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Poetry as Social Challenge, 2008.
This paper looks at poetry as a social challenge, concentrating on the work of poets Langston Hughes and Adrienne Rich.
1,900 words (approx. 7.6 pages), 5 sources, MLA, AU$ 87.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer notes that in any situation of social or indeed personal upheaval, artists and writers play a central role in shaping the collective consciousness of their environment. Langston Hughes and Adrienne Rich are no exceptions. The writer maintains that while Hughes takes a less angry position than Rich, both poets in their own way call people to political action, and to an awareness of issues that need to be addressed in the society from which they emerge. Another interesting fact about these poets is that they do not write only about social problems, but also do so from an intensely personal viewpoint. The writer discusses that as a black man, Hughes focuses his work mainly on African Americans, while Rich's work revolves mainly around feminism and women's issues. The writer concludes that as such, both poets use their own experience and feelings about the respective lives and issues facing blacks and women in the society of their time.
From the Paper
"Hughes therefore acted as an inspirational force not only to poets, but also to readers, to reshape the familiar into something new and sparkling. He did this not only via the words his used in his work, but also through the innovative and exciting forms he used. In this, he particularly targeted the black community in calling them from cultural complacency. Like he challenged established forms of poetry, Hughes also challenged the complacency that would keep the black community from achieving equality and freedom in society.
"Hughes used his art as a platform for cultivating cultural pride. His emphasis on the lower-class black situation in his work however earned him little respect from the black press, who criticized him harshly for this. Still, this poetry also led to the poet's establishment as an important figure in the Harlem Renaissance. By emphasizing the situations both he and many others suffered in their daily lives, one of Hughes' aims can be seen as calling the black culture towards a type of rebellion against such a situation in a country that prides itself on its orientation towards opportunity."
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The Supernatural in the Works of Shakespeare, 2008.
A discussion on the role of the supernatural in "Hamlet" and "Macbeth" by William Shakespeare.
1,320 words (approx. 5.3 pages), 2 sources, APA, AU$ 64.95
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Abstract
The paper states that the role of the supernatural in Elizabethan drama cannot be underestimated or overlooked. It was a critical part of the plot as we see in Shakespeare's work, as in those days the supernatural was an acceptable phenomenon. The paper comments that for this reason, it would be wrong to assume that Shakespeare made an effort to incorporate supernatural forces in his plays. They just had to be part of his writings because they were so widely believed in. The paper highlights that the role of supernatural forces in "Hamlet" and "Macbeth" is to exploit the weaknesses of the main characters. They serve as catalysts to the plot and carry the story forward but on the whole they are neither immensely powerful nor dangerous. The paper concludes that their impact is evil as their presence spells doom and destruction. They simply play with character's weaknesses and that leads to destruction by default.
From the Paper
"Macbeth's supernatural friends have an equally devastating effect on the main character's life. The three witches, though limited in their powers, caused major crisis when they foretell Macbeth's future. Here it must be made clear that just like Hamlet's father, the three witches did not want anything evil. They foretold the future because they saw something good for Macbeth. It was Macbeth who destroyed everything in his haste to see the future sooner than it was meant to unfold. Everything has a time at which it unfolds and Macbeth failed to exhibit the required amount of patience. Instead he simply allowed himself to be led astray in his ambition to become the next king."
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The Characters of Katherine Mansfield, 2008.
An analysis of the struggles of the characters in the stories of Katherine Mansfield.
1,378 words (approx. 5.5 pages), 1 source, MLA, AU$ 67.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the characters in the stories of Katherine Mansfield. The paper specifically looks at how the characters try to avoid the unpleasant realities of human existence and how well they do this. The paper provides examples from the texts of some of her stories in order to illustrate how the characters' struggles provide them with a sense of accomplishment and a degree of hope.
