okay, first of all let me just say that the ending parts of this book really aggrevated me. But chapter 33 is when it really goes down. Seeing Tom and Huck together brought a little bit of suspense for me personally because of the coming of age aspect. If Huck goes back to his old ways, his adventures with Jim and his maturing would be for nothing, IF he was influenced enough by his old life style. A little side note, is coincidently after him and tom sneak out of the house (not the ideal thing to do) but then he starts to feel bad when he sees the con men, like NOW you feel bad! well that is maturing, in a way.
When I found out that Jim was in the shed, I was more confused by the fact that Tom was on board with trying to get Jim out of there. I guess in a way that there is a sense of coming of age, not only with Huck but with Tom. (so we think) But, one part of coming of age that I noticed was when Tom was really mad at Huck for taking a watermelon. (still getting used to how the writing is in this book). and he made Huck give them money for stealing the fruit, LIKE WHERE DID THAT COME FROM. throughout chapters 36-38 ish, Huck and Tom's plan for Jim's escape take some twists and turns, but it seems as though Tom has complete control over the situation, but that's not even his own friend, which I thought was kind of strange but its a good thing.
CHAPTER 40 IS ANXIETY STRONG. When they escape from the shed I was happy, because there was some team work going on there, so Tom recognized that Jim is the same human as he is, just a different skin color (I think this is going to change, we'll see) but yeah, tom survived with a bullet in his leg.
basically to sum it up, Jim was free all along throughout the entire book, Pap AND Miss Watson both died, and they're all pretty much free to go on adventures and all of that junk. I think Tom and Huck both go through changes, Tom's was not focused as much, but I think the fact that for me personally, Huck did not change that much when he was reunited with Tom was a huge coming of age factor. Tom is definitely a bad influence kind of friend, and he was not influenced! go huck! thanks for reading!
Saturday, April 19, 2014
Saturday, April 5, 2014
22-31
In chapters 22-24 i was honestly not seeing much coming of age within Huck. In chapter 23, when Jim brings up his wife and children, it occurs to huck that maybe just maybe, black men can love their familes the way white men do. wow. Except, however, when you could kind of tell that he was annoyed and almost feeling above the robbers/con-men and what they were doing. So, in a way, Huck is growing because if this was him a while back, he would've probably been trying to trick people for money and maybe worse. Throughout the rest of the chapters, i didn't really find anything significant to coming of age. There were a few minor set backs, like when Huck steals money and stuff in chapter 27. But in all honesty, these chapters did not show much signifcance to me. I thought huck's stealing the money off the deceased man was almost a set back because of how awful he felt when he saw the dead body in previous chapters.
throughout the rest of the chapters i read, i did not see much coming of age. I felt like Huck took some steps forwards but a lot more steps backwards. I felt as though when he wasn't with Jim, he did not show his maturity and proper morals. I picked up on this pretty quickly within the chapters, and if my theory is correct, my next blog post will have a lot more "coming of age" because he met with Jim at the end. We'll see what happens...
throughout the rest of the chapters i read, i did not see much coming of age. I felt like Huck took some steps forwards but a lot more steps backwards. I felt as though when he wasn't with Jim, he did not show his maturity and proper morals. I picked up on this pretty quickly within the chapters, and if my theory is correct, my next blog post will have a lot more "coming of age" because he met with Jim at the end. We'll see what happens...
Saturday, March 29, 2014
Huck Finn chapters 16-22
Well, lets just start off with saying that Chapter 16 is a huge deal breaker to the reader (or maybe just me) but basically Huck and Jim are headed to free Jim of slavery. ok. first of all, the internal conflict Huck must be feeling right about now is the one I have been waiting for all along. Before reading further into the chapters, I wondered what Huck thought of Jim, were they aquaintences? friends? The internal conflict of whether to turn Jim in must have been hard on Huck. "It most froze me to hear such talk. He wouldn't ever dared to talk such talk in
his life before. Just see what a difference it made in him the minute he judged
he was about free." this quote of Huck talking was right after Jim was embracing his free mindset and talking about his future and children, and here shows how Huck felt about "niggers" and how if you give them one inch of freedom, they will take a mile.
When chapter 17 rolls around and they are seperated my heart broke a little bit, maybe i am just a softy but I was not too fond of the family Huck later encounters. But, his lying and witty ways gets him out of situations once again (sorta), which I was happy about.
