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September 21, 2005
Grand Finale!!
Hawthorne, The Scarlet Letter (Ch 22-24, Introductory) -- American Literature, 1800-1915 (EL 266)
...this blog was on New Media Journalism's blog...sorry for my stupidity...
"But there was a more real life for Hester Prynne here, in New England, than in that unkown region where Pearl had found a home. Here had been her sin; here, her sorrow; and here was yet to be her penitence. She had returned, therefore, and resumed,--of her own free will, for not the sternest magistrate of that iron period would have imposed it,--resumed the symbol of which we have related so dark a tale."
Okay, so, despite all the hell and torture she went through, Hester returned to this village? The place where she was ostracized beyond belief. I guess it makes sense though, if you consider Pearl's role. Hester has been living vicariously through Pearl, regarding emotions. It is now Pearl who inhabits a new land and is experiencing new things. Hester remains in her defining role as a adulterous heroine and Pearl remains the spirited beauty that doesn't allow the world to pin her down.
I enjoyed the way Hawthorne ended this novel or "legend." The Conclusion chapter definitely tied up a few ends. It answered many questions, such as Hester and Pearl's current endeavors, but it also left some thoughts up for debate. We still do not know EXACTLY what was on Dimmesdale's chest. This made me laugh when I read the different versions of one scene. How hard is it to see/remember something so symbolic and grand? That was a definite statement on humans. Check out the television news some time! Hawthorne did an excellent job closing some debates and opening others.
Posted by MeredithHarber at September 21, 2005 10:49 PM
Comments
I think that the non-traditional ending of the novel is a good reminder that life seldom turns out the way we want it to, and if we pay penance for our mistakes, time doesn't always heal. Unfortunately, some people are always bound to misery. There's a good dose of realism in Hawthorne's text.
Posted by: Neha at September 26, 2005 02:03 PM
Neha-
I don't think Hawthorne was commenting on how life doesn't always go our way; rather, that life is a result of our own actions. Pearl was able to conquer her world, or so we are led to believe, despite her painful beginning. Hester does return to her hometown, but that is her personal choice.
Posted by: Meredith Harber at September 27, 2005 11:29 AM