First in The Scarlet Letter, we were taught by Hawthorne about overcoming the initial stereotypes and biases of specific characters in the novel including himself. The author uses slow transitions in the novel to change our The view and his portrayal of Hester. He also uses Hester’s character to compare and bring attention to himself. Hester in particular, is first described in the novel by Hawthorne as deviant
While Hawthorne’s The Scarlet Letter certainly tells a compelling story, the novel also acts as a psychological study of sorts; delving deep into the minds of complex and troubled individuals. Each main character; Hester, Dimmesdale, and Chillingworth, is confronted with their own predicament to which they all react distinctively. Their responses to Hester and Dimmesdale’s sin are constructed by their own distorted perceptions of the world due to the mental illnesses they are all troubled by. Each character’s method of retaliating, coping, or succumbing indirectly reveals the illogical patterns within their mind. In Hawthorne’s The Scarlet Letter, each character faces unique mental afflictions, as Hester battles clinical depression, Dimmesdale
Is sinning really sinful? Is sinning really sinful? In Nathaniel Hawthorne’s book The Scarlet Letter there are quite a few examples of sin. However, Hawthorne depicts the same sin as one being more sinful then the other, until they redeem these sins. In this essay I will explore these examples to determine whether this thesis is true.
Nathaniel Hawthorne’s brilliant novel, The Scarlet Letter uses hypocrisy to illustrate the corruption within the Puritan religion. Hawthorne’s novel specifically illustrates the injustices of the Puritan religion before, and after The Salem Witch trials of 1692. Most of Hawthorne’s characters did something hypocritical to further develop their character and emotions. Hawthorne uses real historical people to prove his points; including Hester Prynne, Reverend Dimmesdale, and Doctor Chillingworth. All of these characters have either been a victim of hypocrisy or have been exposed by hypocrisy by Nathaniel Hawthorne.
In Nathaniel Hawthorne's The Scarlet Letter, Hawthorne uses symbols to reflect Hester's problems with The Scarlet letter, the meteor and pearl. The first form of symbolism and most mentioned symbols throughout the book is the “A”. The scarlet letter is the letter “A” worn by Hester Prynne and, the letter that is embroidered onto all of Hester's clothing. The letter “A” represents hester's sin adultery. The letter marks Hester as a sinner.
What if the people of today were punished for all the wrong, but small actions that they did. In the Scarlet Letter, Hawthorne does an outstanding job of expressing the true of his characters. In the story adults are constrained by societal expectations. Hester Prynne, the main character of the The Scarlet Letter, is accused of adultery, and has to wear the scarlet “A” on her chest. Hester, even after her punishment and the town forgiving her, she still kept the scarlet letter “A” on her chest.
The Scarlet Letter, a novel written by Nathaniel Hawthorne in 1850, functions as an evaluation of Puritan ideas, customs, and culture during the 17th century. Through this evaluation, we can get a good idea of what core values and beliefs the Puritans possessed, as well as the actions they take in cases of adversity brought about by “sinners”. Some Puritan virtues created stark divisions between groups of people, some of which led to discrimination under certain circumstances. One of the most prominent of these is the treatment and standards of men and women, a concept that surfaced during some of the major points in The Scarlet Letter. The divisions that were created by Puritan standards of men and women played a great role in shaping the plot of The Scarlet Letter, determining the fate of many of the characters.
Nathaniel Hawthorne’s The Scarlet Letter features numerous elements of ambiguity, meaning there is not one single or clear meaning. Constant confusion is placed into the readers mind to keep the novel interesting. Most characters presented in the novel can embody both “good” and “evil” qualities, and the characters and symbols are left open to more than one interpretation. Hawthorne’s continual use of ambiguity keeps the reader alert and gives an air of mystery that allows the readers to reach their own conclusions on certain aspects as to what Hawthorne only vaguely hints at throughout The Scarlet Letter or has left for the reader to decide. In The Scarlet Letter, Hester Prynne shows strength and the ability to overcome great trial and turmoil in her life, yet the guilt and shame sometimes overwhelms her.
Scarlet Letter provides a clear depiction regarding the idea and a conflict resulting from combating two different perspectives, self—reliance and puritan tradition. In this depiction, Hawthorn clearly shows the significance of self-reliance and the effects coming into the existence for not following this trend throughout the novel. As we see, Hester Prynne—the protagonist of the novel—shares her own individual perspectives. Besides her commitment to an adultery sin, she courageously and independently acts; although she is in isolation, she becomes the example of beauty, happiness, strength, and creativity. Opposite to self-reliance, puritan tradition is on the other side.
Later the article states that, “the author has made no great point of causing his figures to speak the English of their period”(28). The English the characters are using in “The Scarlet Letter” is not accurate to the time period where this novel is set. Hawthorne has the characters speaking the English of his time, which at first may not be completely obvious Henry James’ essay “Flaws in The Scarlet Letter”, elucidates symbolism, characters, and the knowledge of Hawthorne. It portrays a paramount role when interpreting “The Scarlet Letter” worth. I agree that throughout “The Scarlet Novel” did have flaws in these areas.