We explored the relationship between Dimmesdale's existentialist crisis and the novel's theme as Dimmesdale laments that the contrast between what he is what he appears to be is the equivalent of non-existence or death. From this vantage , Nina discussed an interpretative theme that condemns hypocrisy more than condemning traditional notions of sin. I noted imagery motifs that convey this theme and discussed that while the novel facially appears at first to be a moral tale, it is not an exemplum, i.e. a story intended to preach traditional morality. Last,Nina examined and commented on how in the wilderness setting ,free from the laws of man, both Dimmesdale and Hester are released from Puritanical norms and can reveal themselves. During the final minutes, Nina requested input regarding her college essay for St .Andrews . We will spend some additional time on this essay tomorrow.

Nina took a test on the novel during today's session.

We discussed the writer's intent in Jonathan Edwards famed speech "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God" and its applicability to the novel,"The Scarlet Letter." Nina discussed how Hawthorne and Hester both use art as form of revolt and expiation . We further studied how Hester seeks to redefine "sin" and to redefine the role of women in society.In this regard, we examined the passages where gender role reversal is prominent as the weak tottering Dimmesdale besieged by guilt implores Hester for strength , and declares her the stronger of the two while Hester exhorts him to "act ,preach, ...do anything " but lie down and die. Last, we noted the motif of subjective symbolism within the Romantic genre as Pearl repeatedly asks her mother the meaning of the scarlet letter to which she receives a variety of responses.

We first discussed how the author closes the narrative distance between the reader and a plot set in the 1620s by his direct comments to the reader and by the use of the word "we". I then placed on the board the analytical framework we have been discussing : emotional response to symbolism, illusion vs reality , red/black, and forest/ town. We discussed the importance of Hester Prynne' s character as a manifestation of the author's condemnation of Puritan conformity and punishment. We then parsed the first pages of the next chapter noting how Hawthorne's diction conveys Chillingworth's moral depravity by describing him physically as dark and deformed. We further noted the recurrence of the reality/ illusion motif in the imagery of Pearl studying her reflection in water.

We examined Puritan theology as evidenced by J, Edwards famous speech /essay "Sinners in the Hands on an Angry God." In addition to theological hell, Nina discussed the more secular forms of punishment as depicted in the novel: ostracizing , branding, and placing sinners on the public scaffold. Last, I reviewed some of the analytical frameworks to apply in connection with this weekend's reading assignment.

As the novel can present interpretative challenges, today we continued to outline analytical frameworks to assist comprehension. Having addressed symbolism, imagery and setting frameworks, I today addressed the science vs faith conflict within the novel as embodied by the characters Chillingworth ,the doctor and Dimmesdale, the clergymen. We further addressed this conflict in the context of professional rivalry and noted how Hester Prynne likewise has taken on the role of spiritual healer. Last, I offered further thoughts on symbolism extending beyond the letter "A" noting that for Hawthorne all settings and clothes in the novel have a representative connotation . We discussed how a person's clothing choice even today is a representation of the wearer.

As the novel can present interpretative challenges, I today provided an analytical framework to assist comprehension . I discussed the precedence of the subjective emotional experience over the logical within the Romantic genre as means of appreciating the shifting symbolic meanings. I then addressed the recurring use of black/red imagery to contrast restrictive and repressive conformity with emotional freedom and unconventional values, and last identified the town vs untamed forest surrounding town as a setting that conveys these divergent values . We further noted how Chillingworth's quest for revenge is tied to dark "black " imagery and discussed how revenge destroys the perpetrator as much as its victim. During the final segment ,we viewed a detailed documentary film about how Hawthorne's life influenced his writing .

Nina was absent today.

We explored the influence of the writings of Margaret Fuller on Hawthorne's protagonist, Hester Prynne. Margaret Fuller was an American journalist and women's rights advocate associated with the Transcendental Movement. We read a summary of some her writings as expressed in her book"Woman in the Nineteenth Century" and then compared these ideas with the inner thoughts of Hester Prynne who privately believes the structure of society must be torn down and rebuilt. We then discussed how and why Hawthorne may have interjected these "radical ideas" into a novel about the hypocrisy of sin and sinners.

Today's sessions focused on the ongoing subjective interpretations of symbols, the use of light imagery as a symbol ,and the introduction of Hester Prynne as a feminist revolutionary . We first noted how the scarlet "A" transfigures from a symbol of shame to a symbol of Hester's strong spirit. It is perceived to symbolize "Abel" and "Angel", not adulteress. We noted the parallelism in the scenes where Hester's isolation has produced an almost telepathic empathy with others who must hide their sins and the scene wherein Dimmesdale too achieves a spiritual empathy with his parishioners in his silent lone suffering. We studied thematic elements in the text suggesting that hypocrisy and lying about one's sin are darker sins than the sin itself as well as the light/dark imagery that complements this element. Last, we parsed Hester's newly discovered intellectual spirit as she recognizes that society has used women as the repository of all men's sins and that a new world and moral order (which tears down the old!) which will require men to change their nature must precede the advent of a fair society for women. I introduced the life and philosophy of Margaret Fuller, perhaps the earliest feminist, and discussed how Margaret Fuller's ideas are embodied in the character of Hester Prynne,. I have distributed supplemental material on M.Fuller which I assigned for homework.