Michael Rossi
February 18, 2010
Advanced Placement English Literature/ Mr. George
Chillingworth Character Description
Directions: Taint Soil and Keep Far Away From Sunlight
Chillingworth is an ideal villain.
Chillingworth realizes that he can wreak greater havoc on Dimmesdale by avoiding direct confrontation and exercising patience. As the Devil persuaded Adam and Eve to bring about their own undoing, Chillingworth strive to have Dimmesdale poison his own life: “Roger Chillingworth […] strove to go deep into his patient’s bosom, delving among his principles, prying into his recollections, and probing everything with a cautious touch, like a treasure-seeker in a dark cavern” (Hawthorne 113). Chillingworth’s willingness to attack Dimmesdale mentally demonstrates how a more complex crime must come from a more complex criminal.
Chillingworth is like an Akai Ryu (which means red dragon in Japanese) Venus flytrap. Chillingworth seems to offer Dimmesdale the most kindness out of anyone in their community. In the same way, the Akai Ryu is the most decadent plant in the Japanese swamplands in which they reside. Like most skilled villains, Chillingworth relies on his wit as he advertises his skill with herbs and chemicals in order to attract Dimmesdale’s attention. In a like manner, the Akai Ryu releases an enticing aroma that attracts small insects into its seemingly harmless trap. Chillingworth does not deliver any overt singular blows to Dimmesdale, but subtly wears Dimmesdale down over time. In the same light, the Akai Ryu slowly constricts its prey in between the two lips of its trap rather than swiftly clamp its lips closed.
Chillingworth and Adolf Hitler both hid behind their outward charity while they perpetuated injustice that stems from their own personal vendettas.
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Thursday, February 11, 2010
English Essay The Scarlet Letter
Michael Rossi
February 10, 2010
Advanced Placement English Language and Composition
Compose a paper no longer than 3 full pages relating to why Dimmesdale’s torment was especially poignant for him, and why he believes it is a blessing from God. Begin with his original sin and take us all the way to his end.
Officer Dimmesdale
In The Scarlet Letter, Dimmesdale was tormented by religion more than any character in the entire text. He was forced to live an entire life of impiety and he punished himself for it. The sin he originally committed grew too large and unruly for him to police. What made Dimmesdale’s torment more severe than those of the other characters within The Scarlet Letter? The answer is simple; Dimmesdale believed he deserved his suffering, which was not only just, but was also God’s will.
The reader is like a detective who seeks to find the reason for one’s pathological lying streak, only to blurt out the truth before his untimely death. From the first glimpse, Dimmesdale’s motive seems to be denial in order to avoid punishment. When the reader adjusts his lens objectively, the writing on the wall becomes clear, and Dimmesdale’s true motives are revealed.
Dimmesdale’s process of sin was complex and trapped him in its vicious cycle. Dimmesdale sinned. Dimmesdale cannot stand his sin and feels the need to repent. It is understandable that any minister would have a problem with sin, however in Dimmesdale’s unique circumstance; he cannot atone for his sin. Dimmesdale believes that it will ruin the entire Christian faith in his colony. He is looked upon as an ideal individual. If Dimmesdale cannot remain true to God, how can anyone else? Dimmesdale’s faith is the most important aspect of his life, so he feels that he must speak to his people. However, he cannot openly discuss his sin because he believes he will be harming his followers’ faith, so he only speaks of how wretched he is. The people love him even more as they view his self loathing as simply humbling himself: “He had told his hearers that he was altogether vile, a viler companion of the vilest […] They heard it all, and did but reverence him more” (Hawthorne 131). As the people’s love for Dimmesdale increases, his guilt and self hatred are only intensified. As a result, he punishes himself by flogging. To add insult to injury, Dimmesdale believes that all of his punishment is the will of God: “He is merciful! He hath proved his mercy, most of all, in my afflictions. By giving me this burning torture to bear upon my breast!” (Hawthorne 229). Dimmesdale believed that he could no longer influence his fate and he was forever bound to this cycle of torment. Unlike Hester Prynne, Dimmesdale had no safe means of repentance, and in the end, Dimmesdale’s repentance cost his life.