In chapter 18 nothing really significant happens in terms of "coming of age" I guess you can say Huck's admiration for a comfortable home could show some type of maturity, because it does show that he is aware of something he never had. Something signifcant that does happen in this chapter, however that after the gun fight and killing of the Grangerford's, he immediately seeks Jim for comfort. YAY FRIENDS! "I was powerful glad to get away from the feuds, and so was Jim to get away from the swamp."
When they take in the two criminals, a part of me is almost happy, because Huck does not immediately say no because of their appearance and background. It's almost like his past experiences because of his father have changed him, in a good way. (skipping ahead a little bit here) but Huck lies about whether Jim is a run away slave to the men. So like, in summary, Huck has matured enough to know what to say and what not to say. He loves Jim! yay.
Okay the whole "Romeo and Juliet" thing was cool I guess, it was kind of random to me. Also a thing that stuck out to me, was that Huck and Jim stayed back most of the time when the criminals went to do all of that criminally (I don't know if that's a word) stuff, imagine Huck in his early years staying back from doing something bad? Absurd!
To be completely honest, chapters 21-22 did not really stand out to me with anything that has to do with coming of age. All of these chapters have to do with the readers perception of the relationship between Huck and Jim. In my opinion, they still have a little bit of the "father-son" aspect, but it's almost like they are best friends, which is great. Huck is maturing with every chapter, but in suttle and not always so obvious ways to the reader. But in all, Jim has been a really good influence on Huck and I am excited to see what happens in later chapters!
When chapter 17 rolls around and they are seperated my heart broke a little bit, maybe i am just a softy but I was not too fond of the family Huck later encounters. But, his lying and witty ways gets him out of situations once again (sorta), which I was happy about.
In chapter 18 nothing really significant happens in terms of "coming of age" I guess you can say Huck's admiration for a comfortable home could show some type of maturity, because it does show that he is aware of something he never had. Something signifcant that does happen in this chapter, however that after the gun fight and killing of the Grangerford's, he immediately seeks Jim for comfort. YAY FRIENDS! "I was powerful glad to get away from the feuds, and so was Jim to get away from the swamp."
When they take in the two criminals, a part of me is almost happy, because Huck does not immediately say no because of their appearance and background. It's almost like his past experiences because of his father have changed him, in a good way. (skipping ahead a little bit here) but Huck lies about whether Jim is a run away slave to the men. So like, in summary, Huck has matured enough to know what to say and what not to say. He loves Jim! yay.
Okay the whole "Romeo and Juliet" thing was cool I guess, it was kind of random to me. Also a thing that stuck out to me, was that Huck and Jim stayed back most of the time when the criminals went to do all of that criminally (I don't know if that's a word) stuff, imagine Huck in his early years staying back from doing something bad? Absurd!
To be completely honest, chapters 21-22 did not really stand out to me with anything that has to do with coming of age. All of these chapters have to do with the readers perception of the relationship between Huck and Jim. In my opinion, they still have a little bit of the "father-son" aspect, but it's almost like they are best friends, which is great. Huck is maturing with every chapter, but in suttle and not always so obvious ways to the reader. But in all, Jim has been a really good influence on Huck and I am excited to see what happens in later chapters!
Saturday, March 22, 2014
Huck Finn chapters 6-15
So, this whole "coming of age" thing, it's a pretty big weight to have on the shoulders of a boy like Huck Finn (even though he doesn't feel the pressure). The big thing that happens in the beginning is that he fakes his death. In my opinion he does this in a pretty clever way, I would not have expected this in earlier chapters. He cuts the head off of a pig and sets off for Jackson's island. Even though it was a clever gesture, I believe that Coming of Age has a lot to do with matuirty, and personally I didnt think this was a completely RATIONAL decision, but he did feel it was best for him so I respect him for that.
In Chapter 8, there was a sense of guilt throughout Huck when he saw Judge Thatcher, and all of his friends on the boat talking about his murder. I see that as a sign of Coming of Age, why would he care if he didn't have SOME sense of maturity and morals? "I says, now I reckon the widow or the parson or somebody prayed that this bread would find me, and here it has gone and done it." guilt, guilt, guilt. To keep this short and sweet, I LOVE JIM AND I WAS SO EXCITED WHEN HUCK RAN INTO HIM ON THE ISLAND. Jim, I believe represents a father figure in Huck's life, i personally find Huck opening up to Jim throughout the book is a sign of Coming of Age. Imagine, your father is a drunk who never gave a darn about you, and you open up to someone who can do exactly the same.