From the Paper
"In this story, the story shifts its point of view from Mr. Woodfield to the boss. He cried when he learned of his son's death, but since then, he has not been able to do so and believes something is wrong with him. The story shows how certain unpleasant things become only vague memories as the individual cannot keep them fully in mind at all times. Death is depicted in this fashion, and while the death may be devastating, human beings necessarily go on without letting the pain cripple them entirely. This is symbolized in the story by the death of the fly on the boss's desk. This death is caused by the boss, who is distressed by what he has done for a moment, but who a second later cannot remember that feeling or even what caused it: "For the life of him he could not remember" (358). This story is more explicit about what may be true for all the other characters in the earlier stories, that people ultimately avoid the unpleasant realities of human existence by simply forgetting them, not intentionally, but because that is the way the mid works."
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"Things Fall Apart", 2008.
A comparison of the conversion tactics used by the white missionaries in the book, "Things Fall Apart," written by Chinua Achebe.
1,395 words (approx. 5.6 pages), 1 source, MLA, AU$ 67.95
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Abstract
This paper compares and contrasts the conversion tactics of Mr. Brown and Rev. Smith in Chinua Achebe's book, "Things Fall Apart." The paper discusses the plot and characters of the book, as well as the background of where the book is set. The paper then focuses on the main message that the book aims to impart to its readers, which is the gradual demise of the Igbo culture, of its traditions, customs and religion under the powerful wave of white European civilization.
From the Paper
"Thus, the tactics of conversion used by the two missionaries are indeed contrastive, since Mr. Brown does token some understanding while Rev. Smith has none, but they are not entirely opposite. There are many instances of the author's sarcasm with respect to the 'good intentions' of both of the missionaries. First of all, the names he gives them put them on an equal footing: Brown and Smith are both typical, nondescript British names. Also, they both have the same obvious end in their missions: to submerge the African culture under the 'superior' white one. Achebe uses ironical, indirect devices to portray both of the methods used: Mr. Smith is seemingly a 'superior' character who is 'greatly distressed' by the 'ignorance' of the people that he is trying to convert to the new religion and who believes, in contrast with Mr. Brown, that only a few, superior and overzealous elect people can have access to real faith: "Mr. Smith was greatly distressed by the ignorance which many of his flock showed even in such things as the Trinity and the Sacraments. It only showed that they were seeds sown on a rocky soil. Mr. Brown had thought of nothing but numbers. He should have known that the kingdom of God did not depend on large crowds. Our Lord Himself stressed the importance of fewness...Our Lord used the whip only once in His life -- to drive the crowd away from the Church."(Achebe, 169)"
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Medieval Epic Literature, 2008.
Looks at gender ideals in medieval epic literature as presented in "Beowulf", "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight" and Geoffrey Chaucer's "Canterbury Tales".
1,435 words (approx. 5.7 pages), 1 source, MLA, AU$ 68.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that the medieval masculine and feminine ideals are very well represented in three major texts of English literature: "Beowulf", "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight" and Geoffrey Chaucer's "Canterbury Tales". The main heroes and their female companions in these three texts share very important features, both physically and psychically, which indicates that there is a pattern in medieval literature regarding the essential characteristics of a virtuous individual. The author contends that the main necessary features for the male hero are honor, prowess, valor and purity of heart; however, the female characters, who are also very virtuous, pure and extremely beautiful, are passive characters that serve only as instruments to men's actions.
From the Paper
"The male ideal briefly sketched above is complemented by the female ideal of such characters as Wealhtheow, King Hrothgar's wife in "Beowulf", or Guinevere, King Arthur's wife. Both are perfect beauties and virtuous, gentle persons. However, they are no more than icons, without a real importance. Although Wealhtheow seems to play a role in the poem as she makes two speeches in important moments of the action and performs ritualistic acts, she is actually just an instrument in the very masculine world of the epic. Women do no play a role as such in the medieval society, although they can have some value as emblems for purity and beauty."
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"Epic of Gilgamesh", 2008.
An examination of the plot and characters of the "Epic of Gilgamesh" and the lessons it teaches us today.
