The Scarlet Letter: A Life Undone

A Life Undone By A Letter Hester’s character and personality are heavily scrutinized in D.H. Lawrence’s “On The Scarlet Letter.” Lawrence’s unarguable acceptance of Puritan norms causes him to disagree with Hester’s characterization. In addition to his condescending remarks of Hester, he criticizes Nathaniel Hawthorne’s writing and character development. D.H. Lawrence uses biblical allusion, brief syntax, and a cynical tone to support his argument that Hester is the responsible one in the crime of adultery. Lawrence uses several biblical allusions to support his idea that Hester is the wrongdoer in the sin. Lawrence calls Hester “another Magdalene,” or another woman that has been accused of adultery as well (Lawrence). He then goes on to describe Hawthorne’s description of Hester on the scaffold as similar to that of the Virgin Mary. Lawrence mocks and questions Hester’s appearance that resembles “the sinless Motherhood, whose infant was to redeem the world” (Lawrence). When he compares Hester to Adam, he is referencing Adam and Eve. By making this comparison, he asserts the idea that women are often the reason for sin, as Eve is the one that prompted Adam to eat the apple. He asserts the idea that the description does not match Hester’s real quality at all. By using allusions, Lawrence further

He makes use of condescending and disapproving remarks as shown in his statement:“Oh, Hester, you are a demon” (Lawrence). He is clearly against Hester’s description and facade held throughout “The Scarlet Letter,” seeing as she is not as pure as her image. His words are dripping with mockery when he addresses Hawthorne himself as “a blue-eyed darling of a Nathaniel” (Lawrence). He justifies Hester’s misrepresentation as a misstep and disgrace on Hawthorne’s part. By using travesty and cynicism, Lawrence supports his idea that Hester is guilty and the abettor of the