Sunday, April 22, 2012
The Scarlet Letter- Style
This novel is written in a frame story. The first frame is in the Custom house at present. The second lesser frame is of the man intrigued by the story enough to write it down. And the most in depth frame, Hester's story in the late 17th Century. Because of this style of writing, the reader sees generations of townspeople recounting Hester's story as some cautionary tale, instead of learning compassion for other. The generations that were told this story through Prynne perspective, should have learned from it. They could have learned that everyone is equal, but instead the frame will keep getting bigger generation after generation of townspeople happening upon the story with disgust or disinterest. This is what happens in the outer most frame in the Custom house.
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I think that the frame story style also provides insight to who the narrator is. The narrator also longs to find himself but still be respected by others in society. Although writing seems absurd and pointless to many in his society, it is a part of him and it is something that he really wants to do. I think that the narrator and Hester are somewhat similar. They are both trying to fit into society in a way, but are not accepted by anyone based on their actions. For the narrator, it is writing a book, for Hester it is the birth of Pearl. The fact that both the narrator and Hester long for more creates a sense of sympathy within the reader too. I feel bad for them. :(
ReplyDeleteThis story is kind of one that has been passed down by oral tradition and has grown into a moral lesson. Maybe, however, the narrator will change some of that by the end of the story and possibly portray some sympathy on the reader for Hester. I guess it could be possible that Hester was forced into her sin, which would make it more forgivable. However, I enjoy the frame story because it gives the story through the eyes of someone who was disconnected from the tale rather than someone who could be biased.
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