1,253 words (approx. 5.0 pages), 2 sources, MLA, AU$ 61.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the "Epic of Gilgamesh," which is an ancient Sumerian legend about a semi-divine king. It describes the plot of the story and the central meaning of the "Epic of Gilgamesh." The paper also discusses the characters' motives and the role of the narrator. The paper then focuses on what the story teaches us in terms of insights into human nature, human consciousness and human history.
From the Paper
"Although he knows he will die, Gilgamesh leaves a legacy that in fact helps him become immortal. Gilgamesh records his story for posterity, showing that through suffering he found a means to achieve wisdom and peace. His city, his leadership role, and his epic serve as symbols that readers still learn from. Thus, the Epic of Gilgamesh offers a timeless message about the human nature and about human society. Although the social context in which the Epic of Gilgamesh was written differs strongly from that of modern readers, the core messages about friendship, leadership, mortality, and humanity remain the same. In fact, the flood story from the Epic of Gilgamesh is repeated in the Old Testament, which has become a foundation of modern culture as well. Although times may change, some of the core aspects of human nature and social organization remain the same. Ultimately, the Epic of Gilgamesh shows how human beings can learn to accept their limitations and their suffering, and come to terms with death."
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Franz Kafka's "The Metamorphosis", 2008.
An analysis of Frank Kafka's short story "The Metamorphosis", which has implications for everyone who reads it, even today.
1,392 words (approx. 5.6 pages), 3 sources, MLA, AU$ 67.95
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Abstract
This paper introduces and analyzes the dark short story "The Metamorphosis" by Franz Kafka. Specifically, it discusses the theme of isolation in the story, as Gregor's character is tragic and hopeless, and is eventually an outcast from his family.
From the Paper
"The tragedy of Gregor Samsa's life is not that he has transformed into a giant bug, but that his family has never appreciated him, supported him, or really loved him. Kafka opens this dark short story with the words, "As Gregor Samsa awoke one morning from uneasy dreams he found himself transformed in his bed into a gigantic insect" (Kafka 19). However, Kafka makes it quite clear very early in the story that Gregor's life is not tragic because he has turned into a bug. In fact, his life was quite tragic even before he woke up one morning and found he was transformed into something completely repugnant and disgusting. Literary critic Harold Bloom writes, "He has been sacrificing himself by working at his meaningless, degrading job so as to pay off an old debt of his parents' to his employer" (Bloom 21). Bloom sees Gregor's life as meaningless and without love or affection, simply obligation and duty. It does not take long for the reader to know that Gregor hates his job and his employer, and only continues to work because of his family obligations. Thus, he continues his meaningless existence for the people he loves, but they do not appreciate or love him in return."
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"The Crucible" and "I, Tituba", 2008.
A comparison of the portrayal of the character of Tituba in Arthur Miller's play, "The Crucible" with Maryse Conde's novel, "I, Tituba."
1,518 words (approx. 6.1 pages), 4 sources, MLA, AU$ 73.95
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Abstract
This paper compares and contrasts Arthur Miller's play, "The Crucible" with Maryse Conde's novel, "I, Tituba." The paper discusses the plot of the stories that centers around the witch hunts in Salem. It then discusses the character of Tituba and her role in the story and compares the different ways that the character is portrayed in the novel and the play.
From the Paper
"The past is never rendered 'perfectly' to a contemporary viewer or reader, particularly an era as far removed from our own as the Puritan era of America. Arthur Miller's tale of "The Crucible" is ostensibly set in Salem, Massachusetts during the 1600s but it is a thinly disguised allegory of the McCarthy anti-communist witch-hunt that had taken hold in America when Miller wrote his play, which was later made into a 1996 film. Miller uses the trials to discuss important concerns of the present day in his play, not to recount history. The play immediately illustrates its lack of concern with the facts of the actual events by converting the historical ages of the girls who accused the women of the town from young children to teenagers. This makes the motives of the young women such as Abigail, the instigator of the trials, far more suspect than the strange, apparently innocent and hysterical accusations of girls who seem too young to be calculating."
