Theme Of Dualism In The Scarlet Letter

828 Words2 Pages

Charley Haas
Period 5
How Dualities Shape Pearl and Hester
Oscar Wilde once said, “What seems to us as bitter trials are often blessings in disguise.” When Wilde says this he is referring to the good and bad, or dualities, in everything. In the Scarlet Letter, Hawthorne uses dualities in two of the most important characters, Hester and Pearl. He uses these dualities to shape the characters emotions and actions as they are oppressed and isolated by the society around them. In the Scarlet Letter, Hawthorne uses dualities to show how it is imperative for Pearl and Hester stay true to themselves instead of conforming to societal standards.
The main view of Pearl is extremely negative. Society sees her as simply a demon born to sin. Because Hester …show more content…

In the story, Hawthorne also depicts Pearl as the literal scarlet letter Hester has to bear. He says that Pearl has the “likeness of a scarlet letter.”(Hawthorne 70) Pearl is also often depicted in bright colors, just like the bright red scarlet letter. Pearl, just like Hester, is very isolated in society. She is described as “an imp of evil, emblem and product of sin, she had no right among christened infants.” (Hawthorne 85) Since she was villainized by society, Pearl had to decide wether to be more like society and try to be accepted or be herself. Even the other children werent allowed around Pearl, in fear of her sinfulness. On the other side of Pearl, there is a light, free spirited, imaginative girl that stands for everything the puritan religion despises; individuality and nonconformity. Pearl is also described as a passionate, intelligent, and vigorous person. …show more content…

She is a recently convicted adulteress. The Puritan community thinks of her as the worst sinner. The community describes her as the, "unhappy culprit," (Hawthorne 53) and, “the common infamy at which all mankind is summoned to point its finger.” (Hawthorne 72) The community collectively believes it is their right and calling to shame her. They also believe that Hester, “embody their images of women’s sinful passion.” (Hawthorne 73) Hester is fully blamed for the sin she committed, even though adultery is a two-way street. Hester was insulted at scaffold as part of her punishment for three hours. While there, the Puritans called her names like "naughty baggage," (Hawthorne 49) and "brazen huzzy." (Hawthorne 51) The Puritans were so rude, they were described as “pitiless… self-constituted judges.” (Hawthorne 51). The sad truth about Hester 's situation is that she is the best of all the Puritans, but receives the most punishment. She is forced to take all of the blame for a sin that was not all her fault. She is completely compliant with her punishment. This entire situation leads to Hester acting with more humility, instead of lashing out like most people would. Hester also goes against societal standard by giving to charity and sewing garments for the poor. Hawthorne on page 75 mentions her willingness to give by saying she “bestows all her superfluous means to charity.” One of the larger aspects of Hester is her honesty. When

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