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Isolation In The Scarlet Letter By Nathaniel Hawthorne

296 Words2 Pages

Through Hester, Hawthorne presents a character isolated from society, who defines her own identity and demonstrates her individuality. Through Dimmesdale, Hawthorne presents a trapped character, continually defining his identity based on society with little to show for his individuality. The two star-crossed lovers each represent a side of the same coin; one isolated, the other immersed in society; one defining her own identity, the other depending on society to define him; one showing individuality, the other lacking it entirely. Nathaniel Hawthorne, in The Scarlet Letter, uses this contrast between Hester and Dimmesdale and their development in the setting of Puritan society to explore the themes of individuality, identity, and isolation,

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