: Then the child finally announced that she had not been made at all but had been plucked by her mother off the wild rose bush that grew by the prison door. Analysis: pear; is the rose and it symbolizes the freedom from the puritan social laws (Hawthorne 133)
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Effect of Puritan Culture on Pearl "Pearl was a born outcast of the infantile world. An imp of evil, emblem and product of sin, she had no right among christened infants." Translation: But this could never be! Pearl was born an outcast from that world. As an evil sprite, a symbol and product of sin, she was not allowed to mingle with the baptized children. Analysis: ostracism due to mother's sin; became a symbol of mother's sin (Hawthorne 110)
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Effect of Puritan Culture townspeople "had Hester or Pearl peeped into it, they might have seen the frothy remnant of a recent draught of ale." Translation: Had Hester or Pearl looked into it, they might have seen the last drops of a recently poured glass of beer. (Pastor drinking) Analysis: appearance vs reality: hypocrites; seem holy but are not (Hawthorne 124)
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Effect of Puritan Culture townspeople Sometimes, the red infamy upon her breast would give a sympathetic throb, as she passed near a venerable minister or magistrate, the model of piety and justice, to whom that age of antique reverence looked up, as to a mortal man in fellowship with angels. Translation: Sometimes her red mark of shame would throb in sympathy as she passed a respected minister or magistrate, models of holiness and justice who were regarded as almost angelic in those days. Analysis: (foreshadowing) (compared the younger priest to angelic) Shows how the townspeople appear holy on the outside, but within they're not. Hawthrone uses the respected minister as a symbol of appearance vs reality. (Hawthorne 102)
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Effects of Puritan Culture on Hester 1 "A clump of scrubby trees, such as alone[94] grew on the peninsula, did not so much conceal the cottage from view, as seem to denote that here was some object which would fain have been, or at least ought to be, concealed. In this little, lonesome dwelling, with some slender means that she possessed, and by the license of the magistrates, who still kept an inquisitorial watch over her, Hester established herself, with her infant child." Analysis: The way her house is described acts as imagery and shows ostracism (Hawthorne 94)
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Effects of Puritan Culture on Hester 1 "Clergymen paused in the street to address words of exhortation, that brought a crowd, with its mingled grin and frown, around the poor, sinful woman. If she entered a church, trusting to share the Sabbath smile of the Universal Father, it was often her mishap to find herself the text of the discourse." Translation: Ministers stopped in the streets to give speeches that drew a crowd of half-smiling and half-frowning people around the poor, sinful woman Analysis: They would condemn her every chance they had... when she went to church--the one place that is supposed to offer help and love---they made her feel ashamed and unwelcomed. (Hawthorne 99)
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Effects of Puritan Culture on Hester 1 "She stood apart from mortal interests, yet close beside them, like a ghost that revisits the familiar fireside, and can no longer make itself seen or felt; no more smile with the household joy, nor mourn with the kindred sorrow; or, should it succeed in manifesting its forbidden sympathy, awakening only terror and horrible repugnance" Translation: She was like a ghost that haunts a familiar fireside, unable to make itself seen or felt, unable to smile at the joys of everyday life nor mourn its sorrow. And when the ghost manages to display its forbidden feelings, it only produces terror and repugnance in others. Analysis: Showcases how Hester feels ostracized from society; Hawthorne uses a simile comparing her to a ghost (Hawthorne 98)
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Effects of Puritan Culture on Townspeople "Could they be other than the insidious whispers of the bad angel, who would fain have persuaded the struggling woman, as yet only half his victim, that the outward guise of purity was but a lie, and that, if truth were everywhere to be shown, a scarlet letter would blaze forth on many a bosom besides Hester Prynne's?" Translation: Could they be nothing more than the whispers of the Devil, who tried to convince Hester that the seeming purity of others was merely a lie, and that many breasts beside hers deserved a scarlet letter? Analysis: Hypocrisy of the townspeople; perhaps they also committed same crime as Hester but are fearful of their own culture's response to their sin. (Hawthorne 102)
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Puritan Culture's Effect on Arthur What can a ruined soul, like mine, effect towards the redemption of other souls?—or a polluted soul, towards their purification? Analysis: Arthur doubts himself/ too harsh (Hawthorne 234)
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Puritan Culture's Effect on Arthur "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." Translation: He looked thinner and more worn down with worry than when he had spoken at Hester's public shaming. Either from his failing health or for some other reason, his large dark eyes had a world of pain in their troubled and melancholy depths. Analysis: Hawthrone shows the emotional and physical toll the guilt produced in Arthur due to the harsh puritan laws (Hawthorne 137)
