The Scarlet Letter

16

A Forest Walk

"When her elf-child had departed, Hester Prynne made a step or two towards the track that led through the forest, but still remained under the deep shadow of the trees. She beheld the minister advancing along the path, entirely alone, and leaning on a staff which he had cut by the way-side. He looked haggard and feeble, and betrayed a nerveless despondency in his air, which had never so remarkably characterized him in his walks about the settlement, nor in any other situation where he deemed himself liable to notice. Here it was wofully visible, in this intense seclusion of the forest, which of itself would have been a heavy trial to the spirits. There was a listlessness in his gait; as as if he saw no reason for taking one step farther, nor felt any desire to do so, but would have been glad, could he be glad of any thing, to fling himself down at the root of the nearest tree, and lie there passive for evermore."

My response:

I think this passage was very sad because, when the minister and Hester weren't involved immorally, I'm sure he was very healthy in regards to his emotional state. Now that it's been years since he and Hester committed adultery, it's slowly degrading his heart, because it's been kept secret for 7 or more years. I think his description is what really tells of how he's not fairing health wise, because he looks "haggard" as Hester described, and worn down like he stopped taking care of himself. I think this book is just depressing, but interesting in the sense one wants to know what happens at the end, so one MUST keep reading. :)