Dimmesdale is a police officer who works in solitude for the good of his town. Dimmesdale caught many criminals and for that he was praised, although his town was becoming a dangerous place dangerously fast. The only trouble is that he had stolen from the town early in his career. Dimmesdale passionately values justice and he would like nothing more that to rot in prison and pay for his crime. Dimmesdale however, is unable to because with him in jail, he will be leaving his abandoning his town and leaving it unprotected. Dimmesdale’s mind is constantly searching for a way to fix the situation, but in doing so, his mind is distracted and it has an adverse effect on his ability to keep the town safe. Dimmesdale painfully trudges through this process day in and day out until one day, he finally snaps. Tears well in his eyes and sweat drips from his palms. Dimmesdale runs to the town square where all the townspeople are gathered, snatches his gun from his holster, and shoots into a crowd. The shot sends frightened women and children running and screaming into the opposite direction while irate men take up arms and run in Dimmesdale’s direction, shooting at him. When all was over and done with, Dimmesdale was dead, and so was the townspeople’s complacence. They erected a citizen run police department and learned how to defend themselves. Dimmesdale sacrificed
himself to bring about a much needed change in the rapidly declining safety of the town. People let their guard down because they saw the cells were full. Dimmesdale showed them how to grow and learn while still allowing himself to be brought to justice.
Works cited
Hawthorne, Nathaniel. The Scarlet Letter. New York: Bantam Dell, 1986
February 10, 2010
Advanced Placement English Language and Composition
Compose a paper no longer than 3 full pages relating to why Dimmesdale’s torment was especially poignant for him, and why he believes it is a blessing from God. Begin with his original sin and take us all the way to his end.
Officer Dimmesdale
In The Scarlet Letter, Dimmesdale was tormented by religion more than any character in the entire text. He was forced to live an entire life of impiety and he punished himself for it. The sin he originally committed grew too large and unruly for him to police. What made Dimmesdale’s torment more severe than those of the other characters within The Scarlet Letter? The answer is simple; Dimmesdale believed he deserved his suffering, which was not only just, but was also God’s will.
The reader is like a detective who seeks to find the reason for one’s pathological lying streak, only to blurt out the truth before his untimely death. From the first glimpse, Dimmesdale’s motive seems to be denial in order to avoid punishment. When the reader adjusts his lens objectively, the writing on the wall becomes clear, and Dimmesdale’s true motives are revealed.
Dimmesdale’s process of sin was complex and trapped him in its vicious cycle. Dimmesdale sinned. Dimmesdale cannot stand his sin and feels the need to repent. It is understandable that any minister would have a problem with sin, however in Dimmesdale’s unique circumstance; he cannot atone for his sin. Dimmesdale believes that it will ruin the entire Christian faith in his colony. He is looked upon as an ideal individual. If Dimmesdale cannot remain true to God, how can anyone else? Dimmesdale’s faith is the most important aspect of his life, so he feels that he must speak to his people. However, he cannot openly discuss his sin because he believes he will be harming his followers’ faith, so he only speaks of how wretched he is. The people love him even more as they view his self loathing as simply humbling himself: “He had told his hearers that he was altogether vile, a viler companion of the vilest […] They heard it all, and did but reverence him more” (Hawthorne 131). As the people’s love for Dimmesdale increases, his guilt and self hatred are only intensified. As a result, he punishes himself by flogging. To add insult to injury, Dimmesdale believes that all of his punishment is the will of God: “He is merciful! He hath proved his mercy, most of all, in my afflictions. By giving me this burning torture to bear upon my breast!” (Hawthorne 229). Dimmesdale believed that he could no longer influence his fate and he was forever bound to this cycle of torment. Unlike Hester Prynne, Dimmesdale had no safe means of repentance, and in the end, Dimmesdale’s repentance cost his life.
