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The Scarlet Letter By Jean Paul

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Emotions play a huge role in our lives. They control how we go about our day and feel toward loved ones. They influence our morals and ethics; they govern our worlds. How we feel dictates our outlook on the world. When one is sad and lonely, society, to him or her, is no longer sympathetic; life is hopeless and empty. “Like thunderclouds, in the distance they look black, over our heads scarcely gray,” says famous German Romantic writer Jean Paul. In addition, our emotions control our physical appearances, portraying, to the world, how we feel inside. For example, Arthur Dimmesdale from The Scarlet Letter looked “thin and white-cheeked” (183) when he felt guilty for his lustful sin. In fact, The Scarlet Letter clearly portrays how the emotions of its characters influence their perspectives and appearances, which is similarly represented in our lives today. The famous saying “actions speak louder than words” is true because our emotions are shown through our physical appearances. Our appearances allow emotions to be expressed. Arthur Dimmesdale is a very significant character regarding emotions and his appearance. His feelings seem to resonate when he acts and talks. His sermons, especially, portray his passion and excitement. According to the townspeople’s united testimony, “never had man spoken so wise, so high, and so holy a spirit…nor had inspiration ever breathed mortal lips more evidently” (203). In our world today, when someone is happy, they look

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