As soon as Molly posted the prompt, I thought about trying something related to The Scarlet Letter. The letter in question was an A after all. I even went so far as to dig up a copy of the book. My high-school memories of reading it were foggy and I thought I could skim it and get a clearer image of what I wanted to say.
Ha! You don’t (or I don’t, at least) “skim” 19th century literature. Not wanting to invest the time wading through Hawthorne, and convinced that many other people would have the same idea, I gave up on it and tried to think of something else.
Unfortunately, nothing else came to mind so I took some test shots with the A this afternoon. I liked how they turned out so glanced at wikipedia to make sure my memories of Hester Prynne and the reason for her A were accurate.
Hester’s A was for an affair leading to a child that wasn’t her husband’s. I think the A can now also be seen as a symbol for women making their own decisions when it comes to sex. Hester did, pushing Puritan boundaries while discovering her own strength. I’m certain there are many, many examples of the use of the A by women through modern history claiming it as their own. (Apologies for my scholarly laziness in not being more thorough and providing links.)
I’m proudly wearing the A. I’m smiling in the photo, though it wasn’t captured in this edit. I’m thrilled to be able to sleep with who I want, how I want. Giddy to share this information with friends (albeit receptive ones). Excited to be owning my body, my sexuality. Eager to learn what I like and grateful for the fact that I have the freedom and space to figure it out. Of course I know this isn’t the case for many still, and I’m aware of my privilege here.
While we’ve come a long way from the early 1800s (when the book was written) and the 1600s (when it was set) there is still a long way to go. Women are still slut-shamed in many areas. Unmarried women are still questioned and expected to settle down. Women are still accused of “asking for it” and women still worry for their safety in ways that most men don’t have to. I believe change is coming. I know it has in many ways in my own life.
I think the photo can be interpreted either as a celebration or a comment on how far we still have to go.
To see more A inspired images, click the kiss.
Malin James
Oh, Maria. This is such a strong, nearly brutal take on Hester’s A. I love how it can be read two ways – as a defiance and as a reminder of the progress we still have yet to make. The way you conveyed the gravity of that message in those slashing red lines on your body is brilliant.
Malin James recently posted…Sinful Sunday: Architecture
MariaSibylla
Oh thanks so much Malin! I was worried that I hadn’t researched the book and Hester’s legacy enough to do the image justice. Also having so much to say and not sure I was getting it all out coherently. So, so pleased that the message came through. Thank you!!
MariaSibylla recently posted…A
Exposing40
Oh, such a wonderful post. Fabulous words and the punch of red against your breasts is beautiful. Xx
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MariaSibylla
Thank you!!!
The Other Livvy
What a great post! The photo is amazing; the red looks incredible against your skin and you look gorgeous. And such strong words, I love it! Xxx
The Other Livvy recently posted…Sinful Sunday: Easy A…
Dawn
Wonderful words and image 🙂
Dawn recently posted…A is For…
Molly
This is a very thought provoking post, I love the idea that the letter A, in this context, can be used to represent pride and not shame.
Mollyxxx
Molly recently posted…Apple
Fettler
Great photo and nice to have something that has real thought and meaning. There’s a quote that says a great photograph should leave you thinking, and I think this one fits that idea…
Fettler
Great photo and nice to have something that has real thought and meaning. There’s a quote that says a great photograph should leave you thinking, and I think this one fits that idea…
sub-Bee
That is an amazing image and a wonderful message it carries too when viewed alongside your words.
sub-Bee recently posted…A is for…
Marie Rebelle
First, this is a lovely image. Second, this post is one I will visit again.
This paragraph I read over and over, and many thoughts came to mind:
“I’m proudly wearing the A. I’m smiling in the photo, though it wasn’t captured in this edit. I’m thrilled to be able to sleep with who I want, how I want. Giddy to share this information with friends (albeit receptive ones). Excited to be owning my body, my sexuality. Eager to learn what I like and grateful for the fact that I have the freedom and space to figure it out. Of course I know this isn’t the case for many still, and I’m aware of my privilege here.”
Rebel xox
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MariaSibylla
Thank you Marie!
Velvet Rose
Strong and defiant! I love it!
Velvet x
Velvet Rose recently posted…The 30 Days of Kink – Day 3 – How did you discover you were kinky?
KaziG
Strong post and words! You wear the A beautifully 🙂
~Kazi xxx
KaziG recently posted…Sinful Sunday: “A” is for Adventurous
HappyComeLucky
I am always in awe of the power, intent and perfection in your images. You leave me speechless week after wek.
MariaSibylla
Oh wow, thank you so much Honey!
Jack (and Jill)
The perfect interpretation of this month’s prompt!
Jack (and Jill) recently posted…TMI Tuesday: February 9, 2016