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September 18, 2005
The Scarlet Letter Chapter 14-21
Hawthorne, The Scarlet Letter (Ch 14-21) -- American Literature, 1800-1915 (EL 266)
As I was reading I thought that a very interesting quote came in chapter 17. When Hester and Dimmesdale are talking in the woods, Dimmesdale says, "Happy are you, Hester, that wear the scarlet letter openly upon your bosom! Mine burns is secret! Thou little knowest what a relief it is , after the tourment of seven years' cheat, to look into an eye that recognizes me for what I am!" I though that this quote was very interesting for two reasons. One is because we were talking about what was going to be on Dimmesdale chest, and he brings the point out himself when he said that his "burns in secret." Secondly, I thought that it was interesting that he realizes the fact that Hester, although openly criticized for her sin is more comfortable in taking responsibility for what she has done. This makes Dimmesdale jealous that he cannot find that same peace.
Posted by StacyEstatico at September 18, 2005 5:38 PM
Comments
I completely agree with the first reason of yours Stacy. I think that his own sin is burning in his chest, and since you read the last part already, the "A" in his chest becomes most significant. The other part about his jealousy of Hester, I'm not really seeing. I understand that Dimmesdale is killing himself over his sin, but I don't think that there is a jealousy factor as much as an a complex within himself. I believe that he notices how Hester is living her life, but I don't think that it's jealousy. Admiration more so. I love the quote though.
Posted by: Jason Pugh at September 19, 2005 10:14 AM
While I still don't know what it is that Dimmesdale keeps holding on his chest, I also found the quote interesting. He is acknowledging that his sin has troubled him, burned him, and bothered him for seven long years. For that time he could not see his daughter Pearl without being reminded of the pain of the sin. Instead of looking at his daughter with love, he looks at her with shame. Sad.
Posted by: Vanessa at September 19, 2005 4:28 PM
I do agree that there is a jealosy factor here. He is forced to bear his sin in secret, and the only person (that he knows of) who knows his sin is Hester, so it is only she that he can truely be free with. Where since everyone knows Hester's sin, although she has to deal with the public shame, she can move on in relatively more peace.
Posted by: Holly McCloy at September 19, 2005 11:20 PM