Scarlet Critique Essay - 870 Words

The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne was written in 1850. It was based on the Puritans of the 1600s, which were revived in Hawthornes era. Hawthorne descended from Puritan heritage and harbored a sense of guilt and hatred for their way of life. He used many themes and literary techniques in The Scarlet Letter including symbolism and irony. He emphasized the individuals role in the community and the role of women in society. Hawthorne used romanticism as opposed to the classical correctness of writing. Romanticism was an artistic and intellectual movement that originated in the 18th Century and stressed strong emotion and imagination. Puritanism was the belief that all humans are sinful and that it is only though God and the†¦show more content†¦quot;Hawthorne unearthed the image of a goddess supreme in beauty and power†¦quot; (Doren, p.133) His image of women influenced his writing and description of Hester. quot;She was lady-like too; characterised by a certain state and dignity, rather than by the delicate, evanescent, and indescribable grace†¦quot; (Hawthorne, p.55) She was beautiful, stubborn and independent. Hester Prynne lived up to the name of Hawthorne women, who are reputed to be stronger than the men they shared their love with. nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp; nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;Hawthorne used much symbolism. One of the most complex symbols in the book is Pearl, the daughter of Hester Prynne. Pearl develops into a dynamic symbol - one that is always changing. Among the most obvious of Pearls symbols is her name. Pearl represented its names sake, a precious jewel. Pearl was a child of nature. Her fantastic and devilish ways are the main sources for her mothers joy and pain. quot;Pearl has for every reader some unreality too, she has something of the supernatural about her. She is the sunshine in her mothers life, and yet her pouts and scowls, her frenzies and her furies, are not the least of Hesters desperations.quot; (Doren, p.135) She could not be contained or controlled as one might imagine a child born under such circumstances would be. Pearl also represented adultery, love and sin. Hester, for her sins, received aShow MoreRelated Hawthorne Critiques Puritan Society in His Works, Young Goodman Brown and The Scarlet Letter1773 Words   |  8 PagesNathaniel Hawthorne Critiques Puritan Society in His Works, Young Goodman Brown and The Scarlet Letter Many American writers have scrutinized religion through their works of literature, however none had the enthusiasm of Nathaniel Hawthorne. A handful of Hawthornes works are clear critiques of seventeenth century Puritan society in New England. Hawthornes Young Goodman Brown and The Scarlet Letter illustrate his assessment by showing internal battles within characters, hypocrisy in religiousRead MoreLiterature Has Functioned Throughout History As A Means1266 Words   |  6 Pagesas a means of social criticism that is accessible to the lay public. Classics like Brave New World by Aldous Huxley and Uncle Tom’s Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe leverage their plots to reveal alarming realities and comment on social issues. The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne is one of the earliest examples of literary social criticism. Hawthorne uses the plight of the main character, Hester Prynne, a convicted adulterer in a society that severely punishes sinners, to take a stand againstRead M oreAnalysis Of John Hawthorne s The Scarlet Letter 855 Words   |  4 PagesHawthorne’s critique on sin, more specifically addressing sin, is clear. 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Though born into this extre mist civilization, Hawthorne conveys the idea thatRead More Symbols and Symbolism in Nathaniel Hawthornes The Scarlet Letter1178 Words   |  5 PagesSymbolism   in The Scarlet Letter Nathaniel Hawthorne isnt noted for perfecting any famous literary style, for writing multiple best sellers, or even for contributing largely to classic American literature.   His only real claim to fame is The Scarlet Letter: a novel that was originally only meant to be yet another Hawthorne short story.   Because of this, it actually possesses many short story characteristics.   It is simpler and more complete than his other novels. (James 285)   It also hasRead MoreHawthorne s The Scarlet Letter872 Words   |  4 Pages Hawthorne’s novel, The Scarlet Letter, is a wonderful piece of writing that thoroughly analyzes the critiques and flaws of early Puritan society. Many enjoyable factors are present, including the heavy and enlightening use of symbols to develop Hawthorne’s revolutionary viewpoint as well as the strong portrayal of the characters that challenges ideas of the time. However, the book also has some flaws; most notable including the fact that the writing is an archaic writing style and thus is difficultRead MoreShame And The Consequences Of The Scarlet Letter Essay1702 Words   |  7 Pagesconsequences of both, by using the characters of Hester Prynne and the Reverend Arthur Dimmesdale. By examining Hester and Dimmesdale’s way of dealing with the repercussions of their indiscretion and analyzing Benjamin Kilborne’s critique Shame Conflicts and Tragedies in The Scarlet Letter, one can see if, or by what measure, if either Hester’s or Dimmesdale’s shame is worse than the other. I believe Dimmesdale’s internal battle with his shame is far worse than Hester’s outward shame because it is â€Å"unbearable