|
|
This is only a preview of the paper
Click here to register and get the full text.
Existing members click here to login
|
|
|
Nathaniel Hawthorne uses many symbols and themes in The Scarlet Letter but the most outstanding is the symbol of the letter “A” used in a theme that society is more willing to forgive people who ask for forgiveness with humility and generosity than those who demand it as a right. This theme is conveyed using Hester Prynne, a young women who committs adultery. This is considered to be one of the worst crimes someone can commit in the Puritan society during the eighteen hundreds, where she resides in. As punishment, Hester is required to wear a scarlet letter "A" upon her garment in order for everyone to recognize her crime. Her society condemns her; they believe that she "has brought shame upon all of us, and ought to die..."(59) Yet, as time goes by, because of the way in which Hester carries herself wearing the scarlet letter, the symbol takes a new meaning. When the scarlet letter is first placed on her bosom it is a symbol of Hester's crime, burden, seclusion, and shame. However, as a result of Hester's generosity and humility the scarlet letter comes to symbolize Hester's strength, and gains her very high respectability in her society. By the end of the novel, the letter “A” undergoes a complete metamorphosis and represents the respect that Hester has for herself. Hester's Husband like everyone else in the town wants Hester to feel hurt and guilt for what she had done. The scarlet letter on her bosom becomes her burden that she has to carry with her everyday.
Approximate Word count = 1004
Approximate Pages = 4
(250 words per page double spaced)
|
|
|
|
|
|