Hester Prynne's Similarities to Anne Hutchinson Research Paper

The paper examines the many similarities between Nigel Hawthorne's classic character Hester Prynne and a real-life female contemporary.
# 151874 | 1,462 words | 5 sources | MLA | 2010 | US
Published on Oct 19, 2012 in Literature (American) , History (U.S. American Society, 1640-1750)


$19.95 Buy and instantly download this paper now

Description:

This paper examines how in Nathaniel Hawthorne's "The Scarlet Letter", the main character of Hester Prynne presents an interesting comparison to the life and experiences of Anne Hutchinson, a real-life contemporary of Prynne's. It looks at how both women worked to defy the rulings of a Puritan society that judged and pushed them to live a particular life. This paper further discusses how, by comparing their lives and struggles, we can better understand the historical context of Hawthorne's story that addresses sexual, political and religious issues.

From the Paper:

"First, it is important to examine the character of Prynne, the story's main protagonist and the wearer of the scarlet letter that gives the book its title. The letter "A,"embroidered by Prynne herself, identifies her as an adulterer. As a young woman, Prynne married a much older man who sent her ahead to America, where he planned to meet her and start their new life. Prynne waits for her husband, but after two years he has not arrived; as a result, she has an affair with the Puritan minister Arthur Dimmesdale. Eventually, with the birth of their daughter, Pearl, she is forced to experience the public shaming at the opening of the novel. For this immoral behavior that is against Puritan doctrine, Prynne is banished. Through her kindness and talent as a seamstress she becomes a respected, if alienated, member of society. She displays a remarkable character that has fascinated readers. Her sense of honesty, compassion and inner strength make her a classic survivor."

Sample of Sources Used:

  • Barlowe, Jamie. The Scarlet Mob of Scribblers: Rereading Hester Prynne. Chicago, IL: Southern Illinois University, 2000. Print.
  • Colacurcio, Michael J. "Footsteps of Anne Hutchinson: The Context of the Scarlet Letter." Hester Prynne. Ed. Harold Bloom. Broomall, PA: Chelsea House Publishers, 2004. 105-136. Print.
  • Hawthorne, Nathaniel. The Scarlet Letter. New York: Thomas Y. Crowell & Co., 1902. Print.
  • Mangal, Melina. Anne Hutchinson: Religious Reformer. Mankato, MN: Capstone Press, 2004. Print.
  • Stille, Darlene. Anne Hutchinson: Puritan Protestor. Minneapolis, MN: Compass Point Books, 2006. Print.

Cite this Research Paper:

APA Format

Hester Prynne's Similarities to Anne Hutchinson (2012, October 19) Retrieved March 23, 2023, from https://www.academon.com/research-paper/hester-prynne-similarities-to-anne-hutchinson-151874/

MLA Format

"Hester Prynne's Similarities to Anne Hutchinson" 19 October 2012. Web. 23 March. 2023. <https://www.academon.com/research-paper/hester-prynne-similarities-to-anne-hutchinson-151874/>

Comments