post 7: chapters 13-15

9/5/2015

In what different ways can the scarlet letter be interpreted? What do these different ways reveal about Hester’s view of herself and her role in Puritan society?Discuss themes, symbols, and rhetorical devices in these chapters.

Jasmine M.

9/14/2015 10:23:31 pm

The different ways that the scarlet letter can be interpreted are as "Able" instead of "Adultery". This changes Hester's role in society from someone who was once looked down upon to someone who's scarlet letter has the effect of a "cross on a nuns bosom". Hester's devotion to helping the poor has changed the way people have viewed her. She has also become more strong as a woman and has begun to realize some of the things that she has done are wrong. The different way of viewing the scarlet letter also implies that Hester has begun to take responsibility for her actions which is turn causes people to forgive her slowly. Hester has also become more logical and less passionate towards her decisions and has become more brave. This can be seen in Hester's attempts at trying to help Dimmesdale and reveal the secret about her husband in which she swore to keep. A reoccurring theme in these chapters is that in order to grow stronger one must recognize and deal with their weaknesses. When Hester decides to tell Dimmesdale about Chillingworth's motives, she first speaks to him in order to convince him to stop. But Chillingworth has become the spawn of Satan and is unwilling to let go of his revenge. His name is a connotation of the characters personality and this can be seen in these chapters clearly.

Valentina B

9/15/2015 07:47:26 pm

The different ways that the scarlet letter can be interpreted as Admiring because she accepted her shame . Her caring towards other showed people a different side of her.These different ways reveal Hester’s view of herself and her role in Puritan society as her acceptance towards her shame and acknowledges her wrong doings.The themes, symbols, and rhetorical devices in these chapters are the redemption and acknowledged of ones wrong doings.

Tariq T

9/17/2015 05:10:52 pm

I agree with you , in more ways that one Hester accepted her role and place in society with the Scarlet letter. Using charms and good deeds she willed her way back into the hearts of her community.

Krystal C.

9/17/2015 09:16:24 pm

I completely agree with you. The different ways that the scarlet letter can be interpreted is her accepting what she did. People seeing her care for others showed people a completely different side of her which was good. The themes for this chapter was just all around redemption.

Keiana .W

9/17/2015 10:05:52 pm

I agree what she says the different way to interpreted the scarlet letter to accept the crime that she committed and to deal with it

Triston Y.

9/15/2015 11:09:53 pm

The difference ways the Scarlett letter is it could be looked upon as a sinful woman ridicule by other but stayed strong or also it could be interrupted as a story of a woman who was judge unfairly and dumb for not telling what really what happen. Hester role in the puritan society is that she's a example of what not to be.

Tariq T

9/15/2015 11:46:34 pm

The Scarlet letter changed slowly from negative to positive. At first there was much animosity and disdain towards the Scarlet letter, but through the good will and valor of Hester's deeds it has changed positively. Hester's role in the Puritan society has also changed positively. She has become more accepting and acknowledges her wrong doing and works tirelessly to change people opinion.
Symbols: Scarlet letter
Themes: Sin and repentance

Kelvin A.

9/18/2015 10:26:09 pm

The Scarlett Letter is definitely turning positive nice way to notice its development.

Franklin A

9/16/2015 04:02:07 pm

Firstly I would say that the Scarlet Letter would be considered an allegory because it a deeper meaning to it. A woman was committed of doing a crime but never really truly told what happened. Through all she went through, people calling her names, having to wear the “A” on her she can be described as a bold and brave women. She expected her shame and took it as pride. This different way reveals about Hester’s view of herself and her role in Puritan society is that although she was accused of doing something wrong she didn’t take it as a downfall or a shameful thing, she took it with pride.

Deandre T.

9/17/2015 08:05:27 pm

Hester's mark can be considered a curse or gift, in some regards. With Hester's charitability towards the poor causes the Puritan society to change their view from "Adulterer" to one of kindness. This may make Hester feel that she is being called to a higher purpose by being marked by this letter A. She probably sees herself as something of a hero. This, in itself, is symbolism. Hester now stands as something of a martyr. The A on her chest has shifted from negative to positive. This chapter is about redemption and it's probably one of my favorite chapters.

Keiana. W

9/17/2015 10:03:01 pm

The different ways that the scarlet letter can be taken as or interpreted in a positive because she accepted what she did . she showed care towards people..The themes in these chapters are the redemption.

Jasmine M.

9/17/2015 10:19:03 pm

I agree that the reason why the scarlet letter is interpreted as "Able" instead of Adulterer is because she showed care towards people and helped the poor in the best way she could.

Bryan L.

9/17/2015 11:24:58 pm

I also agree because she was showing that she was the opposite of what everyone thought of her.

Cesar V

9/17/2015 11:56:55 pm

Well put. She turned the negative meaning to the word and created something that defined her positively as the story developed.

Cesar v

9/17/2015 11:54:58 pm

The letter can be considered two things. It can be a curse or a sign of Hester's strength. It is a curse because it brought ridicule, criticism, and pain to Hester. It can be positive because it shows how Hester didn't let that moment control her future. It shows her will power and her ability to rise up over adversity.

Caitlyn D.

9/19/2015 12:01:07 am

I disagree with your views of the letter as a curse. Yes, it caused her pain at some time but then she used it to better herself and encouragement to do something better with her life.

Joshua W

9/18/2015 09:40:22 pm

The scarlett Letter can bring an interpritation of an warm approval for the fact that she learned to live with her own discomfort. The care she showed for others introduced a different side of her, futhermore Hester's view of herself changed in a postive manner she has used pride as an alternative to shame .

Kelvin A.

9/18/2015 10:23:45 pm

The Scarlett Letter can be interpreted to some as shameful and disapproving but to Hester who is becoming more accepting of her mistake and the letter. The fact that she now tries to help Dimmesdale with his inner struggle shows that she hasn't exactly moved on but is more & more accepting of the letter which represent her mistakes. Every chapter teaches me another lessons this whole book has and is theme.

Robert C

9/18/2015 11:38:11 pm

Indeed young Kelvin. Overtime, Hester has dealt with her shame and has grown from her experience of guilt. It has taught her a valuable lesson about guilt, shame, sin, self-acceptance, and perseverance.

Caitlyn D.

9/18/2015 11:27:14 pm

The scarlet letter can be viewed as a representation of Hester's courage and endurance or it can be viewed as a symbol of her weakness and faults. Hester chooses to use this letter to the better end. Instead of drowning in the horrible comments made she uses them as a motivation to prove them wrong. Hester does the least expected of her and devotes herself to helping the less fortunate which changes people's view of her. Hester's determination depicts her high self esteem and ability to suppress the negative and feed off the positive even when it seems to be overpowered. The themes in these chapters are determination and self worth.

Robert C

9/18/2015 11:31:02 pm

The Scarlet letter is interpreted as adultery by the Puritans in the beginning of her scandal. The Puritans are defining the meaning of the role of the "A" on Hester's chest throughout her life. The Puritans have now changed their interpretation of the scarlet letter from adulterer to able. That see her as able because she was able to aid others in need, and care for the weak. Hester does not allow these labels to affect or define her because she knows that she must be true to herself.

Triston Y.

9/18/2015 11:36:37 pm

Your answer is totally correct in reference to the book she does sort of points out her views on the situation.

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post 7: chapters 13-15

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