Abstract This paper explains that, since the 1960s, there has been a significant change in the way men understand right and wrong; and, with this new understanding, readers lost the ability to understand some of the deeper ethical themes in Hawthorne's ?ScarletLetter?. The author points out that modern criticism of this novel revolves around its depiction of the harshness of Puritan ethics and its hypocrisy. The paper contends that, in the Puritan world, the nature of man is one who struggles with right and wrong, prospers when he does what is right, and suffers when he does what is wrong; but, when the "wrong" man confesses his deeds to himself, his community, and his God, then he is freed.
From the Paper "The plight of the hypocritical minister ? does Hawthorne painfully create this man in order to encourage castigation of the religious ideals for which he stood? No, Hawthorne's feeble protagonist was not meant to be the downfall of religion, but as an example of how every man suffers with the inability to live up to noble desires. We share a common, incurable pestilence with the reluctant hero. We fail at our desires for good, and while we do, we suffer and sink away from what we could be into a silent and ineffective oblivion. The Puritan ethic of Hawthorn's novel was part of the social order at the time of his writing. If Hawthorne has struck a rebellious attack against the church, and all its members by his tale, he would never have been accepted as the great literalist."
Abstract This paper looks at Nathaniel Hawthorne's "The ScarletLetter". The author looks at the transformations that the characters undergo which affects the outcome of their lives. The transformation is a direct result of sin, guilt, and hatred and their influence on the human spirit. Sin and guilt can greatly affect the human heart and are often a catalyst for change within a human being.
From the Paper "The sin of Hester and Dimmesdale has the greatest effect on Roger Chillingworth. Originally, Chillingworth was a decent and much better as a person. He is angered by the actions of his wife and wants revenge more than anything else. "Not thy soul, he answered, with another smile. No, not thine" (74). Chillingworth plans from the start to ruin the soul of the Reverend. He lets his anger turn itself into evil and that evil embeds itself in his heart. Chillingworth begins to explore the soul of Dimmesdale in an attempt to draw out a confession. "He now dug into the poor clergyman's heart like a miner searching for gold; or, rather like a sexton delving into a grave, possibly in quest of a jewel that had been buried on the dead man's bosom" (125). Chillingworth has let his evil feelings take over his mind and actions. He wants nothing more than to torment the priest. He turns into a "chilling" person as his name implies and comes to symbolize the devil himself. Eventually, his hatred takes its toll on Chillingworth himself. "All his strength and energy"all his vital and intellectual force"seemed at once to desert him; insomuch that he positively withered up" (254). "
Abstract This paper demonstrates that the principles of hypocrisy exist within both Nathaniel Hawthorne's "The ScarletLetter" and Thomas Hardy's "Tess of the d'Urbervilles". The author stresses the presentation of sexuality between the genders in these classic novels.
Abstract This paper explains that Hawthorne was known to have researched his own Puritan ancestry, on which he based "The ScarletLetter". It discusses how "The ScarletLetter" takes place in 1642 in Boston. The main character is convicted of adultery and must do public service, which entails being forced to wear a large scarletletter ?A?, which stands for "Adulteress". It looks at the way the novel provides an insight into the Puritan concept of law in 1640, which is obviously very different from today's accepted norms.
Table of Contents
I. Introduction
II. Plot
III. Setting
IV. Theme
V. Conclusion
VI. Bibliography
From the Paper "The Scarlet Letter takes place in 1642 Boston where at that time the community was nothing more than a tiny Puritan settlement. ?Hester Prynne enters this small Puritan town in the colony of Massachusetts alone and determined to live her life as she sees fit. She undermines many of the stifling rules that serve as moral guidelines for women. She buys a house on her own, explaining that her husband would arrive shortly. She also begins women's meetings with other ladies of the town.? (When Love Becomes Sin) The main character, Hester Prynne, has been convicted of adultery and as the punishment of the time suggests she is to do public service. This public service is nothing like our chain gangs picking up litter on our highways. In fact, a small band of onlookers was awaiting the adulteress to be publicly humiliated as only the puritans could do. Hester appears before the crowd carrying a baby and on her clothes is a badge of disgrace ? a large scarlet letter ?A? which stands for Adulteress."
