1. Why do you think the author wrote about this particular theme, adultery, do you think that the author has ever experienced something like that? 2. Why do you think Hester’s husband tells her to reveal his identity? Why couldn’t he tell everyone himself? 3. In the modern time if someone commits adultery how would the society react? Will they react the same as it is shown in the book? Why or why not? 4. If you where in the place of Arthur Dimmesdale what would you have done? Would you have confessed your sin to the society or keep quiet and be guilty? 5. If you find out that you were a child of a adulteress what would be your first reaction? 6. Do you believe Arthur Dimmesdale really loves Hester? Give reasons as to why or why not. 7. When people find out that Hester is an adulteress they label her with the letter A. Would a man who has committed the same crime get the same punishment, or a different punishment? 8. By the end of the book, many conclusions can be made, who do you think is the biggest sinner in the book and why? Explain your reasoning 9. The book is based on the Christian religion. What role does religion play in the book? 10. Do you think Hester deserves a bigger punishment for her crime? or does Arthur Dimmesdale deserve the punishment for not confessing his crime. Explain why or why not.
1) When people find out that Hester is an adultress they label her with the letter A. Would a man who has committed the same crime get the same punishment, or a different punishment?
At the period of time that Hester lived in, ladies were judged more closely by the public especially for committing the sin of adultry. In my opinion, the only reason Hester lived and did not suffer the penalty of death is because of her daughter, Pearl. Throughout the novel the Ministers tried to take Pearl away from Hester however, in the end, they could harm neither of them because they could not separate a daughter from her mother. Thus, women are taken into more consideration when they have children in relation to a man who does not have the potential to have children. Therefore, I think a man who has committed the same crime would have a different punishment as they would have to experience the death penalty regardless of how the society judges man or woman for a particular crime.
2) Do you think Hester deserves a bigger punishment for her crime? Or does Arthur Dimmesdale deserve a punishment for not confessing his crime? Explain why or why not?
I do not think Hester deserves a bigger punishment for her crime because of the fact that she has a young daughter to take care of that is not aware of who her father is. In a case like this, a mother should not be separated from her child while they are in the process of growing up because of the need for guidance and support in everyday life. Hester's only punishment was to wear the scarlet letter "A" on her chest which helped her realize her sin and made her repent to God. This way Hester's daughter, Pearl, is not affected by any serious form of violence or loss from her early childhood. I also do not think that Arthur Dimmesdale deserves a severe punishment as he dealt with his punishment in a different way. While Hester was judged by the public because of her scarlet letter, Arthur Dimmesdale became ill and complained of an odd feeling in his stomach. In the end, this feeling was guilt and he was able to truly repent for what he had done. Therefore, because a punishment is to come to the realization of what one did wrong, both these characters have served there punishment . Thus, there is no need for a more severe punishment for either Hester or Arthur Dimmesdale.
Answers to Discussion Questions By: Bavika Atputhajeyam
6. Do you believe Arthur Dimmesdale really loves Hester? Give reasons as to why or why not.
Yes I believe that Arthur Dimmesdale really loves Hester, because in Chapter 17, Hester and Arthur were talking in the woods. Hester asks him to come with her and Pearl back home in England. At first, Arthur is hesitant about coming, but then he realizes that he has to forget the past. The guilt from the past is what is harming him. He decides in this way that he can get to know his daughter, Pearl. So this is a way for him to bond with Hester and Pearl. While they are talking, Arthur holds Hester’s hand and consoles her, in her time of need. These are the reasons why I believe that Arthur Dimmesdale really loves Hester.
8. By the end of the book, many conclusions can be made, who do you think is the biggest sinner in the book and why? Explain your reasoning.
I think the biggest sinner in the book is Arthur Dimmesdale, because he made some inconsiderate choices. Arthur is a priest and is supposed to be faithful to God, but by committing the sin of adultery, he is considered not faithful to God at all. The fact that makes it worse is that at first, Arthur refuses to take the blame in committing adultery. He just lets Hester take the blame, when he is also to be partially blamed. Whenever, Arthur sees Hester, he never acknowledges her; he acts as if she’s a stranger to him. Every mistake that Arthur makes leads him to be the biggest sinner, in my opinion. These are the reasons why I think Arthur Dimmesdale is the biggest sinner.
Fatima In the modern time if someone commits adultery how would the society react? Will they react the same as it is shown in the book? Why or why not?
In the 21st century if someone did commit adultery and the government did find out they would go to jail just like Hester had gone. The society would curse the people involved in adultery and feel sorry for the child. Yes, the society will react the same way as in the book. They will react the same way because since beginning of time adultery is a sin in every religion, and there are serious consequences in adultery. If someone finds out that adultery has taken place then the society will talk bad about the people and curse them. If anyone was their friend they would feel sorry for them because they never expected that their friend would do such a thing. Also, for the child they do not even know who their real father is. The rules for adultery have not changed in any way since time. No matter who is involved in adultery they will be given the punishment that they deserve. When the husband and the parents find out about this sin they will divorce their spouse and they will kick their child out of the house because they have done the biggest sin. Nobody will be able to accept the unborn child or the person. They have just ruined their and their unborn child’s life.
