So right away I didn't like chapter seven. I understand that during this time period, most if not all decisions were made from a religious point of view, but what evidence did they have that made Pearl a demon child? Was it that since they didn't know who her father was they automatically made him a demon making the child some sort of half demon? Or was it simply the fact that because she came to be in what was considered a 'sinful' warheads demon child? I really don't understand.
And I didn't really see a difference between the people and the government deciding what would be done with the child because they all have the same judgment mindset when it came to making to decisions about sinners in their town. I also didn't like the way they connected Pearl wearing the color red to Hester' s guilt and shame. What if she just a lot of red fabric and that's why Pearl wears a lot red. Why does she have to be r of Hester' s mistake? And just a side note, I'm assuming that the children they see are Pearl' s age, and I have never heard toddlers speak in such an advanced manner. "No, my little Pearl! Thou must gather thine own sunshine. I have none to give their!" (pg 100) I thought that this was really sad because Hester was saying that wouldn't be able to give Pearl anything that made her happy, so she would have to find happiness on her own.
In chapter eight, again they talk about Pearl wearing red. Was it just not a normal color for young children to wear, or was it the intricate style of the clothing that seemed to make them stare? I like the way that the minister describes Pearl, and the fact that he actually stands up for Hester, which shows that he might be on her side later on in the story. He basically says that even though Pearl is a constant reminder to her mother about what she did, she is a blessing in disguise. She will most likely teach Hester an important life lesson later on in the story.
At the end of chapter eight I was scared and confused. Why was Hester being asked by the sister of the governor, who was an executed witch, to meet with her and this 'Black Man' in the woods later? Obviously she realizes this woman is a witch. Is she friends with her? Are they part of a secret society? Or are they simply just a group of people who have been deemed the sinners and damned of the town?
I thought I was the only one who was scared at the end of chapter 8 when that random lady asked Hester to come to a party. I think Hester is smart enough to realize this woman is a witch, and I think she is also smart enough to know not to trust anyone. I admire that about Hester because she really is headstrong in the book so far (which changes, ugh.)
ReplyDeleteI agree with you about chapter seven. As for why they were considering Pearl to be a "demon child", I think the fact that her mother is Hester - the town's most famous sinner, of all people - and the girl's rowdy nature are what get the rumor mill going in that respect. You know, I didn't really pick up on the weirdness that went on at the end of chapter eight so thank you for bringing it to my attention.
ReplyDeleteThe Puritan community is full of hypocrites honestly. They lack of common sense and seems have no idea what so ever of freedom of style. For the ending though I dont see how you got scared, Hester obviously knew the governors sister was onto witchcraft and instead of choosing to join the mistress she decided to take care of her daughter. My guess is they weren't friends, but the Mistress might have tried to get her to join her group. Also I think some of the townsfolk know the Mistress is a witch, but dont wanna say anything in fear they will be cursed.(Spoiler Alert!) In some chapters ahead it says the sight of the Mistress next to Hester rose some fear on they scheming a evil plan.
ReplyDeleteI agree that the people of the town should not have immediately assumed that Pearl was a demon-child. They have no proof except for their hypocritical beliefs against Hester and how Pearl came into the world. I feel like Pearl is discriminated against more than she really should be.
ReplyDeleteI feel like Pearl can be deemed a demon child because of the strange and other worldly things she does, like the terrorizing look she gives Hestser, her evil little laugh and the way she shows no remorse or empathy. But I am also starting to feel like Pearl is misunderstood. Also when the governor's sister is talking about the Black Man in the woods I think she is referring to black magic which was practiced in the woods by the servants. This made me think back to The Crucible movie when Reverend Parris' servant from Barbados,Tituba, was teaching the young girls about black magic which was practiced and accepted in Barbados. The slaves that came from the Caribbean introduced the "witches" in New England to black magic which was against the law to practice there.
ReplyDeleteI agree about your comment on Pearl. I don't like how they viewed her either. I mean, the circumstances in which she was born wasn't her fault/ don't effect the actual person that she is. She deserves to be treated like a person. She has done absolutely nothing wrong!
ReplyDeleteNice job. Good comments.
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