Speak - Interpreting Intentions in Complex Narratives
Hairwoman: [[Nathaniel Hawthorne|Hawthorne]
Every word ] wrote, every comma, every paragraph break, these were done on purpose. It is our job to try and figure out what he's really trying to say.
Melinda: [voiceover]
Why couldn't he just say what he meant? Would they pin a scarlet letter on his chest? "S" for straightforward?
Hairwoman:
The house with the chunks of glass in its walls, is a symbol of what? Well, it would reflect, sparkle? Come on people, the house symbolizes...?
Rachel:
How do you know that's what he meant to say? I mean, you could just make all that up, it's just a story.
Hairwoman:
This is Hawthorne, one of America's greatest novelists. And not that it makes any difference but I wrote my dissertation on Hawthorne.
Rachel:
Fine, but, I thought we were all supposed to have opinions here. I mean it's a good story especially when Hester and that guy fall in love. But I don't really believe in symbolism. I mean you can just make all that up.
Hairwoman: [about to cry]
Alright class, I want you all to write a 500 word essay on symbolism. And then... turn it in!
Melinda: [voiceover]
Poor hairwoman. I hope they send her to a conference or something. I'm ready to help pay for a sub.
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.