In the novel "The Scarlet Letter," Nathaniel Hawthorne depicts the customs and cultures of the puritan society. ... American schools systems should continue allowing The Scarlet Letter to be taught because of its teachings of the Puritan society, the effects of sin, and the spirit of Nathaniel Hawthorne. ... Along with the history of Puritan society and the effects of sin, The Scarlet Letter also holds within the plot the spirit of Nathaniel Hawthorne. ... In The Scarlet Letter, the words and spirit of Nathaniel Hawthorne will be carried on throughout eternity by his use of subject, matter, a...

• Word Count: 707
• Approx Pages: 3
• Grade Level: High School

In Nathaniel Hawthorne's novel, "The Scarlet Letter," Hester Prynne is the protagonist who commits this sin. ... The punishment was to wear the letter "A" on her upper torso for her entire life, also known as the scarlet letter. ... Though the narrator is not Nathaniel Hawthorne him-self, his views on Puritans certainly show through the eyes of the narrator. ... (The Scarlet Letter) The author describes the scarlet letter as elaborate and ornate, even though it's supposed to be punishment. ... The scarlet letter is a reflection upon her which makes her more beautiful. ...

• Word Count: 673
• Approx Pages: 3
• Grade Level: High School

In the novel, The Scarlet Letter, the author, Nathaniel Hawthorne, draws attention to the negative qualities pertaining to the Puritan lifestyles and beliefs of the 17th century. ... Nathaniel Hawthorne was raised in Salem, Massachusetts, and was of Puritan descent. ... As a result of this, he wrote The Scarlet Letter to show that nothing benefited from puritan ideology. In the introduction to the novel, Hawthorne describes a Puritan, theoretical Utopian society. ... The "city upon a hill," materialism, and hypocrisy are all ideal examples of the negative qualities of Puritan soci...

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In the Scarlet Letter, written by Nathaniel Hawthorne, the use of symbols highlights the similarities and differences between the Puritans and today's society. ... The symbols used in this book are the scarlet letter, Pearl, and the rosebush next to the rusted prison door. The scarlet letter was a stigma worn by someone who had committed a sinful act many Puritan settlements. ... From the very beginning, the readers could see the significance of the letter because of Hawthorne's description: " that SCARLET LETTER, so fantastically embroidered and illuminated upon her bosom. ... Th...

• Word Count: 843
• Approx Pages: 3
• Grade Level: High School

The Scarlet Letter is a novel that's deals with the topic of sin in Puritan society. The author, Nathaniel Hawthorne, addresses sin in the book quiet frequently, this essay addresses how Hawthorne really thought about sin and it's aspects like punishment. The Scarlet Letter is a novel that deals with the theme of sin. ... As Nathaniel Hawthorne states in this novel, "In the view of Infinite Purity, we are sinners all alike." ... When the townspeople become aware of what Hester has done, they forced her to wear an ultimate sign of punishment, the scarlet letter. ...

• Word Count: 802
• Approx Pages: 3
• Grade Level: High School

In the novel The Scarlet Letter Nathaniel Hawthorne takes a very biased side against the Puritans he writes about. Hawthorne himself was a descendant of Puritan ancestors, and it seems that in many ways he still cannot escape the engulfing guilt of their crimes, as he never truly held their religion; "Hawthorne never felt he belonged to any such community of love and belief." ... Hawthorne's presentation of the Puritans throughout the novel The Scarlet Letter is not much different from my own opinion, though he leaves out even the slightest amount of good characteristics that they might...

• Word Count: 513
• Approx Pages: 2
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

The most symbolic piece of work in American Literature is Nathaniel Hawthorne's The Scarlet Letter. Hawthorne's use of symbolism in The Scarlet Letter is one of the most significant contributions to the rise of American Literature. ... The most important symbol which is carried throughout the novel is undoubtedly the scarlet letter A. ... Nathaniel Hawthorne's use of symbolism in The Scarlet Letter shows his greatness to produce a novel of the highest possible caliber. These are the reasons why Nathaniel Hawthorne's The Scarlet Lett...

• Word Count: 502
• Approx Pages: 2
• Grade Level: High School

Nathaniel Hawthorne's novel, The Scarlet Letter, is a classic tale of human frailty and sin and the hardships that are caused by a single mistake. ... At the same time, The Scarlet Letter, tells the story of one woman's struggle to find meaning in living after disobeying the highly regarded word of God. ... The Scarlet Letter uses dark romanticism as Hawthorne attempts to explain the sinfulness of human nature and why people act as they do. ... Although Hawthorne writes that "The minister beheld there the appearance of an immense letter A (p.152)," one must consider and question ...