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"The Catcher in the Rye", 2008.
An analysis of the dilemmas of the main character, Holden Caulfield in "The Catcher in the Rye" by J. D. Salinger.
4,185 words (approx. 16.7 pages), 8 sources, MLA, AU$ 161.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses J. D. Salinger's timeless novel, "The Catcher in the Rye." The paper focuses on the book's main character, the earnest and economically privileged, yet disaffected prep school student Holden Caulfield. It analyzes Caulfield as a character troublingly faced with a dilemma of remaining true to himself or 'selling out' to a "phony" society.
From the Paper
"But Holden now accepts, if still reluctantly, the realities of a world where phonies enormously outnumber non-phonies, there are only really ever fleeting essences of real purity: unspoiled white snow; the Museum of Natural History; Phoebie in her blue coat riding around and around on the Central Park carousel. Everything else is less pure, and therefore points toward adulthood, responsibility, phoniness, death" (Pinsker 3). Holden still longs, even now, for the much less cynical in which children still live, but to which he himself knows now that he can neither live nor ever truly return. A Life's unstoppable current has carried him out among the very adult phonies he most abhors. And a refusal or failure on Holden's part to now at least float in these uncomfortable waters could be, even worse than just swimming along. The current carries everyone toward adulthood, wanted or not. One must sell out, or at least appear to have done so, lest on risk being eaten by the sharks."
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Loss of Family in Literature, 2008.
An analysis of how the characters coped with the loss of family in "Lives of the Saints" by Nino Ricci and "My Name is Seepeetza" by Shirley Sterling.
2,318 words (approx. 9.3 pages), 2 sources, MLA, AU$ 103.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the theme of loss of family in the two novels, "Lives of the Saints" by Nino Ricci and "My Name is Seepeetza" by Shirley Sterling. The paper discusses the plot of the stories and the experiences of the main characters. It then looks at the way in which the character in each story that experienced loss managed to find a form of salvation in self-development.
From the Paper
"The effect extends to the parents as well, for Seepeetza's parents refuse to teach their children their language in order to protect them. One form of escape for Seepeetza is drawing, though here again, she has to keep her drawings within certain parameters and cannot express herself as directly a she might want. For Vitto, family and culture remain connected, though he does suffer the loss of family in several ways throughout his life even as he finds himself once more by looking to the past and reconnecting with his family. Seepeetza suffers a greater loss when both her family and her culture are denied to her, not by the normal circumstances of life, but by a willful government intent in destroying a people. Both find a degree of salvation in the creative act of developing their selves and in finding a way to express themselves in writing, drawing, or religious observance."
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Creating A New Identity, 2008.
An analysis of the characters' attempts to transform themselves in Scott Fitzgerald's "The Great Gatsby" and James Weldon Johnson's "The Autobiography of an Ex-Colored Man".
3,547 words (approx. 14.2 pages), 3 sources, MLA, AU$ 143.95
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Abstract
The paper discusses the central characters in Johnson's "The Autobiography of an Ex-Colored Man" and Fitzgerald's "The Great Gatsby" who both create or forge false identities for themselves. The paper focuses on the characters' attempt to 'pass' as someone else and construct a false identity that leads to the acquisition of a new racial or social status. The paper highlights how these attempts are accompanied by inevitable problems and difficulties that result in frustration and eventually disillusionment.
From the Paper
"The publication of the two narratives, Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby and James Weldon Johnson's An Autobiography of an Ex-Colored Man, coincides with a period in the American cultural life in which the search for the 'American Dream' was a very prominent theme. Also, the nineteen twenties constituted the decade in which the Harlem Renaissance or the 'New Negro Renaissance' sprang as a cultural movement in America. As it is well known, the Harlem Renaissance was an attempt at 'uplifting the black race' through a redefinition of African American identity and a celebration of the values specific to black culture. These two themes form the core of the novels under investigation- the fulfillment of the 'American Dream' in The Great Gatsby and the uplifting of the black race in The Autobiography of an Ex-Colored Man."
