The Scarlet Letter Puritanism Vs. Romanticism And Reflection
?The Scarlet Letter?
Nathaniel Hawthorne wrote ?The Scarlet Letter? in 1850 in the highly religious area of New England. When it was written many people judged the novel solely on its story telling, whereas ignoring the loads of hidden themes that Hawthorne placed in the novel. ?The Scarlet Letter? by Nathaniel Hawthorne has many different themes contained in the novel, but the themes of Puritanism vs. Romanticism and the theme of reflection are the most prevalent. The Scarlet Letter is chock full of symbolism. Hawthorne uses people and objects and makes them symbolic of events and thoughts. Throughout the course of the book, Hawthorne uses Hester, Pearl, and Arthur Dimmesdale to signify and contrast both the Puritanical and Romantic philosophies. Hester Prynne, as seen by Puritanism is an extreme sinner; she has gone against the Puritan way of life, committing adultery. For this harsh sin, she must wear a symbol of shame for the rest of her life. However, the Romantic philosophies of Hawthorne contrast the Puritanical beliefs. She is a beautiful, young woman who has sinned, but is forgiven in the eyes of most. Hawthorne
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