Thoughts on My Research Topic

I chose to do my research paper on Tennessee Williams. During my sophomore year, after reading his very intriguing short story "A Streetcar Named Desire" I became very interested in his imagery, description, and very multi-dimensional characters. One of the characters that intrigued me the most during that story was Blanche. She was a very aristocratic, pre-antebellum southern belle. After seeing the struggles that Blanche went through during the story and learning that Tennessee Williams was gay I wondered if Blanche could be a self-reflection of him and if it isn't some sort of his self reflection where did the inspiration for her character come from. I'm not actually sure what angle I want to take with this paper yet, but I hope to utilize "A Streetcar Named Desire" and learn more about Tennessee Williams' life.

Thoughts on "The Interior of a Heart"...(The Scarlet Letter Chaper 11)

In chapter 11, Chilllingworth is still playing his mind games with Dimmesdale who's health is still deteriorating. Throughout the chapter, the reader can sense Dimmesdale's distrust for Chillingworth, but Dimmesdale continues to sort of confide in him. He sort of preaches sermons in his conversations with Chillingworth in which the main topic is sin. The reader also learns that Dimmesdale wants to confess the truth of his sin to his congregation but, he cannot bring himself to do so.

This chapter shows more of the climax of Dimmesdale's moral battle with himself. Throughout the chapter Dimmesdale tourtures himself mentally with visions of telling the truth, but he can't bring himself to do so because of how it would affect his congregation. And his internal conflict is wearing on him physically because his health keeps deteriorating. Due to the fact that the scaffold keeps reappearing in his visions I think it's a very significant motif. I think by him visiting the scaffold it could help him restore some sort of sanity. I am anxious to see what becomes of the scaffold in future chapters.

Thoughts on "The Elf-Child and the Minister" (Scarlet Letter Chapter 8)...

In this chapter, Hester is still inside Governor Bellingham's mansion. Bellingham, Wilson, Chillingworth, and Dimmesdale enter a room. They notice Pearl and begin to tease her by calling her a demon-child. They Come to the realization that Hester is there also and they proceed to ask her why she should keep Pearl. Hester tells them she can teach Pearl an important lesson. The men question Pearl and she refuses to answer. The men don't like this. Hester begs Dimmesdale to speak for her and her child. He replies by reminding the men that God sent Pearl and that the child was meant to be both a blessing and a curse.Bellingham and Wilson agree not to separate mother and child.

I believe this chapter to be one of the most significant chapters of the book because a lot of dynamic things happen. It serves as a sort of a build up to the climax to the book. Pearl seems to be very fond of Dimmesdale who is her biological father. Dimmesdale's defense of Hester seems to peak Chillingworth's suspicions of who Hester committed adultery. Also, Hester seeing her reflection in the suit of armor is very important also. Her distorted reflection shows her being unable to fit in in society.

Thoughts on "The Market-Place" (The Scarlet Letter Chaper 2)...

In this chapter, the crowd watches as a condemned Hester Prynne (the protagonist) emerges from a prison with her child to be placed on a scaffold (a raised platform) to be publicly humiliated as a part of her punishment for committing adultery. Also, Hester has an A on her dress, which is also a part of her punishment, that means Adulterer.

This chapter serves as an introduction along with the first chapter "The Prison Door" to Hester Prynne and her situation. It also serves as direct links to how a real Puritan society deals with crimes that are committed. Puritans believe that sin permeates our world and it should be sought out and those who commit sins should be punished and made an example of. I think so far this book will be a great fictional look inside the way the Puritan society deals with crime and punishment. I look forward to reading more of the book and getting more insight in to the Puritan society.