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The Father, 2008.
A review of Bharati Mukherjee's story about generational and cultural clash between a father and daughter, entitled "The Father".
914 words (approx. 3.7 pages), 3 sources, MLA, AU$ 47.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses Bharati Mukiherjee's story, "The Father" and how it portrays a culture clash between two related Indians, a father and daughter. The paper relates that both characters in the story have two very different ethical standards about procreation and the meaning of fatherhood and that the cultural clash between the father and daughter exists on several levels - generational, gender-based, ethical, and personal.
From the Paper
"Babli's father comes from a culture that is a patriarchal culture in terms of its explicitly stated values, for, as Mr. Bhowmick sees it, male authority and wisdom should rule the household. Now the father's daughter will raise her child in a household with no male presence. Of course, this sense of patriarchal dominance is fictional to some degree. Mr. Bhowmick came to the U.S. from Ranchi because his wife, a professional in her own right insisted upon this move. But he still believes the pretence of male dominance should be protected in principle. In fact, because he feels forced to stay in the U.S. due to his wife, seeing his daughter flagrantly deny her need for a man even to father a child, makes him feel more powerless in the face of women in America. According to anthropologist Lalervo Oberg, culture shock arises when suddenly one's sense of certainty is destroyed when one enters a foreign environment. A person undergoing culture shock experiences it as a series of "upsets--breaks in reality because people behave differently" in a new culture and because the shocked individual finds him or herself in unfamiliar circumstances."
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Religious Myths in Modern Times, 2008.
A look at the fine line between between ancient myths and modern religious beliefs.
1,312 words (approx. 5.2 pages), 4 sources, MLA, AU$ 64.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses how mythology may be discriminated from theology in that the stories may be discriminated from the beliefs arising from them and how most religions are made up of stories which become part of the belief system of the believer. It looks at how most religions in the world have as their source the writings of the Koran and Pentateuch, or the Old Testament. The stories in these books were written down sometime within recorded history, and, in fact, make up part of recorded history. It also discusses how myths continue to be made and how today the Internet has spawned thousands of "myths" that tell new stories about "miracles" and strange happenings related to participants' religions. Over the Internet, these stories travel at the speed of light around the globe and are changed and twisted till they become as believable and astounding as the first myths were. Often they are based on some former, or biblical happening or related to something in the Bible or concern some religious leader.
From the Paper
"The myths that Christians and others who follow the teachings of the New Testament believe today are constantly changing in form and content. The Church has something to do with this. The Catholic Church regularly makes edicts that tell believers how they are to act and believe from that point on (dogma). One example is the myth of Mary, the mother of Jesus. Paul makes no reference to her being a virgin when Jesus was conceived and his books predate all the four gospels. He had not heard of this "myth." It was a story that evidently was circulated and gained acceptance after 50 A.D. The story of Mary continued to grow and her character was modified and changed to suit the times (Symes 2007)."
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Grotesque Characters, 2008.
An analysis of the grotesque characters in Eudora Welty's "Petrified Man," Flannery O'Connor's "Good Country People" and William Faulkner's "Barn Burning."
1,745 words (approx. 7.0 pages), 0 sources, AU$ 81.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that some characters can be characterized as grotesque because of their behavior or some unusual feature that sets them apart. The paper then examines the grotesque characters in Eudora Welty's "Petrified Man," Flannery O'Connor's "Good Country People" and William Faulkner's "Barn Burning." The paper shows how in each story, the grotesque stand out as embodying certain types and attitudes in a stark fashion, making them bigger than life but still realistic.