Dimmesdale is a police officer who works in solitude for the good of his town. Dimmesdale caught many criminals and for that he was praised, although his town was becoming a dangerous place dangerously fast. The only trouble is that he had stolen from the town early in his career. Dimmesdale passionately values justice and he would like nothing more that to rot in prison and pay for his crime. Dimmesdale however, is unable to because with him in jail, he will be leaving his abandoning his town and leaving it unprotected. Dimmesdale’s mind is constantly searching for a way to fix the situation, but in doing so, his mind is distracted and it has an adverse effect on his ability to keep the town safe. Dimmesdale painfully trudges through this process day in and day out until one day, he finally snaps. Tears well in his eyes and sweat drips from his palms. Dimmesdale runs to the town square where all the townspeople are gathered, snatches his gun from his holster, and shoots into a crowd. The shot sends frightened women and children running and screaming into the opposite direction while irate men take up arms and run in Dimmesdale’s direction, shooting at him. When all was over and done with, Dimmesdale was dead, and so was the townspeople’s complacence. They erected a citizen run police department and learned how to defend themselves. Dimmesdale sacrificed
himself to bring about a much needed change in the rapidly declining safety of the town. People let their guard down because they saw the cells were full. Dimmesdale showed them how to grow and learn while still allowing himself to be brought to justice.
Works cited
Hawthorne, Nathaniel. The Scarlet Letter. New York: Bantam Dell, 1986
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
The Scarlet Letter blog #9
Quote 1:
"After exhausting life in his efforts for mankind's spiritual goo, he had made the manner of his death a parable, in order to impress on his admirers the mighty and mournful lesson" (Hawthorne 231).
Analysis 1:
The main reason why Dimmesdale did not admit to his adultery with Prynne was because Dimmesdale believed that he would demoralize his followers by showing them that Dimmesdale could not lead by his example. This fear, however was proven to be unfounded. By dying in front of the crowd, Dimmesdale showed everyone how painful the sin was for him to endure. Dimmesdale also showed little indication of dreading his death. Few people would want to commit a sin that makes them welcome death with open arms.
Quote 2:
"Pearl was not only alive, but married, and happy, and mindful of her mother, and that she would have most joyfully have entertained that sad and lonely mother at her fireside" (Hawthorne 234).
Analysis 2:
Before Dimmesdale admitted his sin, Pearl acted as an emblem that represented the punishment that Prynne and Dimmesdale ought to have endured our their years of secrecy. Pearl was a burden to Prynne and Dimmesdale when they deserved to be inconvenienced. When Dimmesdale was cleansed of his sin, Pearl's cumbersome duty enforcing punishment was alleviated and she was free to enjoy her life. With parents such as Prynne who understands what repentance is and Dimmesdale who dies for his sin, Pearl lived a prosperous life, obviously learning from her parents sins.
"After exhausting life in his efforts for mankind's spiritual goo, he had made the manner of his death a parable, in order to impress on his admirers the mighty and mournful lesson" (Hawthorne 231).
Analysis 1:
The main reason why Dimmesdale did not admit to his adultery with Prynne was because Dimmesdale believed that he would demoralize his followers by showing them that Dimmesdale could not lead by his example. This fear, however was proven to be unfounded. By dying in front of the crowd, Dimmesdale showed everyone how painful the sin was for him to endure. Dimmesdale also showed little indication of dreading his death. Few people would want to commit a sin that makes them welcome death with open arms.
Quote 2:
"Pearl was not only alive, but married, and happy, and mindful of her mother, and that she would have most joyfully have entertained that sad and lonely mother at her fireside" (Hawthorne 234).