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Puritan Culture's Effect on Arthur "It was his custom, too, as it has been that of many other pious Puritans, to fast,—not, however, like them, in order to purify the body and render it the fitter medium of celestial illumination,—but rigorously, and until his knees trembled beneath him, as an act of penance." Translation: He fasted as an act of penance, until his knees trembled beneath him. Analysis: Shows the guilt he feels and how he wants to do the right thing: emotional toil (Hawthorne 175)
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Puritan Culture's Effect on Arthur "More than once, Mr. Dimmesdale had gone into the pulpit, with a purpose never to come down its steps, until he should have spoken words like the above." Translation: More than once, Mr. Dimmesdale had gone up to the pulpit thinking he would not come down until he had spoken these words. Analysis: Shows the guilt he feels and how he wants to do the right thing: emotional toil (Hawthorne 174)
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Puritan Culture's Effect on Arthur "My finger, pointed at this man, would have hurled him from his pulpit into a dungeon,—thence, peradventure, to the gallows!" Analysis: due to ones sin they could easily loose their position in the social class. (Hawthorne 207)
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Puritan Culture's Effect on Arthur "Oftentimes, this Protestant and Puritan divine had plied it on his own shoulders; laughing bitterly at himself the while, and smiting so much the more pitilessly, because of that bitter laugh." Analysis: These scenes symbolize the constant introspection through which he tortured, without purifying, himself. (Hawthorne 175)
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Puritan Culture's Effect on Arthur "Oftentimes, this Protestant and Puritan divine had plied it on his own shoulders; laughing bitterly at himself the while, and smiting so much the more pitilessly, because of that bitter laugh." Translation: This Puritan had often whipped himself with it, laughing bitterly while he did, and then beating himself more brutally for his bitter laughter Analysis: The pressure he has on himself to be pure has caused him abuse himself. (Hawthorne 175)
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Puritan Culture's Effect on Arthur "The people reverence thee," said Hester. "And surely thou workest good among them! Doth this bring thee no comfort?" Analysis: Arthur fears the puritan people will not respect him after they find he's a sinner (Hawthorne 234)
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Puritan Culture's Effect on Arthur But the visionary little maid, on her part, beckoned likewise, as if to say,—"This is a better place! Come thou into the pool!" And Pearl, stepping in Analysis: Implies that the dimension where the maid is better than the little puritan town Pearl is in (Hawthorne 204)
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Puritan Culture's Effect on Arthur But there is still the ruined wall, and, near it, the stealthy tread of the foe that would win over again his unforgotten triumph. Analysis: Arthur's hope (Hawthorne 247)
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Puritan Culture's Effect on Arthur Else, I should long ago have thrown off these garments of mock holiness, and have shown myself to mankind as they will see me at the judgment-seat. Analysis: Arthur fears the puritan people will not respect him after they find he's a sinner (Hawthorne 234)
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Puritan Culture's Effect on Arthur How dreary looked the forest-track that led backward to the settlement, where Hester Prynne must take up again the burden of her ignominy, and the minister the hollow mockery of his good name! Analysis: Arthur fears the puritan people will not respect him after they find he's a sinner (Hawthorne 241)
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Puritan Culture's Effect on Arthur I could daily betake myself, and be known as the vilest of all sinners, methinks my soul might keep itself alive thereby. Even thus much of truth would save me! But, now, it is all falsehood!—all emptiness!—all death!" Analysis: Arthur fears the puritan people will not respect him after they find he's a sinner (Hawthorne 234)
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Puritan Culture's Effect on Arthur I have laughed, in bitterness and agony of heart, at the contrast between what I seem and what I am! And Satan laughs at it!" Analysis: Arthur fears the puritan people will not respect him after they find he's a sinner (Hawthorne 234)
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Puritan Culture's Effect on Arthur I said, but now, that there could be no good event for him, or thee, or me, who are here wandering together in this gloomy maze of evil, and stumbling, at every step, over the guilt wherewith we have strewn our path Analysis: effects is misery for author (Hawthorne 211)
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Puritan Culture's Effect on Arthur She saw that he stood on the verge of lunacy, if he had not already stepped across it. Analysis: Arthur became very miserable because of the sin guilt due to the culture (Hawthorne 202)
