Comparing Scarlet Letter, The Ministers Black Veil, And The Birthmark

Chris Ocampo
Period 4A
October 18,2015

Character Analysis/symbolism/Theme Identification-Analysis Essay

Nathaniel Hawthorne’s use of symbolic commentary and conventional themes in The Scarlet Letter, The Ministers Black Veil, and The Birthmark, characterizes sin and judgment as deformations within us all. Within each of Hawthorne’s’ works sin reflects internal and exposed sins, as well in people’s flaws. However, there deformations expand further than the objects that they wear. All of the major symbols and themes in Hawthorns selected works embody Alienation. Hester Prynne, Aylmer, and Mr. Hooper are linked to the ambiguity of Puritan morals. Puritans throughout the 1800’s believed science and knowledge was sinful. Much of Hawthorne’s writing

Mr. Hooper’s veil and Hester’s scarlet letter symbolize ones self-sin within and the ones exposed. The black veil that Mr. Hooper voluntarily dons becomes more sinister in its interpretation as time passes. The veil turns black over time, symbolizing the horror of others. Mr. Hooper assimilates the veil within is personality. Nonetheless, allowing others to see his true being. “Know, then, this veil is a type and a symbol, and I am bound to wear it ever, both in light and darkness, in solitude and before the gaze of multitudes, and as with strangers, so with my familiar friends, no mortal eye will see it withdrawn, the dismal shade must separate me from the world" (336) Hawthorne’s them through out the Ministers Black Veil and many more of his works, resemble innocence, guilt and secret

Heart versus mind seemed to be a well talked about theme in this piece. Hester Prynne, the antagonist, has an affair that takes their town for a turn. The scarlet letter on Hester’s chest is a continuous reminder of the sin she committed. In the 1800’s adultery was rarely seen and was high frowned upon. ‘Thus the young and pure would be taught to look at her, with the scarlet letter flaming on her breast, —at her, the child of honorable parents, —at her, the mother of a babe, that would hereafter be a woman, —at her, who had once been innocent, —as the figure, the body, the reality of sin.” (5.1) The A’s humiliating and Hester’s put unwillingly on the scaffold, for the whole town to have a shot. Hawthorns exhibition of pearl, is also a symbol of shame. Hester, Dimmesdale, and Pearl all get punished in this gothic novel. The “family” is alienated in town full of judgment. However, Dimmesdale does not take part for most of the novel. He deals with a conflict within himself. This deformation is not seen by the townspeople but he suffers greatly