• Word Count: 1296
• Approx Pages: 5
• Grade Level: High School

Nathaniel Hawthorne used his writing skills to appropriately show the strict intolerant ways of the disciplined Puritan America of 1850, with his novel The Scarlet Letter. ... She continues to wear the scarlet letter there. ... The Scarlet Letter is overflowing with symbolism. Understanding Hawthorne's symbols by themselves is key to understanding The Scarlet Letter as a novel. The Scarlet Letter "A" is the central symbol of the novel. ...

• Word Count: 2338
• Approx Pages: 9
• Grade Level: High School

Symbolism in The Scarlet Letter Pearl is a great example of symbolism in The Scarlet Letter. In chapter six when Hester is talking about her daughter Pearl, of The Scarlet Letter Nathaniel Hawthorne says, "in giving her existence a great law had been broken." ... On page 61 in The Scarlet Letter, when Pearl is being explained as an innocent child, Hawthorne writes "a lovely and immortal flower." ... On page 41 of The Scarlet Letter, when Rev. ... Hawthorne writes in The Scarlet Letter, that if a person sins they cannot go back and change what they have done, but they should too look at ...

• Word Count: 647
• Approx Pages: 3
• Grade Level: High School

One work of literature that I feel truly does illuminate several of these great quests is The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne. ... This woman has committed the sin of adultery and is forced to wear a scarlet A upon her bosom to constantly remind her and the rest of the community of her terrible sin. ... After Dimmesdale's death, he was thought of as a strong and honorable man, while Hester , still adorning the scarlet letter was looked upon with sorrow, as someone who has gone through tough times. ... Another technique that Hawthorne used was theme. ... The Scarlet Letter by Na...

• Word Count: 566
• Approx Pages: 2
• Grade Level: High School

Throughout The Scarlet Letter, Nathaniel Hawthorne touches upon the progression of women's status in society. ... However, outside of that community, the scarlet letter on her chest does not have the same scandalous meaning. The author uses the scarlet letter as a symbol of the society's view of Hester. ... After she moves into the forest with Pearl and starts a new life, the scarlet letter on her chest has a new significance: The letter was a symbol of her calling. ... The city of Boston, where the novel takes place, recognizes her charity work and gives her scarlet letter a ...

• Word Count: 904
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Irony in the Scarlet Letter There are many ironic occurrences in the novel by Nathaniel Hawthorne, The Scarlet Letter. ... Dimmesdale, "[t]hou wast my pastor, and hadst charge of my soul, and knowest me better than these men can"(Hawthorne 104; ch.8). ... Dimmesdale says, "[p]erchance he earnestly desired it, but could not"(Hawthorne 120; ch.10), meaning that maybe Dimmesdale yearns to confess but is unable to do so. ... This is evident when Bellingham says, "[g]ood Master Dimmesdale. . . the responsibility of this woman's soul lies greatly with you"(Hawthorne 62; ch.3). The Scarle...

• Word Count: 253
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The scaffold scenes are one of the most important events in "The Scarlet Letter" by Nathaniel Hawthorne. ... The first scaffold scene in the scarlet letter focuses on Hester Prynne. ... " and also that, "He would consider taking the scarlet letter off of Hester, Chillingworth gestured not to say anything about her husband and Hester didn't. ... He had the scarlet letter on his chest. ... Nathaniel Hawthorne's message from these two scenes are punishment, shame, guilt, and regret. ...

• Word Count: 560
• Approx Pages: 2
• Grade Level: High School

Symbolism in "The Scarlet Letter", whoa just gave one away! ... Sometimes referred to as "the first symbolic novel to be written in the United States", "The Scarlet Letter" by Nathaniel Hawthorne contains many symbols that are apparent throughout the novel, and reoccur at many different places. ... Nathaniel Hawthorne's "The Scarlet Letter" contains many symbols, including the forest, Pearl, and the scarlet letter itself, which all contribute to the main theme of sin and its consequences. In Nathaniel Hawthorne's "The Scarlet Letter," life is in the center of a stiff Puritan ...

• Word Count: 2041
• Approx Pages: 8
• Grade Level: High School

The character of Hester Prynne changed significantly throughout the novel The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne. ... Hawthorne describes Hester as "divine maternity" (49) and she can do no wrong. Not only Hester, but the physical scarlet letter, a Puritanical sign of disownment, is shown through the author's tone and diction as a beautiful, gold and colorful piece. ... She is punished by Puritan society by wearing the scarlet letter "A" on the bosom of her dress and standing on the scaffold for three hours. ... Her vulnerability to the crowd of Puritan observers is challenging, and...

• Word Count: 461
• Approx Pages: 2
• Grade Level: High School

The Scarlet Letter By Nathaniel Hawthorne The Scarlet Letter is a story that shows a love that cannot be. ... The sunshine is the love of a man (Arthur Dimmesdale) and it does just what Pearl says - it runs and hides itself from the scarlet letter. ... Hester wears the scarlet letter, so Arthur can't be with her or it might destroy his reputation. ... Because of all these reasons, The Scarlet Letter is a story about a love that could not be. ...

