I decided to write about the public vs. private shame and the consequences of each. Even though Dimmesdale doesn't get the public shame treatment we see Hester excperiences, we see a different kind of pain. I want to go into depth about what Hester and Dimmesdale are feeling and how it effects the extent of pain. I can also reference certain characters and what harnessing feelings do to them, however I want to mainly talk about Hester and Dimmesdale. I want to use specific references such as pg. 129 when Dimmesdale his self states the pain of keeping secrets is worse than confessing. = Please give feedback telling me what you think. Pg. 97 "At the very least, they should have put the brand of s hot iron on Hester Prynne's forehead." The local women dont quite understasnd the full extent of punishment and how branding her head with a hot iron is often better than letting the pain harness in ones soul. Also we get an example of what public shame feels like when Hester has to walk by her haters, "for, haughty as her her demeanor was, she perchance underwent an agony from every footstep of those that thronged to see her, as if her heart had been flung into the street for them all to spurn and trample upon. However immidiettly after it quotes how, "there is a provision, alike marvillous and merciful, that the suffers should never know the intensity of what he endures by its present tourture, but chiefly by the pang that rankles after it." pg. 105.
Also their are examples of the self punishment Dimmesdale inflicts upon himself,"In Mr Dimmesdale secret closet, under lock and key, there was a bloody scourge."
Sam,.
ReplyDeleteThis is a great topic--and there is MUCH in the novel itself to help you develop your thesis and defend it. You say you want to "go into depth"--well, start by going back to the novel, locate those scenes that seem to speak directly to the idea of shame, and re-read them. This has to be your starting point.
Sam,
ReplyDeleteI like your subject. I think its a good idea.
If you are going to stay on the subject of Hester and Dimmesdale try to include the certain scenes where Pearl is with them and is questioning Dimmesdale and if he will come out with his secret. I feel like those scenes would be good examples of how Dimmesdale is afraid to come out and admit his crime.