By the end of the book, many conclusions can be made, who do you think is the biggest sinner in the book and why? Explain your reasoning
The biggest sinner is Arthur Dimmesdale. When someone is a priest their goal is to make the people on the wrong path to come to the right path and explain to people what God expects from us people. But in the book the priest is shown as someone different that nobody can think a priest would do. I think it is the priest because when Hester was in front of the society at the beginning of the book it was only her and her daughter with the letter “A” on her chest. Hester has no right to be standing in front of the society all by herself. The father of the child has the responsibility to come out and stand with Hester because he was also involved. It was Arthur’s responsibility to stand beside Hester and face the society. Hester was standing in front of the society all by herself. If Arthur had any feelings for Hester then he would not have hidden from the society when Hester, was coming out of jail, he would have come in front of everyone and accepted his sin and helped Hester take care of Pearl. Arthur lived in guilt for seven years and never got a chance to spend any time with Pearl. The illness that Arthur had was not a normal flu he was sick because he was guilty about the sin be had committed. If Arthur knew what Hester was going through when she had to wear the scarlet letter in front of everyone then Arthur would not have hidden the red mark he had on his chest from everyone.
3. In the modern time if someone commits adultery how would the society react? Will they react the same as it is shown in the book? Why or why not?
in the modern society adultery is forbidden in numerous religions and countries. Since sex before marriage is common in some areas around the world, it is not considered as big of sin as it was in the oldern society. In the past sins were taken crucially and severe punishments were given accordingly but in the modern society some sins are taken not as severely therefore the reaction to adultery in the modern society would not be as in the oldern society.
9. The book is based on the Christian religion. What role does religion play in the book?
Religion plays a crucial part in everything in the story revolves around; the actions of the character, society reactions, moral, mind set, and the atmosphere in the story. Religion is shown as a very influential in this story. one of the main themes in this story is adultery, an ex. of religion playing an important role in the society is when Hester is punishment for having sexual intercourse with a man she wasn't married with; she was punished for her crime. Religion kept everyone together and kept harmony and peace in the book. Therefor religion does play a very important role in this book.
by : Iqra Qureshi
ReplyDelete1. Why do you think the author wrote about this particular theme, adultery, do you think that the author has ever experienced something like that?
2. Why do you think Hester’s husband tells her to reveal his identity? Why couldn’t he tell everyone himself?
3. In the modern time if someone commits adultery how would the society react? Will they react the same as it is shown in the book? Why or why not?
4. If you where in the place of Arthur Dimmesdale what would you have done? Would you have confessed your sin to the society or keep quiet and be guilty?
5. If you find out that you were a child of a adulteress what would be your first reaction?
6. Do you believe Arthur Dimmesdale really loves Hester? Give reasons as to why or why not.
7. When people find out that Hester is an adulteress they label her with the letter A. Would a man who has committed the same crime get the same punishment, or a different punishment?
8. By the end of the book, many conclusions can be made, who do you think is the biggest sinner in the book and why? Explain your reasoning
9. The book is based on the Christian religion. What role does religion play in the book?
10. Do you think Hester deserves a bigger punishment for her crime? or does Arthur Dimmesdale deserve the punishment for not confessing his crime. Explain why or why not.
Answers to Discussion Questions - Nailah R
ReplyDelete1) When people find out that Hester is an adultress they label her with the letter A. Would a man who has committed the same crime get the same punishment, or a different punishment?
At the period of time that Hester lived in, ladies were judged more closely by the public especially for committing the sin of adultry. In my opinion, the only reason Hester lived and did not suffer the penalty of death is because of her daughter, Pearl. Throughout the novel the Ministers tried to take Pearl away from Hester however, in the end, they could harm neither of them because they could not separate a daughter from her mother. Thus, women are taken into more consideration when they have children in relation to a man who does not have the potential to have children. Therefore, I think a man who has committed the same crime would have a different punishment as they would have to experience the death penalty regardless of how the society judges man or woman for a particular crime.
2) Do you think Hester deserves a bigger punishment for her crime? Or does Arthur Dimmesdale deserve a punishment for not confessing his crime? Explain why or why not?
I do not think Hester deserves a bigger punishment for her crime because of the fact that she has a young daughter to take care of that is not aware of who her father is. In a case like this, a mother should not be separated from her child while they are in the process of growing up because of the need for guidance and support in everyday life. Hester's only punishment was to wear the scarlet letter "A" on her chest which helped her realize her sin and made her repent to God. This way Hester's daughter, Pearl, is not affected by any serious form of violence or loss from her early childhood. I also do not think that Arthur Dimmesdale deserves a severe punishment as he dealt with his punishment in a different way. While Hester was judged by the public because of her scarlet letter, Arthur Dimmesdale became ill and complained of an odd feeling in his stomach. In the end, this feeling was guilt and he was able to truly repent for what he had done. Therefore, because a punishment is to come to the realization of what one did wrong, both these characters have served there punishment . Thus, there is no need for a more severe punishment for either Hester or Arthur Dimmesdale.
