The Scarlet Letter
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Sam Schor
The Scarlet Letter
One of the most well known pieces of literature we read this year was Nathaniel Hawthornes “The Scarlet Letter”. This novel is considered one of Hawthornes best pieces and can be considered a literary classic. It is obvious to see that “The Scarlet Letter” deals with issues such as sin and its consequences. From Hawthornes ancestors role in the Salem witch trials, we are aware of his personal reluctance and his critical judgment of the Puritans.
Among many morals discussed in the book, Hawthorne tries to convey perhaps the strongest of these: That the only way to find salvation is to be open and honest about who you are. Through excellent use of characterization, description and expression. Hawthorne develops morality by showing the consequences of hiding sin. An example of this is through the actions of Arthur Dimmesdale and Hester Pyrnne. Hester is forced throughout the whole work to wear a Scarlet Letter A on her clothes as punishment for adultery. This is a way in which Hawthorne conveys that you will always pay for your sins (he does this through a lot of irony). At first the premises of the story is unclear until finally the scaffold scene brings all the forces brewing here into focus.
Arthur, Hesters equally guilty partner in the crime refuses within himself to publicly confess his sin until the end of the novel. The fact that a reverend, who should considered an Angelic figure to the Puritans, is a sinner can be considered situational irony. Although it seemed that Chillingworth wanted this to happen, he did not. Chillingworth attempts to stop Arthur but fails. The fact the Chillingworth knew and kept pushing at Arthur is another way in which Hawthorne shows his guilt towards the Puritans. Shortly after he confesses, his life comes to an end. Hawthorne summarizes the delayed importance of being truthful about oneself in his quote, “Be true! Be true! Show freely to the world, if not your worst, yet some trait whereby the worst may be inferred!” (Pg. #)
It is apparent in chapter 13 and 14 that Hawthorne is trying to prove how the Puritans have a problem with independent thinking (Example). This is also shown through the way Hester raises Pearl and how it is so different then conventional Puritan parenting styles. You are also able to see the differences in the way that each character seems to accept their fate. Arthur wants to run away with Hester and Pearl, Hester doesnt know what to do, and Chillingworth seems to just be enjoying it a little too much. One large symbol can be seen in the forest scenes. These consist of the way lighting and shades are used to set the mood.
In Chapter 20 and 21 Puritan values are being exemplified through the celebrations.(Use a quote here) Hawthorne also helps to show that Arthur, the sinner, had good intentions but his emotions got away from him when he left Hester. Another question that comes to mine is whether or not Mistress Hibbins is real? I believe that she is an allegory used by Hawthorne.
The overall picture is quite clear at the end of the novel; the truth will always set you free! It forces the reader to feel the