Abstract Hawthorne's "The ScarletLetter," concerning Hester Prynne's rejection by a New England town due to adultery, is clearly a call to readers to alter their Puritan attitudes, and become freer with their thoughts and ideals. This paper discusses the themes of sin, criminal rebellion, evils of isolation and the symbolic meaning of the scarletletter itself. It shows how Hawthorne's story clearly speaks out against the rigid mores of Puritan times, plainly illustrating why people felt they had to rebel in order to live their own lives. He also calls into question the values of a society that so rigidly adheres to its principles, at the expense of its humanity.
From the Paper "The saddest part of Hester and Pearl's lives is their isolation caused by their total rejection by the community. Pearl grows up alone, missing the warmth of childhood friends and acquaintances. In effect, Pearl is being punished for her mother's sin, which doubles the evil of the isolation she feels, for she did nothing wrong, but must pay for it according to Puritan principles. Hawthorne is showing how ridiculous this is, and how the punishment is as morally and ethically wrong as the sin."
Abstract This paper discusses Nathaniel Hawthorne's, "The ScarletLetter". The paper claims that, although there are multiple themes and recurring ideas throughout the novel, Hawthorne most exquisitely presents the theme of development through anguish, with such elements as character development, symbolism and conflict. The paper focuses on the character of Hester Prynne and her development with the scarletletter.
From the Paper "Hester Prynne is a superb illustration of the way one progresses through misery and the alteration they endure through suffering. When Hester is first introduced in the novel, Hawthorne first describes her, after her bout in prison, emerging "as if by her own free will." This act displays Hester's superiority to the situation at hand, and defies the idea that she would emerge weak, and defeated by the judgment of the people in the town. However, as the novel progresses, Hester does begin to physically embody the typical Puritan woman. After a few years have passed, her character is described as "withered up," which left a "barren harsh outline." This indicates the metamorphosis she has undergone from being superior to her sin, to becoming overshadowed by the supremacy of its ignominy. This change also occurs with Hester's new focus in life, pertaining more so "thought", than "passion and feeling." The most vital shift in Hester's character occurs after Dimmesdale's death, which Hawthorne exhibits as not "for her own profit and enjoyment," and leads to her sought-after wisdom."
Abstract This paper examines how Hawthorne intertwines the values of Puritan communities and human nature with such efficiency that "The ScarletLetter" has become an American classic criticizing our Puritan ancestors. It contends that the setting of Hawthorne's classic is important because it sets the foundation for how the Puritan people react to the main character's sin and that Hawthorne uses the setting as a way to give the reader a sense of severity in the community of "The ScarletLetter".
From the Paper "It is clear that Hawthorne disapproved of the Puritan's lifestyles. "The founders of a new colony, whatever Utopia of human virtue and happiness they might originally project..." (Hawthorne 47). This statement alone sets the book up for a grim and dismal mood. Hawthorne also adds s sense of irony by having the people who want to purify the church immediately build a prison. This goes to show that the Puritans were not actually too pure. The prison becomes a large part of the plot symbolizing sin and consequence. The rosebush in front of the prison runs parallel to The Scarlet Letter in resembling hope in a bleak place. Another mentioning in the beginning of the book is the cemetery. This introduction to a book undoubtedly shows the reader that the book will not be a happy one. "
Abstract This paper explains that "The ScarletLetter" is an important work of fiction because it relates how people lived in Puritan times and shows how unbending the Puritan religion was when one of its members made a mistake. The author points out that the main symbol is the child, Pearl, who represents Hester's unending punishment even more than the letter "A" she wears on her chest. The paper relates that Pearl also symbolizes the devil and the intolerance of the Puritan religion, which would not even accept an innocent child who was the product of a mother's mistake.
