Quote
"'I can teach my little Pearl what I have learned from this!' answered Hester Prynne, laying her finger on the red token. 'Woman, it is thy badge of shame!' replied the stern magistrate" (101).
Response
One cannot learn from their mistakes because mistakes are forbidden. If one makes a mistake they are not forgiven, they are labeled as an outcast. The magistrates do not believe Hester can teach Pearl any lessons from what she did because Hester is a disgraced woman, no lessons could possibly come out of what she has done. Boston is a society based on stringent opinions which are forced upon its inhabitants. Nobody is entitled to their own opinions, they are entitled to the opinions of their superiors.
Quote
"The old minister seated himself in an arm-chair, and made an effort to draw Pearl betwixt his knees" (101).
Response
Pearl would not go near the minister because she was unaccustomed to the touch of anyone besides her mother. The leaders are punishing Hester and Pearl because of Hester's sin. Pearl is being deprived of the social relations that are essential for a young child. Pearl is being condemned for something she had no control over. Pearl can never be a normal child because community leaders will not allow her to. Why punish one person for the sins of someone else?
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment