Quotation Reflection: Ch. 13 - 18

Choose two of the following quotations to discuss and reflect upon in detail (one from the beginning or middle and one from the end). Be sure to read the context of the quotation as well. Then write a detailed reflection on each.

1. "It was nonetheless a fact, however, that, in the eyes of the very men who spoke thus, the scarlet letter had the effect of the cross on a nun's bosom. It imparted to the wearer a kind of sacredness, which enabled her to walk securely amid all peril." 112

2. "The scarlet letter had not done its office." 114

3. "It lies not in the pleasure of the magistrates to take off this badge . . . Were I worthy to be quit of it, it would fall away of its own nature, or be transformed into something that should speak a different purport." 116

4. "Ever and anon, too, there came a glare of red light out of his eyes; as if the old man's soul were on fire, and kept on smouldering duskily within his breast, until, by some casual puff of passion, it was blown into momentary flame." 116 and/or "And what am I now?" demanded he, looking into her face, and permitting the whole evil within him to be written on his features. "I have already told thee what I am! A fiend! Who made me so?" 118

5. "Pearl took some eel-grass, and imitated, as best she could, on her own bosom, the decoration with which she was so familiar on her mother's. A letter,--the letter A,--but freshly green, instead of scarlet!" 122 and/or "What does the letter mean, mother?--and why dost thou wear it?--and why does the minister keep his hand over his heart?" 124

6. "Mother . . . the sunshine does not love you. It runs away and hides itself, because it is afraid of something on your bosom. Now see! There it is, playing, a good way off. Stand you here, and let me run and catch it. I am but a child. It will not flee from me; for I wear nothing on my bosom yet!" 126

7. "You have deeply and sorely repented!"
"No, Hester, no! . . . Of penance I have had enough! Of penitence there has been none! Else, I should long ago have thrown off these garments of mock holiness, and have shown myself to mankind as them will see me at judgement seat. Happy are you, Hester, that wear the scarlet letter openly upon your bosom! Mine burns in secret!" 131

8. "If, in all these past seven years," thought he, "I could recall one instant of peace or hope, I would yet endure, for the sake of that earnest of Heaven's mercy. But now, --since I am irrevocably doomed,--wherefore should I not snatch the solace allowed to the condemned culprit before his execution? . . . The decision once made, a glow of stange enjoyment threw its flickering brightness over the trouble of his breast." 138

9. “All at once, as with a sudden smile of heaven, forth burst the sunshine, pouring a very flood into the obscure forest, gladdening each green leaf, transmuting the yellow fallen ones to gold, and gleaming adown the gray trunks of the solemn trees.” Little brook with a “merry gleam” 139