In chapter 10, when the whole rattle snake episode comes in, this could be interpreted as one step backwards. Huck has been through so much, but regardless of his situation he still knows how to have fun! This is a sign of him still staying true to himself, not necessarily a bad thing. (even though it wasn't a fun result with a swolen leg). I think the relationship between the two of them was representing not only coming of age, but the courage to break down the walls of society. Jim is black, Huck is white, it was unheard of. Jim is a slave, even more unheard of. Their relationship has so many different themes behind it, but I think Mark Twain wanted that aspect.
In chapter 13, "I reckon I hadn't had time to before. I begun to think how dreadful it was
even for murderers, to be in such a fix. I says to myself, there ain't no telling but I might come to be a murderer myself yet, and then how would I like it?" This was a very powerful quote. He recognizes how his life could go in one direction, he could become a murderer. But thinking about it could change his mind (maturity).
Chapter 15 was HUGE for me, I think the fact that Jim was so greatful that Huck was alive, and Huck's reaction was typical. The reaction, may you ask? "What's the matter with you Jim? You've been-a drinkin?" wow. low blow. BUT, this shows that Huck has never felt that type of affection before, somebody actually afraid to loose him. Jim is breaking down Huck's wall. Long story short, Huck apologizing to Jim about hurting his feelings was a sign of consience, and maturity. "I didn't do him no more mean tricks, and I wouldn't done that one if I'd a knowed it would make him feel that way." *claps for Huck* YOU HAVE FEELINGS, YAY! great way to end this chapter.
In Chapter 8, there was a sense of guilt throughout Huck when he saw Judge Thatcher, and all of his friends on the boat talking about his murder. I see that as a sign of Coming of Age, why would he care if he didn't have SOME sense of maturity and morals? "I says, now I reckon the widow or the parson or somebody prayed that this bread would find me, and here it has gone and done it." guilt, guilt, guilt. To keep this short and sweet, I LOVE JIM AND I WAS SO EXCITED WHEN HUCK RAN INTO HIM ON THE ISLAND. Jim, I believe represents a father figure in Huck's life, i personally find Huck opening up to Jim throughout the book is a sign of Coming of Age. Imagine, your father is a drunk who never gave a darn about you, and you open up to someone who can do exactly the same.
In chapter 10, when the whole rattle snake episode comes in, this could be interpreted as one step backwards. Huck has been through so much, but regardless of his situation he still knows how to have fun! This is a sign of him still staying true to himself, not necessarily a bad thing. (even though it wasn't a fun result with a swolen leg). I think the relationship between the two of them was representing not only coming of age, but the courage to break down the walls of society. Jim is black, Huck is white, it was unheard of. Jim is a slave, even more unheard of. Their relationship has so many different themes behind it, but I think Mark Twain wanted that aspect.
In chapter 13, "I reckon I hadn't had time to before. I begun to think how dreadful it was
even for murderers, to be in such a fix. I says to myself, there ain't no telling but I might come to be a murderer myself yet, and then how would I like it?" This was a very powerful quote. He recognizes how his life could go in one direction, he could become a murderer. But thinking about it could change his mind (maturity).
Chapter 15 was HUGE for me, I think the fact that Jim was so greatful that Huck was alive, and Huck's reaction was typical. The reaction, may you ask? "What's the matter with you Jim? You've been-a drinkin?" wow. low blow. BUT, this shows that Huck has never felt that type of affection before, somebody actually afraid to loose him. Jim is breaking down Huck's wall. Long story short, Huck apologizing to Jim about hurting his feelings was a sign of consience, and maturity. "I didn't do him no more mean tricks, and I wouldn't done that one if I'd a knowed it would make him feel that way." *claps for Huck* YOU HAVE FEELINGS, YAY! great way to end this chapter.
Friday, March 14, 2014
Huck Finn chapters 1-5
Welcome back to blogger, long time no see! In Huck Finn, the theme my group and I are analyzing on is coming of age. This topic could be associated with a lot of books, but the theme could be underlying. In chapters 1-5 of Huck Finn I really did not notice any signs of "coming of age" in my perspective. For me, coming of age is the example of making mature decisions to better yourself. I did see that, however when he gave all of his money to Judge Thatcher. When I first read the chapters I would have not suspected him putting that much trust into anybody. In a way, that is coming of age. I am hoping that there will be more examples of this because I think this story has to do a lot with the transition of Huck's mindset. Another example I thought might have actually set Huck back was seeing his father. I think this must have set his mindset of maturity (if he was feeling mature about himself) back a little bit, probably was about 10 steps backwards. But this also could represent the factor in his life that is saying "hey, I am fine without my father" which could also represent coming of age as well.
