"A" Post #6

I am glad that the story did not end horribly. Hester and Mr.Dimmesdale are resting in peace with out the weight of the sin laying upon  thier hearts.
In the conclusion called "The Conclusion" Hawthorne reminds the readers that we are all sinnners. He stated,"After exhausting life in his efforts for mankind’s spiritual good, [Dimmesdale] had made the manner of his death a parable, in order to impress on his admirers the mighty and mournful lesson, that, in the view of Infinite Purity, we are sinners all alike." This quote sums up the purpose of Hawthorne writing this book. By using a priest to commit adultery demonstrates and proves to everyone that everyone is a sinner no matter what the appearance. Hawthorne wants to show the hypocrisy that occured throughout the Purtitan era and the hypocrisy that has not ceased to exist 'till this day. Dimmesdale's story shows the importance of mercy.
“On a field, sable, the letter A, gules", this is the sentence that ended the story. It is perfect because the letter "A" was put on the tombstone which I believe means that all the problems and torture is now dead along with Hester. The background of the letter is black, the black color symbolizes all the hardship that Hester went through.
Hester has become somewhat of a role model for women, not because of her sin but because she was strong enough to keep her head up high and not let everyones stares and comments get to her head. She eventually became the most humble person in the town, she helped the poor and made clothes for many. She was casted away and had only but her young daughter as her companion. She has truly experienced how it feels to be lonely and she survived.
People should just count thier blessings and mind thier own business, I believe that that is what Hawthorne is trying to say ,as well. lol


Question: Why do you believe the commoners did not scream in outrage when they seen Pearl kiss Mr.Dimmesdale in the mouth?

"A" Post #5

It's amazing how the truth brings so much relieve and  happiness to people, for example Mr.Dimmesdale and Hester. The minister seems at ease when he is with Hester because she is the only one who knows the truth about everything. They are connected by this "evil" deed they have done. The minister has decided to quit his profession and flee to New England. I just wonder how the crowd will take it when they find out that the minister is quiting?I have to wait and see since I have not finished the book yet. I believe Hawthorne uses Pearl to be a character in the story as a symbol of fearlessness, power,strength and truth. The chapter, "The Minister in a Maze", it truly felt like the minister was in a maze as I read this chapter  because of the turns and stops the minister faced as he was walking through the town. He believes and  thought to himself that maybe he had sold his heart to the devil because of all the temptations that arouse as he was walking. Hawthorne's use of a priest is perfect for the story because using a priest shows the readers that everyone faces temptations no matter how holy you seem to be. Now what does Hawthorne suggest we get  from this book? Maybe that everyone carries around burdens in thier heart as does the minister and that no one should think they are any better than thier neighbors. We all have that innate nature of "evil" in our hearts but with our mental strength we can overcome.

Question: Why do you think that the sun beamed on Hester and Dimmesdale when Hester took off the Scarlet Letter?
Do you think that Pearl will accept Mr.Dimmesdale as her Father?