“The Scarlet Letter”
Allison Finley
English 1B
May 4, 2011
Page 1
I believe that the central theme of an intense and powerful religious environment is the key to understanding the cultural norms of the Puritan society. The fact that the culture within The Scarlet Letter revolves so strictly around religion and the ties that their society has to the bible and their religious beliefs sets president over every aspect of their life. The Puritan way of life found within The Scarlet Letter is so different from our modern day society that I find the Puritan cultural norms not only interesting and intriguing but frustrating and obnoxious as well. Today, we have freedom of religion. Not only is that freedom of religious choice written into the United States Constitution but it is also one of our cultural norms. While the people of the Puritan society use their religion as judge, jury, and executioner. I am happy to live in a society that embraces religious differences amongst one another.
Compared with the culture that I am accustomed too, the Puritan society was overly harsh and unforgiving. Because of these differences between the Puritan culture and my culture I find it difficult to fully comprehend their norms; it’s as if I can only understand their society so much, but I’m left with many questions unanswered. I can’t help but compare and contrast these differences between their culture with my own. I also think that the author of the novel, Nathanial Hawthorne, presents sub themes throughout the entirety of the novel and I find it interesting that Hawthorne revolves these sub themes around their religion. For example, their decision making, ability of moral acceptance, and rebellion are all influenced heavily by their strict religious beliefs.
I think that the Puritans’ decision making process was heavily influenced by their religion in that their decisions were very public. They had to deal with what is right and what is wrong on not only a private level, but also on a much larger scale; they had to consider their decisions as viewed in the eyes of society as well. To an extent, unlike today, the Puritan people had such a heavy burden to carry while making any decisions; they always had to take into consideration their society and strict religious rules. Today’s culture, on the other hand, is much less strict and judging. The culture I am accustom to is less harsh I am happy to live in a society which is more accepting of differences found among different people, and in a time where those differences are accepted.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Annotated Bibliography
Hawthorne, Nathaniel. "The Scarlet Letter and Other Writings". Norton Critical Edition. New York, London: W.W. Norton; Company, 2005. Print.
1. Some themes found within this popular novel deal with what is right and wrong in the eyes of society, what is morally acceptable within a religious civilization, and pushing the boundaries within a strict culture.
" 'I have greatly wronged thee,' murmered Hester.'We have greatly wronged each other,' answered he" (Hawthorne, p 53).
" 'Thou art not my child! Thou art no Pearl of mine!' said the mother... 'Tell me, then, what thou art, and who sent thee hither?' said the child... 'Thy Heavenly Father sent thee!' answered Hester Prynne... 'He did not send me!' cried she, positively. 'I have no Heavenly Father!' " (Hawhorne, p 67).
1. Some themes found within this popular novel deal with what is right and wrong in the eyes of society, what is morally acceptable within a religious civilization, and pushing the boundaries within a strict culture.
" 'I have greatly wronged thee,' murmered Hester.'We have greatly wronged each other,' answered he" (Hawthorne, p 53).
" 'Thou art not my child! Thou art no Pearl of mine!' said the mother... 'Tell me, then, what thou art, and who sent thee hither?' said the child... 'Thy Heavenly Father sent thee!' answered Hester Prynne... 'He did not send me!' cried she, positively. 'I have no Heavenly Father!' " (Hawhorne, p 67).
Monday, May 2, 2011
Crowd Reaction - Conclusion
After the crowd had time to proccess what exactly had happened that day and reevaluate their initial reactions of shock and confusion, some members of the crowd were unable to come to mental realization of what they had saw. "...spectators of the whole scene, and professed never once to have removed their eyes from the Reverend Mr. Dimmesdale, denied that there was any mark whatever on his breast..." (Hawthorne page 163). Another important explanation some members of the crowd believed was that "some affirmed that the Reverend Mr. Dimmsdale, on the very day when Hester Prynne first wore her ignominious badge, had begun a course of penance, which he afterwards, in so many futile methods, fallowed out, by inflicting a hideous torture on himself" (Hawthorne page 162).
