Well, now that we are done reading the Scarlet Letter, and I have only blogged one initial response, I'd like to expand a bit.
Originally, I disliked the novel. It seemed bland, dry and tedious. I can honestly say that I biased myself because I didn't like the style in which the book was written. However, once we started the in-class discussions, my opinions changed dramatically. This was no longer just a book I had to read, this was a book that I wanted to read.
I soon became intrigued with Pearl and the role she played throughout the novel. As someone said in class, she seemed to be the ultimate symbol of truth. She was also, no matter what, the symbol of an evil doing, for she was what came from her mothers wrong doing. I found this great website which gives a detailed analysis of the Scarlet Letter. One thing that intrigued me was the first chapter and what the symbolism of the rose-bush meant. Hawthorn remarks in the first chapter that the rose-bush serves to "symbolize some sweet moral blossom". This is seen to represent Hesters sin as a passion, and since Pearl came from her passionate sin, maybe she is the symbol for morality.
I also found it incredibly interesting that Hester kind of transforms Pearl into a walking resemblence of the scarlet letter she wears. She makes her clothing so elaborate and beautiful, just the way she had made the A she herself wears. People only see Pearl as the sin of adultry, and not as a little girl. The symbolism that Hawthorne uses is amazing.
I didn't realize it until I read this analysis (linked above), that Hawthorne carried on his theme of the rose-bush throughout the story by making refrences to it in different chapters. In chapter 8, Wilson calls Pearl a red rose, and when she is asked about whom she was made from, "she said that she had not been made at all, but had been plucked by her mother off the bush of wild roses, that grew by the prison-door."
These are just some of the things I learned and that caught my attention. I can now say that I am a fan of this novel!
Insightful blog. I also picked up on the symbolisim to the rose- bush in the very begining of the novel but failed to recognize the other references. Now that you brought them to light it makes sense and is recognizable. Thanks
Posted by: Nikki Moses at October 11, 2004 12:45 PMI'm writing a paper about Pearl and I need help
Posted by: Mallory at January 6, 2005 12:20 PMi hated the book it was so awfull you make it seem more intresting...you suck...i hope you die in the THORNY rosebush
Posted by: Nikka at March 24, 2005 10:55 PMi hated the book it was so awfull you make it seem more intresting...you suck...i hope you die in the THORNY rosebush
Posted by: Nikka at March 24, 2005 10:55 PMLooks like somebody's jealous of your intellectual ability, Sara.
Posted by: Dennis G. Jerz at March 25, 2005 9:21 AMTHIS BOOKED ROCKS AND I DAM ANYBODY WHO THINKS OTHERWISE!!!! and good thinking for changing your mind sara :)
Posted by: Ed at October 17, 2005 3:07 PMI thought this was a great book. I knew early on about the symbolism of the rosebush and the symbolism of almost every piece of detail that Hawthorne uses. It's amazing! What I like especially is the green letter that Pearl makes for herself. I found that to be very deep. Well I hope everyone else enjoys this book. I personally love his style of writing.
Posted by: amanda at December 9, 2005 12:50 AMWow...i never thougth of the rose bush that way...T_T oh well i guess it's becasue i was forced to read it. That way of thinking actually makes the book good. That's cool.
Posted by: Jin at October 8, 2006 11:44 PMI hated the book.
But now my teacher is making me read it and interpret it and thank you for helping, I'll be sure to give you credit.
i have to read this... and im in 8th grade! when did you guyz have 2 read this book?
Posted by: anonymous at January 29, 2007 12:18 AMI had to read this book, and even as a junior it was slow reading. I did end up reading it rather than looking it up on sparknotes, although that did help with the interpretation of the symbolisms, and found that even though it's a bit wordy and confusing there's a really good story behind it. It gets a lot better when you get to talk about it with someone who's read it.
I have to write a 300-word paper on the symbolism of the rosebush, but whatever I can think of takes up about a paragraph. -.- Any suggestions?
Posted by: -insert name here- at February 20, 2007 4:09 PMLike a rosebush. The hearts of sweet lovers climb towers of love.
Posted by: Lamar Cole at October 25, 2007 8:23 AMi think this link is broken
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i need helppp
i think this link is broken
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i need helppp