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Puritan Culture's Effect on Arthur There was a listlessness in his gait; as if he saw no reason for taking one step farther, nor felt any desire to do so, but would have been glad, could he be glad of any thing, to fling himself down at the root of the nearest tree, and lie there passive for evermore. Analysis: Arthur feels suicidal (Hawthorne 230)
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Puritan Culture's Effect on Arthur Would not the earth, quickened to an evil purpose by the sympathy of his eye, greet him with poisonous shrubs, of species hitherto unknown, that would start up under his fingers? Analysis: sin can cause one to lose their high social standings (Hawthorne 212)
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Puritan Culture's Effect on Arthur must see my flock hungry for the truth, and listening to my words as if a tongue of Pentecost were speaking!—and then look inward, and discern the black reality of what they idolize? Analysis: Arthur fears the puritan people will not respect him after they find he's a sinner (Hawthorne 234)
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Puritan Culture's Effect on Arthur She had witnessed the intense misery beneath which the minister struggled, or, to speak more accurately, had ceased to struggle. Analysis: Arthur became very miserable because of the sin guilt due to the culture (Hawthorne 202)
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Puritan Culture's Effect on Arthur So when the minister, looking up toward the meteor, thought he saw a vast letter A drawn in lines of dull red light, it had to be his self-absorbed heart playing tricks on his eyes. Analysis: Arthur's own guilt causes him to misinterpret meteor (Hawthorne 189)
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Puritan Culture's Effect on Arthur/ Townspeople "Or,—can we not suppose it?—guilty as they may be, retaining, nevertheless, a zeal for God's glory and man's welfare, they shrink from displaying themselves black and filthy in the view of men; because, thenceforward, no good can be achieved by them; no evil of the past be redeemed by better service." Translation: Or suppose that, guilty as they are, they still possess a zeal for God's glory and the well-being of mankind. Perhaps they don't wish to appear dirty in the eyes of men, so that they can continue to do good and redeem their past sins with future service. Analysis: The pressure to appear pure is great and has caused great distress for Arthur (Hawthorne 159)
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Puritan Culture's Effect on Hester The scarlet letter was her passport into regions where other women dared not tread. Shame, Despair, Solitude! These had been her teachers,—stern and wild ones,—and they had made her strong, but taught her much amiss. Analysis: Irony (Hawthorne 246)
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Puritan Culture's Effect on Hester "It lies not in the pleasure of the magistrates to take off this badge," calmly replied Hester. Analysis: Hester believes shes doomed to wear it forever (Hawthorne 205)
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Puritan Culture's Effect on Hester "the sunshine does not love you. It runs away and hides itself, because it is afraid of something on your bosom. Analysis: The sun did not wanna touch Hester due to the letter A (its cursed) (Hawthorne 225)
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Puritan Culture's Effect on Hester And then he sets his mark on their bosoms! Didst thou ever meet the Black Man, mother?" Analysis: Hester's mark is her letter (Hawthorne 226)
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Puritan Culture's Effect on Hester Hester Prynne, with a mind of native courage and activity, and for so long a period not merely estranged, but outlawed, from society, had habituated herself to such latitude of speculation as was altogether foreign to the clergyman. Analysis: Hester was isolated (Hawthorne 245)
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Puritan Culture's Effect on Hester It was debated whether or no, with safety to the common weal, yonder scarlet letter might be taken off your bosom. Analysis: The Puritans debate the fate of Hester (Hawthorne 205)
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Puritan Culture's Effect on Hester Let the black flower blossom as it may! Analysis: foreshadows bad events (Hawthorne 211)
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Puritan Culture's Effect on Hester Nor do I,—whom the scarlet letter has disciplined to truth, though it be the truth of red-hot iron, entering into the soul, Analysis: The scarlet letter was a living allegory of sin (Hawthorne 210)
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Puritan Culture's Effect on Hester Once in my life I met the Black Man!" said her mother. "This scarlet letter is his mark!" Analysis: Hester's mark is her letter (Hawthorne 227)
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Puritan Culture's Effect on Hester She assumed a freedom of speculation, then common enough on the other side of the Atlantic, but which our forefathers, had they known of it, would have held to be a deadlier crime than that stigmatized by the scarlet letter. Analysis: irony; Hester is free under Puritan laws (Hawthorne 200)
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Puritan Culture's Effect on Hester Standing alone in the world,—alone, as to any dependence on society, and with little Pearl to be guided and protected—alone, and hopeless of retrieving her position, even had she not scorned to consider it desirable,—she cast away the fragments of a broken chain. Analysis: Ostracism of Hester Prynne (Hawthorne 199 )