Friday, November 29, 2013
the rest of the scarlet letter
Chapters 14-15:
I think Chapter 14 is showing signs of Hester growing away from the shadow of the scarlet letter. I think when Chillingworth talked about her being able to take off the letter, it did not scare her, I took it as she felt it was a part of her that she is no longer ashamed of, and taking it off might show relief, which she does not feel. I personally liked Chillingworth in the beginning, but now he is just plain nasty and evil, and it is nice to see that Hester is picking up on that. "Hester had been looking steadily at the old man, and was shocked, as well as wonder smitten, to discern what a change had been wrought upon him throughout the past seven years." FINALLY HESTER. Basically the rest of the chapter is showing Hester's concern about how hard Chillingworth is on Dimmesdale. And of course Chillingworth is being stubborn. Chapter 15 starts off as Hester watches Chillingworth pick herbs, and she comes to realize she actually hates him, and starts to question if somebody that evil could ever actually heal anyone. I'm proud of her at this moment because she has taken so much poop from EVERYBODY and never said she hated anyone, and this is growth, I believe. At this point in the story I think Pearl is just being annoying with the whole "A" thing. But I also believe this is showing her knowledge of what is happening, and she is always asking why Dimmesdale has a hand over his heart, and I truly think she loves him, and so does Hester.
Chapters 16-17:
I personally found chapter 16 kind of pointless, except for the part where Pearl asked about the Black Man who haunts the forest. I honestly think the Black Man is the devil. I think that since the "witch" Mistress Hibbins met him, and Hester says that the letter is the Black Man's mark. The A is representing a sin she committed, coincidence? And that was basically all I got from that chapter. I was so happy when chapter 17 came around, I think it was so delayed and it was necessary to understand the rest of the book. Right from the beginning, the narrator talks about how they are "intimately connected in their former life" which was true in every aspect. And when Dimmesdale asks Hester if she had found peace, she ignores him and turns the question around on him, and I think that shows that Hester was always concerned about him. Basically he is miserable, and the more time goes on the more miserable he becomes, guilty coincidence much? Hester is actually being logical in this part and telling him that the past is the past and that his sins are in the past as well, but of course he is being stubborn and saying that the scarlet letter was not a secret to her, but he had all of this guilt in secret. Whose fault is that? His. But, later on they are both on the same page agreeing that Chillingworth is evil and that Dimmesdale and Chillingworth should not live together anymore. "It was the last expression of the despondency of a broken spirit." This was when Dimmesdale was talking about going into the world alone. But yet, nobody said he had to go in alone.
Chapter 18-19:
Chapter 18, also I think was long over due. Hester and Dimmesdale talk about running away from town and escaping the criticism that has been present for so long. Hester is more for the idea, which I thought was great for her and I think her life would be a lot better off outside of that tow. Dimmesdale, eh is not so for the idea. He really never had an experience like this before. But after some convincing from Hester, and the realization from Dimmesdale that he "can no longer live without her companionship; so powerful is she to sustain- so tender to soothe." The decision is pretty much made, AND HESTER FINALLY TAKES OFF THE LETTER. F.I.N.A.L.L.Y!! The sun comes out, the birds chirp, it's great. Chapter 19 was kind of a downer after all of that excitement in chapter 18, because Pearl comes in and realizes that those are her parents, (finally) but now Dimmesdale is all upset because kids never liked him, (which I thought was kind of funny) But then here is Hester to the rescue reassuring Dimmesdale that Pearl is very feisty and just needs to warm up to him. The part when Pearl was on the other side of the brook and did not listen to her mom, was probably a huge wakeup call for Hester, that Pearl is not threatened by her in any way, (Pearl reminds me of myself) I also think Pearl asking since Dimmesdale loves her, will they go hand in hand into town is her knowledge of what goes on in the town. I think Pearl is really smart and aware of her surroundings. WHY DOES HESTER PUT THE LETTER BACK ON, WHAT DOES SHE THINK WILL HAPPEN, UGH.