Analysis 2:
Before Dimmesdale admitted his sin, Pearl acted as an emblem that represented the punishment that Prynne and Dimmesdale ought to have endured our their years of secrecy. Pearl was a burden to Prynne and Dimmesdale when they deserved to be inconvenienced. When Dimmesdale was cleansed of his sin, Pearl's cumbersome duty enforcing punishment was alleviated and she was free to enjoy her life. With parents such as Prynne who understands what repentance is and Dimmesdale who dies for his sin, Pearl lived a prosperous life, obviously learning from her parents sins.
Monday, February 8, 2010
The Scarlet Letter blog #9
Quote 1:
"Children will not abide by any, the slightest, change in the accustomed aspect of things that are daily before their eyes. Pearl misses something which she has always seen me wear" (Hawthorne 189).
Analysis 1:
Prynne has always regarded Pearl as a reward sent from God. The way in which Pearl has acted thus far, would demonstrate otherwise. Pearl was not given to Prynne as a reward, because the only action that Pyrnne has committed that would warrant her a reward would be her penance. Pearl however, was bestowed upon Prynne before Prynne underwent repentance. Hawthorne uses Pearl as a means of policing the punishment that Prynne is entitled to. In puritanical Massachusetts, people took it upon themselves to enforce their own punishment. When Hester literally removes the scarlet emblem from her bosom, it symbolizes the disregard for punishment. Pearl loses her mind when Pynnne does so and regains her composure when the embroidery is properly replaced. Small children who are punished and banned from the television, often try to watch it anyway in order to test and see whether their parents still care about the restrictions that they had set. In the same way, Prynne is reminded by Pearl that the world still cares about her punishment and there is erasing punishment (wearing the letter) even through strict penance.
Quote 2:
"But here a sunny day, and among all the people, he knows us not; nor must we know him!" (Hawthorne 205).
Analysis 2:
Pearl points out duplicity in the innocent way that children often do. When an adult is smoking and tells the child never to smoke, the child ask why the adult is smoking. The only reason the reader interprets this as ill-will is because the reader understands the just secret that Prynne and Dimmesdale are trying to preserve. Pearl is only a child, as much as her mental astuteness would demonstrate otherwise. Pearl is only as much to blame as any other child would have been. In a modern day court of law, anyone seventeen and under is typically subjected to less severe punishment than those over the age of seventeen. Age is a basis on which judgement is cast. Those who are considered intellectually superior (excluding outliers, such as the mentally handicapped) are not treated with less tolerance.
"Children will not abide by any, the slightest, change in the accustomed aspect of things that are daily before their eyes. Pearl misses something which she has always seen me wear" (Hawthorne 189).
Analysis 1:
Prynne has always regarded Pearl as a reward sent from God. The way in which Pearl has acted thus far, would demonstrate otherwise. Pearl was not given to Prynne as a reward, because the only action that Pyrnne has committed that would warrant her a reward would be her penance. Pearl however, was bestowed upon Prynne before Prynne underwent repentance. Hawthorne uses Pearl as a means of policing the punishment that Prynne is entitled to. In puritanical Massachusetts, people took it upon themselves to enforce their own punishment. When Hester literally removes the scarlet emblem from her bosom, it symbolizes the disregard for punishment. Pearl loses her mind when Pynnne does so and regains her composure when the embroidery is properly replaced. Small children who are punished and banned from the television, often try to watch it anyway in order to test and see whether their parents still care about the restrictions that they had set. In the same way, Prynne is reminded by Pearl that the world still cares about her punishment and there is erasing punishment (wearing the letter) even through strict penance.
Quote 2:
"But here a sunny day, and among all the people, he knows us not; nor must we know him!" (Hawthorne 205).