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Puritan Culture's Effect on Hester The letter was the symbol of her calling. Such helpfulness was found in her,—so much power to do, and power to sympathize,—that many people refused to interpret the scarlet A by its original signification. They said that it meant Able; so strong was Hester Prynne, with a woman's strength. Analysis: In this culture, her actions defined her, so her actions are good (Hawthorne 196)
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Puritan Culture's Effect on Hester The rulers, and the wise and learned men of the community, were longer in acknowledging the influence of Hester's good qualities than the people Analysis: In this culture her actions defined her, so her actions are good (Hawthorne 198)
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Puritan Culture's Effect on Pearl "Thou wast not bold!—thou wast not true!" answered the child. "Thou wouldst not promise to take my hand, and mother's hand, to-morrow noontide!" Analysis: The culture has led to Pearl feeling betrayed daughters trust. (Hawthorne 190)
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Puritan Culture's Effect on Pearl Pearl laughed and tried to pull her hand away. But the minister held it tight."One moment more, my child!" he said."But will you promise," asked Pearl, "to take my hand, and mother's hand, tomorrow at noon?" Analysis: Pearl represents truth and she wants the minister to be free and confess his sin. (Hawthorne 184)
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Puritan Culture's Effect on Pearl So the child flew away like a bird, Analysis: "child represents freedom" (Hawthorne 204)
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Puritan Culture's Effect on Pearl And Pearl, stepping in, mid-leg deep, beheld her own white feet at the bottom; while, out of a still lower depth, came the gleam of a kind of fragmentary smile, floating to and fro in the agitated water. Analysis: Pearl reflection mirrors her mother (Hawthorne 205)
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Puritan Culture's Effect on Pearl But the image of the girl also beckoned, as if to say, "This is a better place! Come into the pool with me!" Analysis: the pool is better than the puritan town (Hawthorne 205)
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Puritan Culture's Effect on Pearl In the little chaos of Pearl's character, there might be seen emerging—and could have been, from the very first—the stedfast principles of an unflinching courage,—an uncontrollable will,—a sturdy pride, which might be disciplined into self-respect—and a bitter scorn of many things, which, when examined, might be found to have the taint of falsehood in them Analysis: Pearl represents truth and freedom for puritan laws (Hawthorne 220)
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Puritan Culture's Effect on Roger And I thee," answered Hester Prynne, "for the hatred that has transformed a wise and just man to a fiend! Analysis: Hawthorne presenting roger as a demon because of purity culture using demon like atributes. (Hawthorne 211)
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Puritan Culture's Effect on Roger Or would he spread bat's wings and flee away, looking so much the uglier, the higher he rose towards Heaven?. Analysis: Irony (he is a doctor but he's ruining Arthur's health) (Hawthorne 212)
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Puritan Culture's Effect on Roger We are not, Hester, the worst sinners in the world. There is one worse than even the polluted priest! That old man's revenge has been blacker than my sin. He has violated, in cold blood, the sanctity of a human heart. Thou and I, Hester, never did so!" Analysis: Irony( the doctor/ well respected men is the devil) (Hawthorne 240)
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Puritan Culture's Effect on Townspeople "So, to their own unutterable torment, they go about among their fellow-creatures, looking pure as new-fallen snow; while their hearts are all speckled and spotted with iniquity of which they cannot rid themselves." Translation: So, to their own unspeakable torture, they walk among their fellow creatures looking as pure as the new-fallen snow. And all the while, their hearts are spotted and stained with a sin they can't get rid of." Analysis: Arthur talks about how they appear to be holy but on the inside they're the same as Hester. This pressure to appear pure has turned them into hypocrites. (Hawthorne 159)
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Puritan Culture's Effect on Townspeople The prejudices which they shared in common with the latter were fortified in themselves by an iron framework of reasoning, that made it a far tougher labor to expel them. Analysis: prejudices in Puritan culture acted as a border between the people (Hawthorne 198)
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Puritan Culture's effect on Hester "a bright complexion, eyes possessing intensity both of depth and glow, and hair already of a deep, glossy brown, and which, in after years, would be nearly akin to black." Translation: Pearl's rich, luxuriant beauty: vivid skin, a bright complexion, deep and lively eyes, and glossy brown hair that would look almost black in her later years. Analysis: Other times black hair symbolizes mystery, morbidness, oftentimes these characters are known to have tragic pasts and experiences that motivate them to do dark things (Hawthorne 120)
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