Chapter 20-21:
Chapter 20 confused me a lot. I really did not pick up much from the chapter, and I thought it was really wordy, but did not say much, if that makes sense. All that I picked up on was, that they were going to Europe and Hester knew the ship workers because of her work with charity. When Dimmesdale gets back to town I think he's kind of becoming crazy, and the part where he meets Miss Hibbins was really creepy too, but this entire chapter I really did not get at all. BUT one thing I did pick up on was that Dimmesdale was afraid that since he has sold his soul to the devil, since he chose sin. OKAY, chapter 21 was so annoying to me. But first, I think the setting of this chapter was a lot like the beginning of the story when they are all together in a public event. Oh and congrats on a new governor? What? Anyway, "It might be, on this one day, that there was an expression unseen before, nor, indeed, vivid enough to be detected now." Hester is in a gaze thinking about how different life will be if she gets out of the town. OKAY SO HERE IS THE PART THAT ANNOYS ME. Chillingworth somehow got himself into this situation and is now going on the ship because they need a doctor, like really? Out of all doctors it HAD to be Chillingworth? And then of course he has that evil smirk to give Hester, who does he think he is.
Chapter 22-23:
I thought Chapter 22 was really creepy and kind of confusing. The beginning was talking about military music, which I didn't really get why it had anything to do with it. But then we start to see Dimmesdale more lively and healthy, what? Hester and Pearl were not the only ones to notice the change in him. When Pearl asked her mom if Dimmesdale was the same man who kissed her in the forest, you know that the change is noticeable. As if things couldn't get any weirder, Great, Miss. Hibbins again. She is talking some pretty weird stuff, basically she is saying that she knows everything that goes on in the forest, and she says that the "Black Man"(the devil) is actually Pearl's father. Also that Hester does not have to worry about going on the ship with Dimmesdale, just for her and Pearl. At this point, Hester is really down and upset, and at this point I actually feel sympathy for her. And to top it all off, she goes to listen to Dimmesdale's sermon and everyone is starring at her, flashback? Chapter 23 is CRAZY. So Dimmesdale is already sounding a bit crazy in my mind because he is saying that God has made the New England, which I personally find kinda weird. But anyway, he calls up Hester and Pearl to the scaffold, (first bad thing) then Hester helps him up(second bad thing) THEN he rips off his shirt to show that he also has a mark on his chest. I think this is symbolizing the guilt he feels. So then, he collapses and dies. But before he dies, he says that God will decide whether they should be punished any further. And also, Pearl finally kisses him and she grows into a woman (what?)
Chapter 24: The people of the town can't determine whether they saw an A on his chest or not, if you were a witness, you were not allowed to tell. People also believed that Dimmesdale died in the arms of Hester to show that anybody could be considered sinners. I thought it was really weird that Pearl and Hester just disappeared after Chillingworth's death. In conclusion, the scarlet letter was a legend in that town because of Hester, and she comes back to town and lives in a cottage. She does get a semi- happy ending because women were starting to come to her for advice now. She eventually dies and is buried close-ish to Dimmesdale, and there was a scarlet letter on her tomb.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NUzYEvWcdWw
^ this song by ed sheeran, I think really shows the separation that Hester and Dimmesdale must feel throughout the story. Though it is not talked about much throughout the story, I felt it, as the reader. And when he talks about "living forever now" is talking about what life is like after Dimmesdale dies.
I think Chapter 14 is showing signs of Hester growing away from the shadow of the scarlet letter. I think when Chillingworth talked about her being able to take off the letter, it did not scare her, I took it as she felt it was a part of her that she is no longer ashamed of, and taking it off might show relief, which she does not feel. I personally liked Chillingworth in the beginning, but now he is just plain nasty and evil, and it is nice to see that Hester is picking up on that. "Hester had been looking steadily at the old man, and was shocked, as well as wonder smitten, to discern what a change had been wrought upon him throughout the past seven years." FINALLY HESTER. Basically the rest of the chapter is showing Hester's concern about how hard Chillingworth is on Dimmesdale. And of course Chillingworth is being stubborn. Chapter 15 starts off as Hester watches Chillingworth pick herbs, and she comes to realize she actually hates him, and starts to question if somebody that evil could ever actually heal anyone. I'm proud of her at this moment because she has taken so much poop from EVERYBODY and never said she hated anyone, and this is growth, I believe. At this point in the story I think Pearl is just being annoying with the whole "A" thing. But I also believe this is showing her knowledge of what is happening, and she is always asking why Dimmesdale has a hand over his heart, and I truly think she loves him, and so does Hester.
