Author: Galileo D (Page 1 of 2)

The Marketplace

After analyzing chapters 1-5 of Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne, I find that the passage is emblematic of Hester, a Puritan who is depicted suffering owing to her errant behavior. Despite the reader having an encounter with Hester and her three-month-old infant, characterization pertaining to major characters of the novel is depicted by Hawthorne. Hester appears to be experiencing shame and pride in equal measure This letter has allowed me to understand people’s lifestyles during those times especially when it came to adultery. In the letter, I read that moving along with her is her infant who represents the grave sin that Hester has committed. An additional symbol which clearly depicts her sin is the scarlet A. In the scarlet letter, the ‘A’ is meant to represent an artist. In this case, however, it stands for adultery, which is the crime committed by Hester. I can’t deny that in the letter it revealed clearly in plain sight for everyone to see in a bid to shame her. Notably, there is a group of five self-righteous women outside the prison gossiping about Hester. Also, some two men appear in view. Roger Chillingworth, who is the legal husband of Hester and Reverend Arthur Dimmesdale who though his association with Hester is not yet revealed, is viewed by one of the women as being deep in thought wondering how a scandal like the one before them could be associated with one of his congregants.

Likewise, Hawthorne appears critical of the self-righteous women who associate themselves with religion yet they suggest that a hot iron should be utilized to mark Hester`s forward as an immoral woman. He, nonetheless, does not generalize the scenario in order to show that not all puritan people were hypocrites. I analyzed this point and noted that the young woman who brings along her child to witness the scene. I find that it is a representation of how the traditions are being passed on to the next generation, which is probably why such acts have persisted in society. The symbols represented in the letter appear to be illustrative of a historical narrative. For instance, Pearl represents Hester`s adultery, and the letter A also whose red mark represents the same sin. Generally, adultery appears to be a highly besmirched act which in the Puritan society is tantamount to ridicule and contempt.

The Pilgrims

The Pilgrims film is a piece of media art that is rich in American history. It tells the story of circumstances, forces, events, and personalities that forced an English group from Holland to America and the state of affairs they faced in what they refer to as the New World. Based on the extended trailer/film presented as a reference, I am thrilled by the staunch belief system of the Pilgrims who decide to embark on a journey that they know little about their fate o destination (PBS n.p., 2020). Their faith-based motivation is that regardless of fear and war that they may encounter along the way, they are focused on reaching their destination. They also believed that the grace of their supreme being was with them and would provide even in the wilderness. It is quite surprising and exciting at the same time that what these pilgrims call strange land is what they believe is their heaven. I may call it a journey of oblivion and fantasy, but very irresistible. The pilgrims were indeed on a do or die mission.

The Separatists (now called Pilgrims) had all the justifiable reasons to leave the Netherlands because of their unique beliefs. They wanted to be free from what they perceived as anti-Christian practices in their land of origin. They did not fear to decide on moving away from what they believed was weird practice for them. However, they were what I might call amusing and excuse-oriented as I may put it. Specifically, they were anxious to leave the Netherlands because they wanted their children to “lose their language and name for English,” (William Pg9, 1908). This sounds hilarious because I bet it would be the last reason to leave their native land. To be precise, the Pilgrims had the innate drive to leave the Netherlands and never return, and they were ready to use whatever avenue or excuse to justify their exit. They wanted to live in America so badly.