Answers to Discussion Questions
ReplyDeleteBy: Bavika Atputhajeyam
6. Do you believe Arthur Dimmesdale really loves Hester? Give reasons as to why or why not.
Yes I believe that Arthur Dimmesdale really loves Hester, because in Chapter 17, Hester and Arthur were talking in the woods. Hester asks him to come with her and Pearl back home in England. At first, Arthur is hesitant about coming, but then he realizes that he has to forget the past. The guilt from the past is what is harming him. He decides in this way that he can get to know his daughter, Pearl. So this is a way for him to bond with Hester and Pearl. While they are talking, Arthur holds Hester’s hand and consoles her, in her time of need. These are the reasons why I believe that Arthur Dimmesdale really loves Hester.
8. By the end of the book, many conclusions can be made, who do you think is the biggest sinner in the book and why? Explain your reasoning.
I think the biggest sinner in the book is Arthur Dimmesdale, because he made some inconsiderate choices. Arthur is a priest and is supposed to be faithful to God, but by committing the sin of adultery, he is considered not faithful to God at all. The fact that makes it worse is that at first, Arthur refuses to take the blame in committing adultery. He just lets Hester take the blame, when he is also to be partially blamed. Whenever, Arthur sees Hester, he never acknowledges her; he acts as if she’s a stranger to him. Every mistake that Arthur makes leads him to be the biggest sinner, in my opinion. These are the reasons why I think Arthur Dimmesdale is the biggest sinner.
Fatima
ReplyDeleteIn the modern time if someone commits adultery how would the society react? Will they react the same as it is shown in the book? Why or why not?
In the 21st century if someone did commit adultery and the government did find out they would go to jail just like Hester had gone. The society would curse the people involved in adultery and feel sorry for the child. Yes, the society will react the same way as in the book. They will react the same way because since beginning of time adultery is a sin in every religion, and there are serious consequences in adultery. If someone finds out that adultery has taken place then the society will talk bad about the people and curse them. If anyone was their friend they would feel sorry for them because they never expected that their friend would do such a thing. Also, for the child they do not even know who their real father is. The rules for adultery have not changed in any way since time. No matter who is involved in adultery they will be given the punishment that they deserve. When the husband and the parents find out about this sin they will divorce their spouse and they will kick their child out of the house because they have done the biggest sin. Nobody will be able to accept the unborn child or the person. They have just ruined their and their unborn child’s life.
By the end of the book, many conclusions can be made, who do you think is the biggest sinner in the book and why? Explain your reasoning
The biggest sinner is Arthur Dimmesdale. When someone is a priest their goal is to make the people on the wrong path to come to the right path and explain to people what God expects from us people. But in the book the priest is shown as someone different that nobody can think a priest would do. I think it is the priest because when Hester was in front of the society at the beginning of the book it was only her and her daughter with the letter “A” on her chest. Hester has no right to be standing in front of the society all by herself. The father of the child has the responsibility to come out and stand with Hester because he was also involved. It was Arthur’s responsibility to stand beside Hester and face the society. Hester was standing in front of the society all by herself. If Arthur had any feelings for Hester then he would not have hidden from the society when Hester, was coming out of jail, he would have come in front of everyone and accepted his sin and helped Hester take care of Pearl. Arthur lived in guilt for seven years and never got a chance to spend any time with Pearl. The illness that Arthur had was not a normal flu he was sick because he was guilty about the sin be had committed. If Arthur knew what Hester was going through when she had to wear the scarlet letter in front of everyone then Arthur would not have hidden the red mark he had on his chest from everyone.
3. In the modern time if someone commits adultery how would the society react? Will they react the same as it is shown in the book? Why or why not?
ReplyDeletein the modern society adultery is forbidden in numerous religions and countries. Since sex before marriage is common in some areas around the world, it is not considered as big of sin as it was in the oldern society. In the past sins were taken crucially and severe punishments were given accordingly but in the modern society some sins are taken not as severely therefore the reaction to adultery in the modern society would not be as in the oldern society.
9. The book is based on the Christian religion. What role does religion play in the book?
Religion plays a crucial part in everything in the story revolves around; the actions of the character, society reactions, moral, mind set, and the atmosphere in the story. Religion is shown as a very influential in this story. one of the main themes in this story is adultery, an ex. of religion playing an important role in the society is when Hester is punishment for having sexual intercourse with a man she wasn't married with; she was punished for her crime. Religion kept everyone together and kept harmony and peace in the book. Therefor religion does play a very important role in this book.
^ by iqra Qureshi
ReplyDelete