From the Paper
"As it happens, the characters in all three stories can be seen as conveying local color to the reader and as representing a partial view of a segment of the country, and in all three cases, that part of the country is the South. This does not mean that grotesque characters are associated only with the South, for they are not. Such characters serve to illustrate a particular vision of the South in these three stories, though, and also suggest a certain heightened treatment of character and narrative in order to convey a theme."
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Humanities, 2008.
A discussion on transposing the environment of Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet" to the atmosphere and setting to the 1930s depression-era of "Bonnie and Clyde."
997 words (approx. 4.0 pages), 6 sources, APA, AU$ 51.95
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Abstract
The paper compares the era of "Romeo and Juliet" with the times of "Bonnie and Clyde". The paper, by comparing the two works, speaks of the bloody environment in the times of Romeo and Juliet and the desperate economic circumstances during the 'Bonnie and Clyde' era in American history. The paper continues with a discussion on the similarities between these two time periods, noting the similar themes of "romantic outlaws", "passionate lovers", an emphasis on youth, and the anger at society. The paper concludes that the tales of both lovers show how, in a society that seems to have no future, desperate young people seeking validation and autonomy, resort to desperate measures.
From the Paper
"Although Shakespearean love may be beautiful, especially love forged out of passion and the laws of a society that denies the freedoms of the young, it is not the society of Renaissance Italy that is beautiful and romantic. The fact that love can exist even in an atmosphere that a modern audience can identify as hopeless, crime-ridden, and decadent like Depression-era America will underline the most important aspect of Shakespeare's play, elements that might remain hidden in a production set in the Renaissance. Adult society and the laws of the land are corrupt in "Romeo and Juliet," likewise America ignores the suffering and despair of Americans living in the dustbowl during the Depression. Bonnie and Clyde rob banks, but during that era before banking reform many Americans lost their money in the stock market, or in bank runs, thus showing a lack of regard for the laws was something that was endemic to society and government, not just the outlaws."
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Literary Symbolism, 2008.
A discussion on the literary symbolism in Nathaniel Hawthorne's works, "Young Goodman Brown" and "The Scarlet Letter".
893 words (approx. 3.6 pages), 2 sources, MLA, AU$ 45.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses Nathaniel Hawthorne's works, "Young Goodman Brown" and "The Scarlett Letter" in relation to Ralph Waldo Emerson's view that the entire world is emblematic, due to the idea that "the whole of nature is a metaphor of the human mind". In particular, the paper examines Hawthorne's use of emblematic symbols in the short story "Young Goodman Brown" and in his novel "The Scarlet Letter". The paper specifically examines the symbol of the pink ribbon of Goodman Brown's wife Faith and the scarlet "A" embroidered on the dress of Hester Prynne in "The Scarlet Letter".
From the Paper
"The reader is first introduced to Prynne's "badge" in Chapter Two of The Scarlet Letter when she emerges from jail--"On the breast of her gown, in fine red cloth, surrounded with an elaborate embroidery and fantastic flourishes of gold thread, appeared the letter A." Upon being led to her "place of punishment" for committing adultery with Arthur Dimmesdale, all eyes are immediately drawn to the scarlet "A" which "had the effect of a spell, taking (Hester) out of the ordinary relations with humanity and enclosing her in a sphere by herself" (Bell, 163-164). Obviously, this scarlet emblem upon Hester's dress seems to emit a life of its own, much like a flaming torch burning in the darkness. It is also a symbol of her "evil doings," for Hester "hath raised a great scandal. . . in godly Master Dimmesdale's church" (Bell, 170).
"In Chapter Five, this weird property of the scarlet "A" is made even more pronounced when Hester walks out of prison--"She came forth into the sunshine which. . . seemed, to her sick and morbid heart, as if meant for no other purpose than to reveal the scarlet letter on her breast" (Bell, 185). Notice that Hawthorne intentionally equates Hester's "heart" with the scarlet letter, i.e., both are emblematic/symbolic of the color red, much like Faith's pink ribbons."
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