• Word Count: 381
• Approx Pages: 2
• Grade Level: High School

THEME The Scarlet Letter centers round the consequences of sin, especially shame and guilt. ... PURITANISM IN THE NOVEL Nathaniel Hawthorne's The Scarlet Letter is set in the seventeenth century New England town of Boston, a staunch Puritanical town. ... To Pearl, the scarlet letter is simply part of her mother. ... The significance of the scarlet letter in the life of Dimmesdale, whose guilt remains hidden, is suggested by a hidden scarlet letter on his heart. ... She still wears the scarlet letter, even though it is not expected. ...

• Word Count: 1285
• Approx Pages: 5
• Grade Level: High School

In The Scarlet Letter, Nathaniel Hawthorne uses three scenes on the scaffold to emphasize suffering and torment in Hester Prynne and Arthur Dimmesdale. ... The three scaffold scenes in The Scarlet Letter convey the theme of sin not being tolerated whatsoever in Puritan Society. ... It is nighttime and Hester's scarlet letter is not visible, so the meteor's light reiterates the symbol. ... The original embroidered scarlet letter is the icon for Dimmesdale's future haunting. ... The haunting effect of the scarlet letter, distance from his child, and psychological torture are all t...

• Word Count: 598
• Approx Pages: 2
• Grade Level: High School

In Nathaniel Hawthorne's The Scarlet Letter, the character of Hester Prynne suffered from a case of mass hysteria and superstition rather than a becoming victim of sin. ... The scarlet letter A', which Nathaniel Hawthorne refers to in actuality, stands for adultery. ... She clutched the child so fiercely to her breast, that it sent forth a cry; she turned her eyes downward at the scarlet letter, and even touched it with her finger, to assure herself that the infant and the shame were real. ... "The letter was the symbol of her calling. ... It was none the less a fact however, t...

• Word Count: 1213
• Approx Pages: 5
• Grade Level: High School

Symbolism in the Scarlet Letter The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne contains abundant symbolism, which is used to unify the novel and add deeper meaning. ... The most important symbol in the novel is the scarlet letter, which affects each character in a different way. ... (Hawthorne; Schneider) Arthur Dimmesdale is as much responsible for the creation of the scarlet letter as Hester. ... (Bloom 91-92) Pearl is also greatly affected by the scarlet letter, but in another way. ... (Novelguide) Nathaniel Hawthorne uses symbols very well in his novel The Scarlet Letter. ...

• Word Count: 1366
• Approx Pages: 5
• Grade Level: High School

Two works of literature that display both aspects of this society very accurately are The Scarlet Letter, by Nathaniel Hawthorne, and The Crucible, by Arthur Miller. ... Hawthorne illustrates how insensitive a Puritan society can be t! ... The settings in both The Scarlet Letter and The Crucible are similar in many ways. The Scarlet Letter takes place around the 1640s, as the The Crucible occurs in 1692. ... In The Scarlet Letter, there is a minister, Dimmesdale, a political! ...

• Word Count: 1327
• Approx Pages: 5
• Grade Level: High School

The Scarlet Letter To the naked eye, the story of The Scarlet Letter appears to just be a well-written love story within a puritan society full of unexpected flips and turns. Upon closer examination, The Scarlet Letter is really filled with obsession, guilt, and morals. The author, Nathaniel Hawthorne, uses a twisted physician, a minister, and a very independent character to express the theme of revenge among his three main characters. ... Hawthorne's ultimate theme in The Scarlet Letter is vengeance amongst all of mankind. ... Pearl was just a smaller version of the scarle...

• Word Count: 1589
• Approx Pages: 6
• Grade Level: High School

The Crucible, written by Arthur Miller, conflicts the effects of the conjunction of church and state while The Scarlet Letter, written by Nathaniel Hawthorne, conflicts the inability to perfect human nature regardless of any assistance given by a created lifestyle such as Puritanism. ... The conjoining of church and state was not as evident within The Scarlet Letter but instead displays the inability to perfect human nature regardless of any assistance given by a created lifestyle such as Puritanism. ... Sin, rather than power, is the basis of The Scarlet Letter and donates to the message that...

• Word Count: 710
• Approx Pages: 3
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

The Effects Of Sin In The Scarlet Letter It is a fact that in time, we all have committed sins. ... The Scarlet Letter is a novel by Nathaniel Hawthorne which revolves around the theme of sin. ... When the townspeople became aware of what Hester has done, they forced her to wear a sign of punishment, the scarlet letter. ... The theme of The Scarlet Letter is interesting because it can be put into terms in today's world. The Scarlet Letter is a timeless novel because it deals with sin, punishment, revenge, and guilt; emotions that will be felt by generations to come....

• Word Count: 512
• Approx Pages: 2
• Grade Level: High School