Hester Prynne

In On the Scarlet Letter, D.H. Lawrence examines one of the many different opinions on Nathaniel Hawthorne’s character from The Scarlet Letter, Hester Prynne. Instead of evaluating the consequences of Hester’s sin, Lawrence focuses more on the sin itself. Mocking Hester, he clearly demonstrates that he does not agree with the amount of appraisal she receives and does not think that people should use her as a model to look up to. To express his opposition towards Hester Prynne, Lawrence includes narrative allusions, demeaning diction, and repetition throughout his criticism. By examining Hester Prynne’s character through narrative allusions, Lawrence demonstrates his cynical view of her. He refers to Hester Prynne as “Mrs. Hercules” and describes her ability to seduce Arthur Dimmesdale (Lawrence 45). Like Hercules, Hester proves to be cunning, strong, and willful. However, using these characteristics to her advantage, Hester entices Dimmesdale, which differs from what Hercules does with his strength. Alluding to Hercules, Lawrence mocks Hester for her actions and further persuades his audience that people should not look up to Hester Prynne.

To mock Hester’s depiction as a victim, Lawrence writes, “Abel! Abel! Abel!” (Lawrence 45). Lawrence repeats the name “Abel” in order to highlight the fact that people see Hester as a victim and when she is quite the opposite. He mocks her and reminds his audience that Hester continued to live after her sin even though Dimmesdale died. Furthermore, Lawrence repeats the word “adulteress” throughout his criticism (Lawrence 45). Repeating this word helps to emphasize that Hester is still, and always will be, a sinner. Moreover, “adulteress” usually comes with negative connotations. By continuously labeling Hester as an adulteress, Lawrence reminds the audience that her wrongdoings make her unworthy of