From the Paper "A symbol in literature is something that represents something else to the reader, or the character of the book. It is usually something important that the author wants the reader to understand or recognize. Hawthorne uses numerous symbols in "The Scarlet Letter" to represent many things that happened in the 1700s, when the book takes place. Religion was the most important thing to the people of the time, and the Puritan religion was very strict. Therefore, Hester Prynne is punished for her sin in the book, and many things throughout the book are symbols of her sin. The biggest symbol of her sin is the daughter she had because of her affair. Hester is the main character of the book, and the Puritans in her town of Boston have discovered she had an affair, and so, she goes to prison."
Abstract The paper discusses the book "The Scarlett Letter", by Nathaniel Hawthorne. The paper analyzes how Hester's resilience as a condemned woman in her town is also extremely heroic, as it is clear that she will never be free from the scarletletter. The paper examines how Hester undergoes an extreme and unnecessary humiliation under strict patriarchal rules. The writer proposes that she is a hero, since she also must follow rules that place an extremely harsh punishment for women for the crime of adultery.
From the Paper "The evolution of the symbol of the scarlet letter changes dramatically throughout the novel. Hawthorne makes initially makes it a symbol of the penalty of adultery, which Hester must wear in order to identify her crimetp the townspeople. In this manner, she appears victimized by her 'badge', but is able to win their tolerance because her sincere respect for breaking marital tradition. In Chapter XIII, Hawthorne writes on how Hester felt about her badge: The effect of the symbol--or rather, of the position in respect to society that was indicated by it--on the mind of Hester Prynne herself, was powerful and peculiar (para.6). The 'power' of the symbol is initially strong, and Hester bows to the town's laws. This reflects the societal view of the adulteress symbol, through Hester's initial response to the scarlet letter."
Abstract Elaborates on the question of sin in Nathaniel Hawthorne's "The ScarletLetter". The author reveals that what is viewed as sinful throughout the book has underlying connotations and meanings. The author discusses this with reference to the two main characters of the book.
From the Paper "Hawthorne seems to intimate throughout the Scarlet Letter that what Hester Prynne and Arthur Dimmesdale shared wasn?t quite as sinful as is supposed. Many passages in the book tend to substantiate this premise. In short, I wish to reiterate some of these passages and rationalize using them in support of this paper's overall theme."
Tags: adultery, hawthorne, prynne, dimmesdale, hester, chillingworth, love
This paper provides an analysis of the portrayals of love and hate in "The ScarletLetter". Relationships are explored and examined using the various interactions between three main characters: Hester, Dimmesdale and Chillingworth.
1,255 words (approx. 5 pages), 1 source, 2002, $ 42.95
Abstract This paper analyzes relationships in Nathanial Hawthorne's classic tale of passion, sin and redemption, The ScarletLetter. The author looks at the fine line between love and hate between Hester Prynne and the Reverend Dimmesdale, Hester and Roger Chillingworth, and between Hester and her fellow townspeople.
From the Paper "In The Scarlet Letter, by Nathaniel Hawthorne, love and hate are two issues that appear indistinguishable at times. In this story, Hester Prynne wears a scarlet letter for the adultery she committed with Reverend Dimmesdale while she was married to Roger Chillingworth. The details of this emerge as the story progresses, and the story culminates in Dimmesdale passionately declaring his sin, and later dies after his premeditated confession, while Chillingworth dies soon after. As the above quote says, love and hate ?each leaves the passionate lover, or the no less passionate hater, forlorn and desolate by the withdrawal of his subject.? This literally means that the passion and feelings do not differ whether they are intended in love or hate. To love or hate a person with a passion indubitably results in the same feelings, and when the subject of these feelings disappears, the passion felt remains the same."