Analysis 2:
Pearl points out duplicity in the innocent way that children often do. When an adult is smoking and tells the child never to smoke, the child ask why the adult is smoking. The only reason the reader interprets this as ill-will is because the reader understands the just secret that Prynne and Dimmesdale are trying to preserve. Pearl is only a child, as much as her mental astuteness would demonstrate otherwise. Pearl is only as much to blame as any other child would have been. In a modern day court of law, anyone seventeen and under is typically subjected to less severe punishment than those over the age of seventeen. Age is a basis on which judgement is cast. Those who are considered intellectually superior (excluding outliers, such as the mentally handicapped) are not treated with less tolerance.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
The Scarlet Letter blog #8
Quote 1:
"Yes, I hate him!" repeated Hester, more bitterly than before. "He betrayed me! He has done me worse wrong than I did him!" (Hawthorne 159).
Analysis 1:
Hatred is an emotion is that requires a constant stimulation. It is difficult to maintain hatred unless someone is constantly prodding. Prynne is unable to relinquish her hatred of Chillingworth because the Chilllingworth has not relented for even a moment in his quest for revenge. Pyrnne has watched Chillingworth become swallowed by his campaign for vengeance. It has not only become the dominant activity of his life, but it has also become the only activity in his life. Rather than try to resolve the problem by formally shaming Pyrnne and Dimmesdale (and moving on to new love) he is stuck in the past trying to hurt Dimmesdale in the vain hopes that time will tick backwards.
Quote 2:
"So strangely did they meet, in the dim wood, that it was like the first encounter," (Hawthorne 171).
Analysis 2:
What makes some people more deeply in love than others? The answer is a simple one, friendship. In the novel Pride and Prejudice Jane and Bingley's love did not compare to the true love of Elizabeth and Darcy. Jane and Bingley awkwardly stumbled past the stage of intellectual bonding and advanced -quickly towards the stage of over-infatuation. What this does is narrow the potential for love. Bingley and Jane could only love on a romantic level, while Darcy and Elizabeth could love on a romantic and intellectual level. In the same way, Dimmesdale and Pyrnne (should they choose to rekindle their love for one another) are able to bypass the awkward phase of courtship and engage on a level of understanding that no one else in the world can share with them.
"Yes, I hate him!" repeated Hester, more bitterly than before. "He betrayed me! He has done me worse wrong than I did him!" (Hawthorne 159).
Analysis 1:
Hatred is an emotion is that requires a constant stimulation. It is difficult to maintain hatred unless someone is constantly prodding. Prynne is unable to relinquish her hatred of Chillingworth because the Chilllingworth has not relented for even a moment in his quest for revenge. Pyrnne has watched Chillingworth become swallowed by his campaign for vengeance. It has not only become the dominant activity of his life, but it has also become the only activity in his life. Rather than try to resolve the problem by formally shaming Pyrnne and Dimmesdale (and moving on to new love) he is stuck in the past trying to hurt Dimmesdale in the vain hopes that time will tick backwards.
Quote 2:
"So strangely did they meet, in the dim wood, that it was like the first encounter," (Hawthorne 171).
Analysis 2:
What makes some people more deeply in love than others? The answer is a simple one, friendship. In the novel Pride and Prejudice Jane and Bingley's love did not compare to the true love of Elizabeth and Darcy. Jane and Bingley awkwardly stumbled past the stage of intellectual bonding and advanced -quickly towards the stage of over-infatuation. What this does is narrow the potential for love. Bingley and Jane could only love on a romantic level, while Darcy and Elizabeth could love on a romantic and intellectual level. In the same way, Dimmesdale and Pyrnne (should they choose to rekindle their love for one another) are able to bypass the awkward phase of courtship and engage on a level of understanding that no one else in the world can share with them.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
The Scarlet Letter blog #7
Quote 1:
"She was self-ordained a Sister of Mercy; or, we nay rather say, the world's heavy hand had so ordained her, when neither the world nor she looked forward to this result" (Hawthorne 146).
Analysis 1:
Prynne emphasises just how perfectly a punish can do. A scandalous adulteress is dead and a pious nun is born. When Prynne was first branded with the scarlet "A" one is left to wonder, what shred of happiness could still exist that provided Pyrnne with the drive to craft such a decadent embroidery? Prynne's adherence to the rules and her conscience has purged her character of sin. Perhaps Prynne knew that she had to be strong for her, Pearl, and Dimmesdale who depended on her. The embroidery was a small ember of hope which Prynne cultivated into a blaze of reformation and penance.