Chapters 16-17:
I personally found chapter 16 kind of pointless, except for the part where Pearl asked about the Black Man who haunts the forest. I honestly think the Black Man is the devil. I think that since the "witch" Mistress Hibbins met him, and Hester says that the letter is the Black Man's mark. The A is representing a sin she committed, coincidence? And that was basically all I got from that chapter. I was so happy when chapter 17 came around, I think it was so delayed and it was necessary to understand the rest of the book. Right from the beginning, the narrator talks about how they are "intimately connected in their former life" which was true in every aspect. And when Dimmesdale asks Hester if she had found peace, she ignores him and turns the question around on him, and I think that shows that Hester was always concerned about him. Basically he is miserable, and the more time goes on the more miserable he becomes, guilty coincidence much? Hester is actually being logical in this part and telling him that the past is the past and that his sins are in the past as well, but of course he is being stubborn and saying that the scarlet letter was not a secret to her, but he had all of this guilt in secret. Whose fault is that? His. But, later on they are both on the same page agreeing that Chillingworth is evil and that Dimmesdale and Chillingworth should not live together anymore. "It was the last expression of the despondency of a broken spirit." This was when Dimmesdale was talking about going into the world alone. But yet, nobody said he had to go in alone.
Chapter 18-19:
Chapter 18, also I think was long over due. Hester and Dimmesdale talk about running away from town and escaping the criticism that has been present for so long. Hester is more for the idea, which I thought was great for her and I think her life would be a lot better off outside of that tow. Dimmesdale, eh is not so for the idea. He really never had an experience like this before. But after some convincing from Hester, and the realization from Dimmesdale that he "can no longer live without her companionship; so powerful is she to sustain- so tender to soothe." The decision is pretty much made, AND HESTER FINALLY TAKES OFF THE LETTER. F.I.N.A.L.L.Y!! The sun comes out, the birds chirp, it's great. Chapter 19 was kind of a downer after all of that excitement in chapter 18, because Pearl comes in and realizes that those are her parents, (finally) but now Dimmesdale is all upset because kids never liked him, (which I thought was kind of funny) But then here is Hester to the rescue reassuring Dimmesdale that Pearl is very feisty and just needs to warm up to him. The part when Pearl was on the other side of the brook and did not listen to her mom, was probably a huge wakeup call for Hester, that Pearl is not threatened by her in any way, (Pearl reminds me of myself) I also think Pearl asking since Dimmesdale loves her, will they go hand in hand into town is her knowledge of what goes on in the town. I think Pearl is really smart and aware of her surroundings. WHY DOES HESTER PUT THE LETTER BACK ON, WHAT DOES SHE THINK WILL HAPPEN, UGH.
Chapter 20-21:
Chapter 20 confused me a lot. I really did not pick up much from the chapter, and I thought it was really wordy, but did not say much, if that makes sense. All that I picked up on was, that they were going to Europe and Hester knew the ship workers because of her work with charity. When Dimmesdale gets back to town I think he's kind of becoming crazy, and the part where he meets Miss Hibbins was really creepy too, but this entire chapter I really did not get at all. BUT one thing I did pick up on was that Dimmesdale was afraid that since he has sold his soul to the devil, since he chose sin. OKAY, chapter 21 was so annoying to me. But first, I think the setting of this chapter was a lot like the beginning of the story when they are all together in a public event. Oh and congrats on a new governor? What? Anyway, "It might be, on this one day, that there was an expression unseen before, nor, indeed, vivid enough to be detected now." Hester is in a gaze thinking about how different life will be if she gets out of the town. OKAY SO HERE IS THE PART THAT ANNOYS ME. Chillingworth somehow got himself into this situation and is now going on the ship because they need a doctor, like really? Out of all doctors it HAD to be Chillingworth? And then of course he has that evil smirk to give Hester, who does he think he is.
Chapter 22-23:
I thought Chapter 22 was really creepy and kind of confusing. The beginning was talking about military music, which I didn't really get why it had anything to do with it. But then we start to see Dimmesdale more lively and healthy, what? Hester and Pearl were not the only ones to notice the change in him. When Pearl asked her mom if Dimmesdale was the same man who kissed her in the forest, you know that the change is noticeable. As if things couldn't get any weirder, Great, Miss. Hibbins again. She is talking some pretty weird stuff, basically she is saying that she knows everything that goes on in the forest, and she says that the "Black Man"(the devil) is actually Pearl's father. Also that Hester does not have to worry about going on the ship with Dimmesdale, just for her and Pearl. At this point, Hester is really down and upset, and at this point I actually feel sympathy for her. And to top it all off, she goes to listen to Dimmesdale's sermon and everyone is starring at her, flashback? Chapter 23 is CRAZY. So Dimmesdale is already sounding a bit crazy in my mind because he is saying that God has made the New England, which I personally find kinda weird. But anyway, he calls up Hester and Pearl to the scaffold, (first bad thing) then Hester helps him up(second bad thing) THEN he rips off his shirt to show that he also has a mark on his chest. I think this is symbolizing the guilt he feels. So then, he collapses and dies. But before he dies, he says that God will decide whether they should be punished any further. And also, Pearl finally kisses him and she grows into a woman (what?)
