Romanticism And Individualism In Nathaniel Hawthorne's The Scarlet Letter

In the scene, in the middle of a description about how men have failed to reach the idealist goals that they had, we see a single rose bush (an representation of nature) that, despite the failings of man, has managed to overcome hardship and continues to thrive in the middle of town. If Romanticism says that individualism is better than collectivism, the individualist rose bush could be support for that theory.

In the scene, where Hester Prynne emerges from the prison door while carrying her child, she walks with elegance and dignity. The scarlet letter “A” that is used to represent her shame was elaborately decorated as if she was defying the others by refusing to be humiliated and scorned. Romanticism states that individualism is better

Only in seclusion, can they talk about their sins openly to each other. Hawthorne uses nature to express the idea that a Puritan society is hostile, restrictive, and strict. This use of nature is an example of romanticism.

In the scene, where Pearl is playing in the forest, she is shown to be closely connected to the natural world. The forest, animals and plants had “became the playmate of the lonely infant.” Even Pearl becomes a “gentler” person in the forest. (Hester’s affair with Dimmesdale broke the human laws, thus, Pearl is a child of love and part of the natural world). Hawthorne uses nature to show romanticism.

In the statement, “As if there were a withering spell in the sad letter, her beauty, the warmth and richness of her womanhood, departed, like fading sunshine…” Hawthorne uses a gothic element (“withering spell”) to describe the burden of the scarlet letter on Hester. By pinning the “deadly symbol” back on her chest, it was as if her sin and shame had returned. Hawthorne uses supernatural themes to show exotic

The “deep forest” is an example of romanticism (nature).

In the statement, “They say, child, thou art of the lineage of the Prince of the Air!” Hawthorne uses supernatural beings to show romanticism. The “Prince of the Air” is another word for Satan (calling Pearl the child of the devil). Dimmesdale (Pearl’s father) has kept his sin a secret to avoid punishment and humiliation. By calling him the “Prince of Air,” Mistress Hibbins is suggesting that Dimmesdale is the devil for his actions.

In the statement, “For, Hester, I am a dying man. So let me make haste to take my shame upon me,” Dimmesdale confesses his sins and takes some of the burden that Hester had carried. This statement shows his love for Hester and Pearl. Dimmesdale confession also saves Pearl by giving her a human father and thus able to have human feelings. In the end, he asked Pearl for a kiss, which she gives