For my paper I'm planning on writing about the ways different settings affect views of shame. In particular I'm going to look at Hester and Dimmesdale's shame in nature vs. in society. I'll probably use a lot of quotes and passages from the forest scene and talk about how those particular chapters were completely different than the tone of the rest of the book. I can comment on the way Hester's shame is more variable, it changes a lot from in society, where she has to wear it for everyone to see, versus in nature, where nobody cares what she has done. Dimmesdale on the other hand, his shame is more similar between the two settings. Even thought nature can't judge him for his sins, I think he still feels it inside and is judging himself harshly. Therefore, although he can let loose a little in the forest, he still has trouble letting go of his guilt as much as Hester can.
- "Reverend Dimmesdale exhibited no symptom of positive and vivacious suffering, except that, as little PEarl had remarked, he kept his hand over his heart." pg 164
-""Never, never!' whispered she "What we did had a consecration of its own. We felt it so! We said to each other! Hast thou forgotten it?" 'Hush Hester'" pg 170
-and also the part where she takes down her hair and her letter, i can't find it this moment.
-and lots of other quotes too hopefully.
