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Papers > History > Scarlet Letter
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1. Symbolism in the Scarlet Letter
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Scarlet Letter |
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Nathaniel Hawthornes background influenced him to write the bold novel The Scarlet Letter. ... Consequently, The Scarlet Letter was published a year later (IX). ... Hawthorne then wrote an introduction section titled "The Custom House" to extend the length of the book and The Scarlet Letter became a full novel (XVI). ... Similarly, The Scarlet Letter was a literal "soapbox" for Hawthorne to convey to the world that the majority of Puritans were strict and unfeeling. ... Instead of only being made to stand on the scaffold and wear the scarlet letter on her chest, they suggest that she have it branded on her forehead or even be put to death (Hawthorne 51). ... Likewise, The Scarlet Letter deals with adultery, a subject that caused much scandal when it w! ... This background, together with a believable plot, convincing characterization, and important literary devices enables Nathaniel Hawthorne in The Scarlet Letter to the develop the theme of the heart as a prison. The scaffold scenes are the most substantial situations in the story because they unify The Scarlet Letter in two influential ways. ... Dimmesdale shows just how irrational he is when he screams aloud because he fears that the universe is staring at a scarlet token on his breast (153). It also shows how much guilt he is carrying by the way he perceives the light from a meteor as the letter A. ... Ironically, her first well known piece of work was the scarlet letter that she wore on her chest. ... After years of proving her worth with her uncommon sewing skills and providing community service, the colonists come to think of the scarlet letter as "the cross on a nuns bosom," which is no small accomplishment (169). ... The novel revolves around two major symbols: light and darkness and the scarlet letter. ... The scarlet letter also takes many different forms in the novel. The first and clearest form that the letter A takes is "Adulteress. ... Hence, the people look at the letter elaborately embroidered with gold thread and see a "hussy" who is proud of her sin (54). ... The final form that the scarlet letter take is "Able." Hester helped the people of the town so unselfishly that Hawthorne wrote: Such helpfulness was found in her,--so much power to do, and power to sympathize,--that many people refused to interpret the scarlet A by it s original significance. ... In closing, one of the most important reasons that The Scarlet Letter is so well known is the way Hawthorne leaves the novel open to be interpreted several different ways by his abundant use of symbolism. This background, together with a believable plot, convincing characterization, and important literary devices enables Nathaniel Hawthorne in The Scarlet Letter to the develop the theme of the heart as a prison. ... The Scarlet Letter is one of the few books that will be timeless, because it deals with alienation, sin, punishment, and guilt, emotions that will continue to be felt by every generation to come. |
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Title: Scarlet Letter
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