Quote 2:
"Individuals in private life, meanwhile, had quite forgiven Hester Pyrnne for her frailty; nay, more, they had begun to look upon the scarlet letter as the token, not of that one sin, for which she had borne so long and dreary a penance," (Hawthorne 147).
Analysis 2:
Prynne has made the Scarlet letter an emblem of success. Objects by themselves are not automatically accepted or rejected by society. Influential members of a social group are what is required to integrate certain emblems into society. By accepting the scarlet "A", Prynne carries a negative denotation,depicting her as an adulteress. By seeking penance and becoming an ideal woman in society, Hester Pyrnne has attributed a sense of honor to the scarlet "A". Michael Jackson was able to socially integrate the style of wearing a single glove. Without Jackson, this style would not be a style, but a social abnormality. In the same way, Pyrnne takes a mark of shame and transmutes it into an emblem of fame.
"She was self-ordained a Sister of Mercy; or, we nay rather say, the world's heavy hand had so ordained her, when neither the world nor she looked forward to this result" (Hawthorne 146).
Analysis 1:
Prynne emphasises just how perfectly a punish can do. A scandalous adulteress is dead and a pious nun is born. When Prynne was first branded with the scarlet "A" one is left to wonder, what shred of happiness could still exist that provided Pyrnne with the drive to craft such a decadent embroidery? Prynne's adherence to the rules and her conscience has purged her character of sin. Perhaps Prynne knew that she had to be strong for her, Pearl, and Dimmesdale who depended on her. The embroidery was a small ember of hope which Prynne cultivated into a blaze of reformation and penance.
Quote 2:
"Individuals in private life, meanwhile, had quite forgiven Hester Pyrnne for her frailty; nay, more, they had begun to look upon the scarlet letter as the token, not of that one sin, for which she had borne so long and dreary a penance," (Hawthorne 147).
Analysis 2:
Prynne has made the Scarlet letter an emblem of success. Objects by themselves are not automatically accepted or rejected by society. Influential members of a social group are what is required to integrate certain emblems into society. By accepting the scarlet "A", Prynne carries a negative denotation,depicting her as an adulteress. By seeking penance and becoming an ideal woman in society, Hester Pyrnne has attributed a sense of honor to the scarlet "A". Michael Jackson was able to socially integrate the style of wearing a single glove. Without Jackson, this style would not be a style, but a social abnormality. In the same way, Pyrnne takes a mark of shame and transmutes it into an emblem of fame.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
The Scarlet Letter blog #6 (1 blog)
Quote:
"In Mr. Dimmesdale's secret closet, under lock and key, there was a bloody scourge" (Hawthorne 132).
Analysis:
As a transcendentalist, Hawthorne sees God in everything and uses Dimmesdale to make a critique of Protestantism. When one sins, the penance he or she endures is to be done in order to reinforce the mind that the sin was wrong and it never again should be committed. Dimmesdale is carrying out penance,but not being open with his sin and therefore, he is defeating the purpose of repentance. Through Dimmesdale, Hawthorn demonstrates how some Christians become so entangled in the actions and rituals of their religion, that they lose sight of what truly matters.
"In Mr. Dimmesdale's secret closet, under lock and key, there was a bloody scourge" (Hawthorne 132).
Analysis:
As a transcendentalist, Hawthorne sees God in everything and uses Dimmesdale to make a critique of Protestantism. When one sins, the penance he or she endures is to be done in order to reinforce the mind that the sin was wrong and it never again should be committed. Dimmesdale is carrying out penance,but not being open with his sin and therefore, he is defeating the purpose of repentance. Through Dimmesdale, Hawthorn demonstrates how some Christians become so entangled in the actions and rituals of their religion, that they lose sight of what truly matters.
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