Abstract This paper highlights and interprets the major symbols in the book such as the characters' names, the characters' functions, the setting, the rosebush, the scaffold, color and the scarletletter. The paper also discusses the dichotomy of the town/forest and day/night in the novel and connects the different symbols to major aspects of the story, such as plot, character and theme.
From the Paper "In the novel, characters? names are very significant because they are meaningful and give the reader an idea of the characters? personalities. One important character is Reverend Dimmesdale, whose name suggests that he is a dim man. This is true of him. He does not see things clearly and does not understand things the way he should. Throughout the book he is said to be in a "maze" (167), which shows that he is always in a state of confusion. The community, also, sees him dimly. They do not see him for who he really is. Dimmesdale told them he was the sinner but the community "heard it all, and did but reverence him the more" (119). Instead of starting up a riot as Dimmesdale expected, they looked up to him as a hero."
Abstract This paper is a literary analysis of Nathanial Hawthorne's tale about love, sin and redemption, "The ScarletLetter". The author looks at the various themes in the novel, examines the symbolism and discusses the role of Puritan women in their society.
From the Paper "While others mock her, gossip about her and whisper her name, Hester stands, a strong woman, unintimidated by their threats. Nathaniel Hawthorne, in his book The Scarlet Letter presents the reader with a number of contrasting images to reinforce the themes in the book. Three themes he presents are: The nature of women, the problem of guilt, and the contrast between sin and grace. John Calwell Stubbs discusses some of these themes and images in his critical essay, ?The Scarlet Letter: A Tale of Fraternity and Sorrow.?
Abstract This paper is an analysis of two novels -'The ScarletLetter' and 'Portait of a Lady'. Each heroine in both of the books is explored in depth and the secondary characters are analyzed.These books deal with people whom live in very relgious communities and have sinned. They are both condemned for their sins and are forced to live with them for the rest of their lives. This paper concludes that a new phase of life is best for both characters.
From the Paper "The Scarlet Letter is unquestionably the story of Hester Prynne, a woman who violated the seventh commandment by committing adultery. She is punished by the the Puritan society and forced to wear the letter A. Hester is a victim of society, of her own actions, and of fate. Indeed, she is the victim of the letter she carries on her chest. The story is also that of Arthur Dimmesdale, an ordained minister, a devoted servant of God. He is doomed to be a hypocrite and secretly carry the burden of his sin. His punishment is to be tormented for seven long years. Concealing this sin breaks his heart and leads to a prolonged death because he had neither the courage nor the strength to face society and stand by Hester. Hester and Arthur are both punished for their sin and must face the consequences of their actions, either privately or publicly."
Abstract This paper explores the motives behind the actions of the three main characters in the story, "The ScarletLetter." Dimmesdale, Chillingworth and Hester's characters are delved into in order to give the reader a better understanding why the story unfolds as it does. Each of these characters has a hidden agenda, and in many cases this is influenced by certain character traits that they have managed to keep hidden from the public's view. Using several examples from the story, the author illustrates how despite great hardship, Hester maintains her personal dignity and honesty, while the male character's are constantly at war with their public and personal personas.
From the Paper \\\"Fortunately for Chillingworth, Arthur's conscience is progressively winning the battle against his front of respectability. But unfortunately for Chillingworth, Arthur may not give in the way he predicts or hopes. In fact, the moment of truth comes when Chillingworth is engrossed with some other business and he appears at the scaffold area just in time to hear the dying clergyman's pronouncement of sin. Chillingworth receives total justice through this intense suffering in both Arthur and Hester, but nothing farther in the inner world. Arthur falls, not into his vengeful hands, but into the Creator's alone to whom Arthur sinned. Death enables Arthur to escape Chillingworth's revenge: ?Hadst thou sought the whole earth over ... There was no one place so secret ? no high place nor lowly place where thou couldst have escaped me ? save on this very scaffold!? (Ch 23)\\\"
