The novel The Scarlet letter, is an interesting work of
literature by Nataniel Hawthorne. It is based on true events in society that are also
relevant today. I found it intriguing how the author observed what was happening in
society and explored it in the novel. The theme in this story explores the
issue of branding as well as creating division between ourselves in society.
When we discriminate against one another, whether through race, religion,
appearance, intelligence, etc. As well as how the victims act towards this. In
this case it was adultery. Hester had been persecuted against , ejected, called
evil, sinful, and also was told that she deserved to be killed, by society.
Hester felt alone and surrounded by tormentors just like a bully victim would
feel like with out any support.
The author used the symbolic letter A (which stood for adultery)
as a focal point for Hester's occurring problems in society, which I strongly agreed with . By
the use of this symbol, it was a sign of triumph and fall for the protagonist which he explored alot.
On one perspective, by committing adultery Hester gained a companion or child
named Pearl so she wouldn’t be alone in deal with
society and its judgement. As well as remind her
to smile and be happy at times, because it wouldn’t be all so bad if you had
someone close to you to share you re feelings with. But on the other hand
pearl is is a source of constant pain and anguish for Hester, because it reminds her of
the mistake she made and the trouble it has caused her since ( being jailed,
persecution, judgement, etc)
Finally the author used so much diction that I found my
self looking in the dictionary countless times to search the meaning of each word. He also used vivid detail to describe
characters which I fairly enjoyed most of the time. Such as: Throng,
apprehension, pro curred, morbid, etc. The author used so
much detail while writing, I felt that I could visualize the characters or setting he was
illustrating through his writing . For example when the writer describes Pearl he
says: The child had a native grace which does not invariably coexist with
faultless beauty, its attire however simple, always impressed the beholder as
it were the very garb that precisely became its best.
Nathaniel Hawthorne
Nathaniel Hawthorne