Week 6 – Blogging Author Perspective Using Two Literary Terms

As I continue to submerge myself between pages of The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne, I found that point of view and conflict were terms that students could identify with through their own life experiences. 

Throughout Hawthorne’s story, Hester Prynne is victimized by the community through guilt and shame of having a child born out of wedlock. Hester continues to live her life by remaining true to herself as she does not let the words, actions or distorted thoughts of others get to her.  Prynne does not feel helpless or ashamed, but looks the town people in the eye remaining proud of who she is and the responsibility she has of being a mother. 

As human beings, one should place themselves in the shoes of others before chastising a situation; mistakes can be made by choices one may believe to be right in the moment, without foreseeing the outcome.  In life, society can judge harshly against those who do not fit a ‘mold’ of how one should live life, nor can one identify with what may occur in someone else’s life.  Shameful experiences can lead a person to feeling alone, humiliated and withdrawn while having to justify one’s own actions.  But should they have to?

Students can identify with these terms through feelings and emotions of the mind and heart.  They continue to live and learn a multitude of experiences shared each day with family, friends and community.  Literature can help them to recognize that there are ethical standards by which are considered ideal, however, one should not fear what others may view of them in their eyes but remain true to oneself.  Students need to remain at their own level in life, not try to be or act like someone they are not and advocate for themselves when conflicts become overwhelming. 

Similarly, students today can relate to being outcast among their peers.  These types of situations occur when points of view or conflicting information about a person is rumored.  When not having all the details, being a social outcast can be a misrepresentation on an individual which may not be the reality, but a contrast of truth.  What makes for someone else point of view relevant?  How does conflicting information demoralize other human beings?  What connections can students make as a contrast or comparison to their own life?  Reading literature of all kinds allows a reader to sense emotions of the character and understand the nuances of conflict created when issues are revealed and recognizing challenges faced when resolving.  Be you, be true.


Comments

  1. Anya BentApril 30, 2017 at 2:09 PM

    You have made some great connections. I think that in a classroom setting the class would make so many great connections.

    ReplyDelete

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