AP English Language and Composition
Finn/Loun
The Scarlet Letter Dialectical Journals
“The truth seems to be, however, that, when he casts his leaves forth upon the wind, the author
addresses, not the many who will fling aside his volume, or never take it up, but the few who
will understand him, better than most of his schoolmates or lifemates. Some authors, indeed, do
far more than this, and indulge themselves in such confidential depths of revelation as could
fittingly be addressed, only and exclusively, to the one heart and mind of perfect sympathy; as if
the printed book, thrown at large on the wide world, were certain to find out the divided
segment of the writer's own nature, and complete his circle of existence by bringing him into
communion with it. It is scarcely decorous, however, to speak all, even where we speak
impersonally. But—as thoughts are frozen and utterance benumbed, unless the speaker stand in
some true relation with his—audience, it may be pardonable to imagine that a friend, a kind and
apprehensive, though not the closest friend, is listening to our talk; and then, a native reserve
being thawed by this genial consciousness, we may prate of the circumstances that lie around
us, and even of ourself, but still keep the inmost Me behind its veil. To this extent and within
these limits, an author, methinks, may be autobiographical, without violating either the reader's
rights or his own.” (Hawthorne, “The Custom House,” #)
Dialectic – noun: “the art or practice of logical discussion as employed in investigating the truth
of a theory or opinion.” (dictionary.com)
Dialectical – adj: “of, pertaining to, or of the nature of logical argumentation.” (dictionary.com)
Dialectical Journal – a tool a reader uses to investigate theories or opinions pertaining to the
“truth” and purpose of a piece of literature.
There is truth to be found in literature, and the authors who write the literature
have a specific purpose. The reader’s job is to read carefully enough and with
enough of an open mind to realize that purpose.
Your goal is to fondle the details of this text enough to arrive at some semblance of truth. You
will do that through dialectical journaling and reader response. For each reading assignment,
you should have fondled at least 10 details and considered them meaningfully. By meaningfully,
I mean to make connections to other texts, analyze the rhetorical devices used in this story, and
contemplate/discern Hawthorne’s purpose always in the back of your mind. And remember: at
least ten details is average; an average grade is a C.
Yes, this will add time to your reading, but it’s time well spent. I mean, it’s meaningless
to read if you’re not going to stop and think about what you’re reading, right? This just
formalizes the process a little bit.
AP English Language and Composition
Finn/Loun
Sample Dialectical Journal
Passage of Text
“Some authors, indeed, do far
more than this, and indulge
themselves in such confidential
depths of revelation as could
fittingly be addressed, only and
exclusively, to the one heart
and mind of perfect sympathy;
as if the printed book, thrown
at large on the wide world,
were certain to find out the
divided segment of the writer's
own nature, and complete his
circle of existence by bringing
him into communion with it. It
is scarcely decorous, however,
to speak all, even where we
speak impersonally” (15).
“At all events, I, the present
writer, as their representative,
hereby take shame upon myself
for their sakes, and pray that
any curse incurred by them – as
I have heard and as the dreary
and unprosperous condition of
the race, for many a long year
back, would argue to exist –
may be now henceforth
removed” (21).
“’A wise sentence!’ remarked
the stranger, gravely bowing his
head. ‘Thus she will be a living
sermon against sin, until the
ignominious letter be engraved
upon her tombstone. It irks me,
nevertheless, that the partner
of her iniquity should not, at
least, stand on the scaffold by
her side. But he will be known!
– he will be known! – he will be
known!’” (69).
Response and Consideration
This reminds me of Richard Rodriguez – he reveals so much
about himself and his family that he hurts his mother. I’m not
sure any story is worth that, even though I have learned so
much from him. Perhaps Hawthorne has a personal connection
to the story of the Scarlet Letter and that’s why he mentions
this. Is it an apology in advance for the personal nature of what
he’s about to tell? Or perhaps it foreshadows some event: “it is
scarcely decorous, however, to speak all, even where we speak
impersonally.” On the scaffold, Hester refuses to speak of the
man who got her pregnant. Maybe she feels it would be
“scarcely decorous” of her, even if it would lighten her
punishment.
It seems that Hawthorne is taking responsibility for the crimes
of his ancestors. I wonder if that means that he forgives them
what they did to the women in the witch trials, or to those that
were pushed into the margins like Hester. Perhaps there is a
hint at purpose here; maybe this book is cathartic for him, an
exploration of the crimes of his forefathers and a plea to forgive
them their faults.
Woah. Someone’s angry. And isn’t this a bit much for her
crime? What kind of world does Hester live in that would treat
her like this, and who is this man who would exclaim three
times in a row that he wants to know the man who fathered
Hester’s child? Clearly this is important, I just don’t really know
why yet. What I do know is that this punishment is unfair.
Hester is not the only one who sinned.
(An alternate response from Ms. Krebs: “Clearly the other
person should also be punished, but should Hester’s
punishment be lessened because the other culprit could not be
found? I don’t think so.”)