Chapter 24: The people of the town can't determine whether they saw an A on his chest or not, if you were a witness, you were not allowed to tell. People also believed that Dimmesdale died in the arms of Hester to show that anybody could be considered sinners. I thought it was really weird that Pearl and Hester just disappeared after Chillingworth's death. In conclusion, the scarlet letter was a legend in that town because of Hester, and she comes back to town and lives in a cottage. She does get a semi- happy ending because women were starting to come to her for advice now. She eventually dies and is buried close-ish to Dimmesdale, and there was a scarlet letter on her tomb.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NUzYEvWcdWw
^ this song by ed sheeran, I think really shows the separation that Hester and Dimmesdale must feel throughout the story. Though it is not talked about much throughout the story, I felt it, as the reader. And when he talks about "living forever now" is talking about what life is like after Dimmesdale dies.
Sunday, November 24, 2013
scarlet letter chapters 9-13
Chapter 9- The Leech
When reading the beginning of the chapter I was excited to hear more about Dimmesdale and Chillingworth because i thought both characters were not talked about that much in the story so far. I thought Chillingworth was an interesting character when he was talking with Hester earlier in the book. Dimmesdale on the other hand, I was not very fond of throughout, and I was shocked to hear that he became ill. I think this part of the story is when religion really comes into play. I think because Dimmesdale is so religious, people say "if Dimmesdale were really going to die, it wasa cause the world was not worthy to be any longer trodden by his feet." This is showing that Dimmesdale is starting to believe he is above everybody else, which I personally don't like. I also don't think it was necessary for Chillingworth to take Dimmesdale under his "doctor" wing, and I think when Dimmesdale was saying he needs no medicine, was showing that he does not want help from anyone. I also beleive that Dimmesdale being "haunted by satan" is also a representation of him being afraid of a higher power.
Chapter 10- The Leech and His Patient
This chapter was probably the most confusing chapter to take in throughout the story so far. Starting off, the narrator made sure to recognize that Roger Chillingworth was indeed a kind man. I wondered why the narrator made it a point to recognize the nice things Roger has done. When Chillingworth was talking to Dimmesdale about the weeds that he found and he responds with "Some hideous secret that was burried with him, and which he had done better to confess during his lifetime." I think shows that Chillingworth believes that confessing all of your sins will make you a better person. Also throughout the chapter, he seems confused by WHY people don't just confess their problems in the first place, and that is where Dimmesdale starts to make sense. Him talking about how some people keep their secrets in because they do not want to be looked badly upon by God is very true even in today's lifetime. When Dimmesdale and Chillingworth come in contact with Pearl and Hester, I think this was a huge symbol of Pearl's knowlege of her surroundings, when she pushes her mother along and says that the old Black Man will catch you, it shows that she knows both about Dimmesdale and Chillingworth. Towards the end of the chapter, I think Chillingworth starts to realize that Dimmesdale isn't physically ill, it is a mentally illness that is manifesting itself physically. "A bodily disease, which we look be but a symptom of some ailment in the spiritual part." Also, what did he find unders Dimmesdale's shirt?!
Chapter 11- The interior of a Heart
This chapter was rather frustrating to me because we left chapter 10 with this huge question of what Chillingworth found under Dimmesdale's shirt and we still don't know. It must have been pretty important because Chillingworth is ready for revenge. But without even knowing what is under the shirt, we know that Dimmesdale is guilty enough for the both of them. I personally thought this chapter was really wordy and uninteresting. At this point when Dimmesdale was delievering sermons with the topic of sin, I have an idea that he is actually the father of Pearl. He is so incredibly guilty with something that he is literally beating himself up at night and seeing visions of Hester and Pearl. That spells guilty all over it, and I personally believe the guilt he is feeling is literally eating himself up inside.
