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The Scarlet Letter As A Historical Document


" The ideas of symbolism are what Yvor Winters in Hawthorne, A Collection of Critical Essays, edited by A.N. Kaul, argues in favor of (Kaul pg. 11, 14).
             However, some deny the historical credibility that this novel may provide. The author of Hawthorne, A Study in Solitude, Herbert Gorman, states that "Hawthorne never got clear of the entangling dusky web of old New England," yet "translated the taciturn and repressed passion of that extraordinary corner of the world into a clear albeit darkly stained amber" (Gorman pg. 84). Nathaniel Hawthorne tried his hardest to present Puritan society but failed to acknowledge its true reality. Well, if Hawthorne failed to do so then why does Gorman begin his analysis "The Scarlet Letter is the complete epitome of Hawthorne's genius," so sternly without doubt in his conviction (Gorman pg. 83)? His genius is then only to be based upon his creative thought and imagination used to vividly bring to life the Puritan society in the 1600s.
             Theology aides in the novels understanding as proof that this Puritan community did exist. Yvor Winters explains " Puritan theology rested primarily upon the doctrine of predestination it separated men sharply and certainly in two groups, the saved and the damned, and, technically, at least, was not concerned with any subtler shadings" (Kaul pg. 12). This is to say that the ideas of good and evil play at hand in the development of man's attitude and, more importantly, his being as a whole. Human characteristics are encompassed with good and bad swirling around to create a balance within. Hawthorne realizes these psychological attributes and applies them to his characters, namely Hester Prynne and Mister Dimmesdale, giving them the ability to relate to his readers. The readers see this association and delve into the story with more focus, therefore believing almost entirely this story, The Scarlet Letter, has some credibility in the historical atmosphere of the Puritan age.


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