Chapter 18:
69. In the second paragraph of chapter 18, the narrator uses the phrase "a moral wilderness." What is this intended to describe? What differing views would the Puritan society and the narrator take regarding this "wilderness"? In what sense are Hester and Dimmesdale caught in between these two views?
-When the narrator uses the phrase "moral wilderness" he is trying to show a contrast between how the Puritans view the world and their beliefs with how others exist. At this time the Puritans held strict laws and have very conservative beliefs, which was a contradiction to the land where they lived. The surroundings were still very untamed and wild. A sharp contrast between the two. The same is true with Hester and Dimmesdale. She is the untamed free spirit and he is the enforcer of pure ideas and ways.
70. How does "Nature" react when Hester removes the Scarlet Letter? What is the significance of this in light of Pearl's statement in chapter 16 that "the sunshine does not love" Hester? What thematic message is solidified in this moment? (You might consider the statement in this same paragraph that "Love...must always create a sunshine.")
-Nature has a large part in the significance of Hester when she removes the letter. In chapter 16 Pearl tells her Mother that the sunshine always goes away from Hester. Now here in this chapter when Hester removes the letter from her dress the sun begins to shine on her for the first time. It is a significant sign, a burden has been lifted and a new lightness has been given to Hester. This one action has made a huge impact on her.
-When the narrator uses the phrase "moral wilderness" he is trying to show a contrast between how the Puritans view the world and their beliefs with how others exist. At this time the Puritans held strict laws and have very conservative beliefs, which was a contradiction to the land where they lived. The surroundings were still very untamed and wild. A sharp contrast between the two. The same is true with Hester and Dimmesdale. She is the untamed free spirit and he is the enforcer of pure ideas and ways.
70. How does "Nature" react when Hester removes the Scarlet Letter? What is the significance of this in light of Pearl's statement in chapter 16 that "the sunshine does not love" Hester? What thematic message is solidified in this moment? (You might consider the statement in this same paragraph that "Love...must always create a sunshine.")
-Nature has a large part in the significance of Hester when she removes the letter. In chapter 16 Pearl tells her Mother that the sunshine always goes away from Hester. Now here in this chapter when Hester removes the letter from her dress the sun begins to shine on her for the first time. It is a significant sign, a burden has been lifted and a new lightness has been given to Hester. This one action has made a huge impact on her.