Allusions In Scarlet Letter

In his essay, “On the Scarlet Letter”, D.H. Lawrence critiques the character of Hester Prynne in Nathaniel Hawthorne’s novel, The Scarlet Letter. He believes that Hester, who commits adultery and is condemned by the Puritan community, is portrayed as a sympathetic character instead of an undeserving sinner. Lawrence’s negative depiction of Hester is demonstrated through his use of biblical allusions, uneven syntax, and a disapproving tone. Lawrence utilizes biblical allusions in order to portray Hester as unworthy. He believes that Hester knowingly committed adultery with the intention of exposing Dimmesdale and upsetting Chillingworth. Lawrence claims, “Then, when [Hester has] brought him down, [she] humbly wipes off the mud with [her] hair, another Magdalen” (Lawrence). By comparing Hester to Mary Magdalene, a sinner who was later canonized as a saint,

He declares, “Adulteress. The great Alpha. Alpha! A. Adulteress! The new Adam and Adama! American!” (Lawrence). The use of unconventional one-word sentences and alliteration grabs the reader’s attention. Lawrence is describing what he believes Hester is: an adulteress, a personification of Adam, the first sinner, and an embodiment of American ideals. He wants to make a point about Hester’s impurity and sinfulness, and uses concise and repetitive sentences in order to do so. Lawrence also alleges that Hester’s motives were “To seduce a man. To have everyone know. To keep up appearances of purity. Pure!” (Lawrence). His sentences are effective because he uses repeated, insistent phrases to emphasize Hester’s goals. Lawrence wants to portray Hester as a conniving woman who seduces a reverend with the aim of damaging his reputation and victimizing herself. He feels no sympathy for Hester, and indicates this through his usage of brief sentences and repeating