Throughout history, imagery has been used in literature to provide an emotional depth and prevalence to literary works that would otherwise be lost in time. The Scarlet Letter is an emotional, Puritan-era novel that focuses on the harsh and controversial topics of adultery, sin, hypocrisy, and judgment. The Scarlet Letter tells the sentimental story of Hester Prynne, a young Puritan woman who has been condemned to wear a scarlet A after she commits adultery and creates an illegitimate child, Pearl, with the holy Reverend Mr. Dimmesdale. The author, Nathaniel Hawthorne, employs a unique and nonpareil style that incorporates antiquated words, thought-provoking symbolism, and rich irony. Hawthorne’s writing style provides a deep meaning to many everyday objects such as a rosebush and a prison door.
Hawthorne utilizes each different meaning of the scarlet letter to make a commentary on the Puritan society. While many readers view the scarlet letter as simply a mark of adultery, it is really a symbol of Hester’s identity. In the beginning, the scarlet letter obtains a negative connotation. In the prologue of the novel, while exploring the attic of the Custom House, the curator finds the scarlet letter, “my eyes fastened themselves upon the old scarlet letter…certainly, there was some deep meaning in it…as if the letter were not of red cloth, but red-hot iron” (Hawthorne 31). Even years after Hester Prynne’s death, the scarlet letter continues to have a negative impact on anyone that views it.
In Chapter 2, when Hester exits the prison, the narrator states “On the breast of her gown, in fine red cloth surrounded with an elaborate embroidery and fantastic flourishes of gold thread appeared the letter “A.” …” (46) This quote shows how well done Hester’s brand is, containing an eye-catching beauty that makes it the center of attention. Although the public believes that Hester did this to mock the magistrates, Hester did this for a different reason. Hester made her brand so eye-catching because she is not afraid ... ... middle of paper ... ...nclusion, Dimmesdale is the embodiment of humanity, cowardly and weak. He justifies that confessing is a bad thing but Dimmesdale tries to repent and confess, albeit when no one can see him. In The Scarlet Letter, Nathaniel Hawthorne develops his characters, Hester and Dimmesdale, throughout the story.
Nathaniel Hawthorne is famous for his long fictional work the scarlet letter in 1850, which is still considered as the most important work of him. The scarlet letter involves the presence of facts and figures to support the text and also includes the fictional work in the text. Hawthorne was actually inspired from the manuscripts he got in the custom house in Salem while he was working as an executive officer or the surveyor in custom house where the taxes are paid, their he found the documents and a manuscripts with the piece of cloth, a badge letter A. Hawthorne started to read the manuscripts and thought of writing the scarlet letter which was about a women called Hester Prynne. The scarlet letter is written in a way that in the introduction it has facts, figures and the reality of the scarlet letter A and later he uses fictional ideas of touching and holding the badge made him to burn his chest. The scarlet letter has both the presence of facts and fictional work which is really interesting piece written by Hawthorne.
But, with her sin, comes the dreaded Scarlet A. The letter, which she so beautifully embroidered, se... ... middle of paper ... ...aders with knowledge and a lifelong lesson. The Scarlet Letter teaches everyone to be able to see the sin and actual insides of someone's soul. After uncovering their deep, dark secrets, one is taught not to judge or persecute the person because of what their heart contains, for their heart may be cleaner than one's own. Works Cited and Consulted: Bradley, Sculley, Beatty, Richmond Croom, and E. Hudson Long (1996).
The community interprets the cosmic "A" as Angel, signifying the passing of Governor Winthrop. The letter on Hester's bosom represented the sin of adultery, yet as that it meant different things to Hester, Dimsdale, Pearl, Chillingworth and the Puritan community. To Hester it represented "alienation and unjust humiliation" . "Hester looked, by way of humoring the child; and she saw that, owing to the peculiar effect of this convex mirror, the scarlet letter was represented in exaggerated and gigantic proportions, so as to be greatly the most prominent feature of her appearance. In truth, she seemed absolutely hidden behind it."
Hawthorne=s description of Hester=s attitude expresses her passion through pride, vanity, and confidence. When Hester steps out of the prison, her face has a Aburning blush, and yet a haughty smile and a glance that would not be abashed@(Hawthorne 52.) This sentence exemplifies her superiority through her beauty and her expression of shamelessness. Hawthorne dwells on Hester further by showing what beautiful artwork she has through his description of the scarlet letter. The letter is sew...
The Scarlet Letter, written by Nathaniel Hawthorne, is a highly acclaimed work which centerpiece is the focus on the effects of sin in Puritan society. Hawthorne carried a heavy burden of truth hidden within the Puritan code, which has in turn created frenzy for his book since its publication in 1850. The age-old tale is of Hester Prynne a married woman in Boston, who is charged with adultery with an unknown partner. As punishment Hester must adorn a Scarlet A symbolizing her sin and shaping her existence. When one vigorously analyzes the overall theme of the novel, sin and its corollaries appear to be the main premise for the storyline.
A monarchy he condemns to include the army, the law, religion and senate (Percy). Described are the madness and blindness of the King and the mutilated genetic line that includes the Prince. Holding true to his form, the poet ends his poem in optimism; optimistically yearning for a revolution and that people will rise up against the ruling class. Percy Bysshe Shelley’s poem, “England in 1819”, was broken down into two romantic themes. Shelley tried to show people to see ordinary things in a brand new way which is part of a glorification of the ordinary theme and by writing his poem outside the expected literary rules he used an individualism and alienation theme to show his true feelings about the British monarchy and his passion for liberty.
The A to Dimmesdale is a reminder of his own contrition. To Pearl, the A is peculiarity and Roger Chillingworth sees the A as a journey for retaliation. Other then adultery, the A can also stand for "Angel" and "Able". Angel, for it appears in the sky after Governor Winthrop's death. Able, for Hester has won the respect of the Puritans even if she has sinned terribly.