Sunday, December 7, 2008

Scarlet Letter 1: 45-56

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 vulnerable and awful" (47).

This quote shows that the colony is a theocracy because religion and law were closely connected. This is exactly the same as Salem in "The Crucible", which also had a government that relied on the religious beliefs of citizens. This also relates to how the society influences the individual. If the society's government was based upon certain religious beliefs, then all of the citizens would be pressured to follow those beliefs. Anyone who may have had different religious beliefs would be looked down on based upon the government standards. It also states that disciple was made public and awful no matter how trivial. This is a very strict, overly religious colony, much like Salem.

Will all of the citizens fall into chaos because of this theocracy, like in Salem?


2) "Could it be true? She clutched so fiercely to her breast, that it sent forth a cry; she turned her eyes downward at the scarlet letter, and even touched it with her finger, to assure herself that the infant and the shame were real. Yes!—these were her realities,—all else had vanished!" (56).

This quote occurs after Hester relives many memories from the past. She begins to daydream when she is put up in front of the town for ridicule. She then must remind herself that it is all real. This may show that she tries to live in the past, and not think about the mistakes she has made. In her memories, she thinks of native village, which is in England, and of her parents. Her mother has passed away. She also remembers coming to a colonial for a new life.

Does she deal with all hard situations by thinking about the past?

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