Capter 12- The Minister's Vigil
I think Dimmesdale going to the scafold was either a cry out for help or a cry out for attention. I think it is also showing the guilt he feels because he goes to the same scafold where Hester was in the beginning of the story. Also, when he bursted out laughing (which seemed to be for no reasonc cause he's crazy) and Pearl responded, he reacted instantly. I am very strongly convinced that Dimmesdale is in fact the father of Pearl. The meteor passing through was a huge symbol not only to the reader but it seems like Dimmesdale himself! "And there stood the minister, with his hand over his heart; and Hester Prynne, with the embroidered letter glimmering on her bosom; and little pearl, herself a symbol, and the connecting link between those two." How much more obvious can it get? The next day when he delivers his next sermon and was handed the black glove that was left at the scafold, I think was really showing how insane Dimmesdale really is. To anybody else, a black glove is just a black glove, but in his mind Satan dropped the glove there, and the A was for angel. Freaky.
When reading the beginning of the chapter I was excited to hear more about Dimmesdale and Chillingworth because i thought both characters were not talked about that much in the story so far. I thought Chillingworth was an interesting character when he was talking with Hester earlier in the book. Dimmesdale on the other hand, I was not very fond of throughout, and I was shocked to hear that he became ill. I think this part of the story is when religion really comes into play. I think because Dimmesdale is so religious, people say "if Dimmesdale were really going to die, it wasa cause the world was not worthy to be any longer trodden by his feet." This is showing that Dimmesdale is starting to believe he is above everybody else, which I personally don't like. I also don't think it was necessary for Chillingworth to take Dimmesdale under his "doctor" wing, and I think when Dimmesdale was saying he needs no medicine, was showing that he does not want help from anyone. I also beleive that Dimmesdale being "haunted by satan" is also a representation of him being afraid of a higher power.
This chapter was probably the most confusing chapter to take in throughout the story so far. Starting off, the narrator made sure to recognize that Roger Chillingworth was indeed a kind man. I wondered why the narrator made it a point to recognize the nice things Roger has done. When Chillingworth was talking to Dimmesdale about the weeds that he found and he responds with "Some hideous secret that was burried with him, and which he had done better to confess during his lifetime." I think shows that Chillingworth believes that confessing all of your sins will make you a better person. Also throughout the chapter, he seems confused by WHY people don't just confess their problems in the first place, and that is where Dimmesdale starts to make sense. Him talking about how some people keep their secrets in because they do not want to be looked badly upon by God is very true even in today's lifetime. When Dimmesdale and Chillingworth come in contact with Pearl and Hester, I think this was a huge symbol of Pearl's knowlege of her surroundings, when she pushes her mother along and says that the old Black Man will catch you, it shows that she knows both about Dimmesdale and Chillingworth. Towards the end of the chapter, I think Chillingworth starts to realize that Dimmesdale isn't physically ill, it is a mentally illness that is manifesting itself physically. "A bodily disease, which we look be but a symptom of some ailment in the spiritual part." Also, what did he find unders Dimmesdale's shirt?!
Chapter 11- The interior of a Heart
This chapter was rather frustrating to me because we left chapter 10 with this huge question of what Chillingworth found under Dimmesdale's shirt and we still don't know. It must have been pretty important because Chillingworth is ready for revenge. But without even knowing what is under the shirt, we know that Dimmesdale is guilty enough for the both of them. I personally thought this chapter was really wordy and uninteresting. At this point when Dimmesdale was delievering sermons with the topic of sin, I have an idea that he is actually the father of Pearl. He is so incredibly guilty with something that he is literally beating himself up at night and seeing visions of Hester and Pearl. That spells guilty all over it, and I personally believe the guilt he is feeling is literally eating himself up inside.
Capter 12- The Minister's Vigil
Chapter 13- Another View of Hester
I was actually really happy reading this chapter. I think it was great of Hester to finally start becoming more active in society. I admire Hester in a lot of ways, but throughout this chapter it is obvious she is starting to think of herself a lot differently. In my eyes, she is no longer passionate and headstrong, but more like she is hiding behind the letter and what is stands for, for other people. But, I think her helping out Dimmesdale is a showing of her kind heart, and that has not changed. It was also nice to read that the town's people have grown a respect for Hester, now that Pearl is seven years old. This respect was LONG overdue, and they are now starting to see the "A by its original signifaction. They said that it meant "Able"; so strong was Hester Prynne, with a woman's strength." FINALLY! They are recognizing that she is strong and scolding her for the rest of her life will not change what happened. But, unfortunatley, Hester is starting to realize that the passion she used to feel is almost being taken away by the A, and it is stopping her from ever feeling passion again. And around this time, she seems like she does not want to live anymore. Which I think was a very relatable feeling for people who have given up on feeling a certain way, and I think that feeling can be connected with everyday life.
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