Research Essay Process Suggestions -
I decided to copy and past this to my posts so that I can have this readily available during my writing process.
Process suggestions:
1. Review your lectures notes and information posted on Instructor Knapp’s blog. In particular, review the Key Terms post, Critical Theories Overview, Combining Sentences, Constructing an Argument, Popular Student Errors, Using Quotations, and The Scarlet Letter.
2. Look back at your own blog posts to get ideas about a possible theme to explore or an approach to this essay. You should also read some of your peers blogs to expand your ideas on the text.
3. Brainstorm ideas for research and writing by doing a cluster, list, or freewrite.
4. Begin your research process by formulating questions about your chosen text. Your research may be more fertile if you direct the search somewhat. Locate Critical Essays in our Norton Critical Edition that connect to your questions.
5. Skim several of the essays included in our anthology, additional writings by the author, or biographical information to help you develop your interpretation.
6. Discuss your questions, ideas, and responses with a classmate, instructor or another person.
7. In your first draft, draw plenty of examples from the text. Include references to your research. Don’t be afraid to argue with the literary critics you’ve read. Let this draft be your chance to enter the literary conversation and don’t “censor” your ideas—it’s better to overwrite on your draft to allow for insights that you gain during the process of writing to emerge. Later you can edit, select, or throw out what doesn’t fit.
8. When revising, return to your introduction to ensure that you have a clear, strong (narrow) thesis. Remember to name the author and text in your introduction. The title of your essay should reflect the theme of the essay (do not use the title of the book as the title of your essay). The body of your essay should include plenty of support for your ideas, including examples and quotes from the book. Use specific references to your research to enhance your interpretation of the text. Generally, the most effective way to use quotes is to use them to support a point you’re making; then follow up the quote with interpretation (Remember the TEA paragraph and the Quote Sandwich). Review MLA format for citations if you need to.
9. Share your rough draft with your peer response group. Ask for specific feedback on the parts of the essay you’re unsure about. You may also contact me for help or submit your rough drafts to the campus Writing Center for help.
Process suggestions:
1. Review your lectures notes and information posted on Instructor Knapp’s blog. In particular, review the Key Terms post, Critical Theories Overview, Combining Sentences, Constructing an Argument, Popular Student Errors, Using Quotations, and The Scarlet Letter.
2. Look back at your own blog posts to get ideas about a possible theme to explore or an approach to this essay. You should also read some of your peers blogs to expand your ideas on the text.
3. Brainstorm ideas for research and writing by doing a cluster, list, or freewrite.
4. Begin your research process by formulating questions about your chosen text. Your research may be more fertile if you direct the search somewhat. Locate Critical Essays in our Norton Critical Edition that connect to your questions.
5. Skim several of the essays included in our anthology, additional writings by the author, or biographical information to help you develop your interpretation.
6. Discuss your questions, ideas, and responses with a classmate, instructor or another person.
7. In your first draft, draw plenty of examples from the text. Include references to your research. Don’t be afraid to argue with the literary critics you’ve read. Let this draft be your chance to enter the literary conversation and don’t “censor” your ideas—it’s better to overwrite on your draft to allow for insights that you gain during the process of writing to emerge. Later you can edit, select, or throw out what doesn’t fit.
8. When revising, return to your introduction to ensure that you have a clear, strong (narrow) thesis. Remember to name the author and text in your introduction. The title of your essay should reflect the theme of the essay (do not use the title of the book as the title of your essay). The body of your essay should include plenty of support for your ideas, including examples and quotes from the book. Use specific references to your research to enhance your interpretation of the text. Generally, the most effective way to use quotes is to use them to support a point you’re making; then follow up the quote with interpretation (Remember the TEA paragraph and the Quote Sandwich). Review MLA format for citations if you need to.
9. Share your rough draft with your peer response group. Ask for specific feedback on the parts of the essay you’re unsure about. You may also contact me for help or submit your rough drafts to the campus Writing Center for help.
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