The Scarlet Letter

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The Scarlet Letter

    The Scarlet Letter defines the relationship between the individual and society through Hester's alienation from Puritan Boston caused by the sin she committed, and subsequently the scarlet A she wore on her bosom.
    Hawthorne's Hester Prynne is a common character among Romantic writers; a rebel who refuses to conform to society's codes. However, in the novel, society is not made out as the sole evil force. While most readers would instinctively feel sympathy for Hester's nonconformist attitude, society had reasons for condemning her. An argument can be made in favor of society insisting that adultery is a crime deserving of a punishment. What Hester and Dimmesdale did was wrong, both of them admit to it, and it was up to society to enact full authority over the criminals. Hester's not wanting to identify Dimmesdale as her accomplice is strictly done by her own will, without contribution from society. Hester's condemnation and alienation from society was brought about by her own accord. Her choice to remain silent about matters concerning her hidden lover was strictly her own. Also, society in no way pressured her to commit adultery; she did so out of her own weakness.
    However, there were instances when the Boston community simply alienated Hester out of hatred and fear of the scarlet letter that she was forced to wear. Actions taken to remove Pearl from Hester's care are an ideal example of society overstepping the boundaries of regular punishmen...

Submitted by: digitalessays
Date Submitted: 03-29-09 2:07am
Category: English
Words: 608
Pages: 2.43