Hester Prynne Analysis

Can’t Sugar Coat A Sin

D. H. Lawrence uses numerous literary techniques to effectively critique the character Hester Prynne in his essay On The Scarlet Letter for her sin of adultery in The Scarlet Letter. D.H. Lawrence views Hester Prynne as a lustful shrew who throws herself at Dimmesdale for the sake of tarnishing his purity. He believes her actions speak for all women; every single women is guilty of such sins as Hester is. Lawrence’s essay on Hester achieves its desired effect of smearing Hester’s reputation through repetition, allusions, and concise syntax.

Lawrence uses repetition to brand a negative phrase into the reader's mind. He writes over and over again, “Adulteress! The great Alpha. Alpha! Adulteress!” (Lawrence). Lawrence’s

By referring to her in a cynical way, he can turn the tables on how readers feel about her. Lawrence’s seemingly small remark saying “Oh, Hester, you are a demon”, is a well thought out sentence meant to distance Hester from anything pure (Lawrence). He effectively links Hester to a demon by referring to her as the evil thing mentioned. He specifically titles her a demon, which the readers will not ignore and will undoubtedly make them think of Hester in that way henceforth. Lawrence’s means to push Hester out of the holy spotlight, and out of favor by turning all men and women against her. He successfully does so by claiming “Hester Prynne is the great nemesis of women” (Lawrence). Lawrence makes a paradox of her character. He makes Hester the villain, not the protagonist as Hawthorne

Lawrence is meticulous in his use of words featuring the ‘A’. His miniscule sentences center around Hester mockingly, saying “Adulteress. Alpha. Abel, Adam. A. America” (Lawrence). Lawrence is quick to the point and direct, especially where the ‘A’ is concerned. His point being the use of many words starting with the infamous ‘A’ meant to tease and ridicule Hester. Lawrence fires word after word to scorn her for being such a wench. Each shortened sentence is an effective jab at Hester and her status. His fervent attack knocks her down because he is relentless in his accusations. He focuses on the “fiery heart. A. Mary of the Bleeding Heart. Mater Adoleratal A. Capital A. Adulteress. Glittering with gold thread. Abel! Adultery” (Lawrence). He is direct and does not sugar coat anything. His short syntax demands that the reader’s attention be undiluted toward the tarnishing of Hester’s name. She is a sinful woman who doesn’t deserve the sympathy of readers. Imposing a dirty, vile, and dishonorable reputation where Hester’s name used to sit.

Moreover, D. H. Lawrence clearly exhibits his point of view on Hester Prynne through his use of repetition, allusions, and diminutive syntax. To Lawrence, women are nothing more than wicked seductresses, and Hester was the worst of them. He skillfully argues that Hester is an obscene women through his use of literary devices. By doing so,