I have only just recently considered starting a blog... don't know for sure what it would say, or if I would have some definate theme. I did not make a decision either way. Then I remembered that I started this blog for an English course 2 years ago.
I have deleted most of the posts from that class... And now... we wait.
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Monday, November 17, 2008
final paper draft
Infini Jemison-Ewing
Final paper draft
November 17, 2008
Nathaniel Hawthorne reveals the hypocrisy of the clergy through Arthur Dimmesdale, who preaches against a sin in which he has privately been a part of, which glorifies the courageousness of Hester Pryne, who has nowhere to hide and no choice but to be scandalized and branded by the Scarlet Letter.
The Scarlet Letter is a fascinating novel that exposes the human nature in an individual. This individual represents a profession that is often not seen as humanistic at all, but saintly and/or divine in nature and operation. As a result, although the operation of the clergy is carried out by the common man, they can be seen by the population as being above those crimes that they preach against. They must uphold the Word and the Law at all costs. This is a task that is virtually not possible, because a human is just that and will inevitably make mistakes. As a result the individual in that position feels the pressure to please his fellow man, more than his or her God, ironically creating a hypocrite in the efforts to maintain the image expected by the public opinion. Even more dangerous, if the transgression is discovered they will be subject not only to the judgement of a Higher power, but to the ruthless nature of an unforgiving mankind.
This is evident as the story of Arthur Dimmesdale and Hester Pryne unfolds. The two sides are represented. One of authority and respect and the other of commoner. One’s actions are exposed simply as a result of being victim of her own body and natural processes. But in all of that, she is honest, hiding nothing. She holds her head up and quietly dones the letter upon her breast that labels her as just what she is, a human being with human desires. A woman who is capable of making mistakes and brave enough to own up to them. Whether or not she has a choice in the matter is irrelevant. She is living through the consequence of her actions.
Arthur Dimmesdale, on the other hand, has chosen the route of the cowardice. He does not own up to his own actions or part in the situation. He continues to carry on the façade of the holier than thou. To keep up appearances, he- a man- leaves Hester to carry the shame alone, and through this Hawthhorne alone shamefully exposes and openly rebukes the profession of the clergy.
Final paper draft
November 17, 2008
Nathaniel Hawthorne reveals the hypocrisy of the clergy through Arthur Dimmesdale, who preaches against a sin in which he has privately been a part of, which glorifies the courageousness of Hester Pryne, who has nowhere to hide and no choice but to be scandalized and branded by the Scarlet Letter.
The Scarlet Letter is a fascinating novel that exposes the human nature in an individual. This individual represents a profession that is often not seen as humanistic at all, but saintly and/or divine in nature and operation. As a result, although the operation of the clergy is carried out by the common man, they can be seen by the population as being above those crimes that they preach against. They must uphold the Word and the Law at all costs. This is a task that is virtually not possible, because a human is just that and will inevitably make mistakes. As a result the individual in that position feels the pressure to please his fellow man, more than his or her God, ironically creating a hypocrite in the efforts to maintain the image expected by the public opinion. Even more dangerous, if the transgression is discovered they will be subject not only to the judgement of a Higher power, but to the ruthless nature of an unforgiving mankind.
This is evident as the story of Arthur Dimmesdale and Hester Pryne unfolds. The two sides are represented. One of authority and respect and the other of commoner. One’s actions are exposed simply as a result of being victim of her own body and natural processes. But in all of that, she is honest, hiding nothing. She holds her head up and quietly dones the letter upon her breast that labels her as just what she is, a human being with human desires. A woman who is capable of making mistakes and brave enough to own up to them. Whether or not she has a choice in the matter is irrelevant. She is living through the consequence of her actions.
Arthur Dimmesdale, on the other hand, has chosen the route of the cowardice. He does not own up to his own actions or part in the situation. He continues to carry on the façade of the holier than thou. To keep up appearances, he- a man- leaves Hester to carry the shame alone, and through this Hawthhorne alone shamefully exposes and openly rebukes the profession of the clergy.
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