Sample Quotes and Commentary from The Scarlet Letter
Interpretive Argument/Thematic Idea: Within a given topic, this is a
specific, controversial/opinionated statement as to what is suggested or
implied in the literature: it is an interpretation.
Commentary: Analysis of a quotation that interprets the quotation
specifically in the terms of a thematic idea or argument within a given topic.
The “direction” of the commentary is determined by which topic the writer
is pursuing and what argument he/she is making.
Commentary is not summary: It does not simply recount the facts of a
passage, but the writer extracts from the context an idea to be discussed on
its own merits. Commentary connects specific elements of a quotation to a
larger interpretation. It moves from the specific example to the general idea.
The same quote can be used for different topics; it just depends on the
approach the writer takes to the quote and what topic he/she is
interested in.
1.
Topic: Sin
2.
Thematic Idea / Interpretive Argument
Hawthorne suggests that sin, rather than damning a person or making
them a lesser human being, actually raises the sinner’s consciousness
and sensitivity.
3.
Quote
“Such helpfulness was found in her—so much power to do and power to
sympathize—that many people refused to interpret the scarlet ‘A’ by its
original signification. They said that it meant ‘Able’; so strong was
Hester Prynne, with a woman’s strength” (156).
4.
Commentary
In this quotation, Hester’s “power to sympathize” stems from her status
as a sinner. Hawthorne emphasizes this by having the people directly
associate the scarlet letter, the symbol of her sin, with her newfound
abilities. The quote suggests that while it is true that all people do
wrong, by accepting one’s own shortcomings and failings, a connection
is formed between oneself and humankind—a connection that fails to
form in a state of denial or accusation.
1.
Topic: Women
2.
Thematic Idea / Interpretive Argument
Hawthorne shows how in Puritan society a woman’s power and status,
unlike a man’s, is a function only of her service to others, not her own
strengths or abilities.
3.
Quote
“Such helpfulness was found in her—so much power to do and power to
sympathize—that many people refused to interpret the scarlet ‘A’ by its
original signification. They said that it meant ‘Able’; so strong was
Hester Prynne, with a woman’s strength” (156).
4.
Commentary
In this quotation, Hester’s strength, which Hawthorne generalizes to “a
woman’s strength” is drawn only from her capacity to help others. She
is “able” because she serves. While a man can be seen as strong
through the self-centered domination of others, whether physical or
intellectual, it is a woman’s selflessness and ultimate submission to
others that defines her strength, at least in a chauvinistic or
paternalistic context.
1.
Topic: Puritan Society vs. the individual
2.
Interpretive Argument
In Hawthorne’s portrayal of Puritan society, he lays bear the
contradiction inherent in the rejection of individualism as sinful by
showing that an individual can only achieve true power or renown in
Puritan society by NOT conforming, by acting outside of the rigid social
norms.
3.
The Quote
“Such helpfulness was found in her—so much power to do and power to
sympathize—that many people refused to interpret the scarlet ‘A’ by its
original signification. They said that it meant ‘Able’; so strong was
Hester Prynne, with a woman’s strength” (156).
4.
The Commentary
In this quotation, Hester Prynne, representative of someone standing in
opposition to the Puritan society, gains the admiration of the society
purely through acts of individualism. A rebel who refuses to cooperate
with the powers that be, while ostensibly a threat to the very structure
of the society, actually strengthens it by becoming, in this case, a role
model of kindness. In a society that condemns individuality, it is still
the non-conforming individual that rises in power and acclaim.