The Scarlet Letter

The Scarlet Letter “A “is the symbol of adultery- a religiously and socially illegal action done by Mrs. Hester Prynne and her lover Arthur Dimmesdale. The word “scarlet” implies two meanings: First RED which is usually used to show shame; however Hester was never shown to be ashamed of what she did. She was described to be calm and walking with dignity among the angry people. Second is the implication of SHAMEFUL which is again in opposition with what Hester thought of her action, but it was the community’s attitude towards adultery.
The story shows the conflict of passion and Puritanism, of individual and community. It clearly explores the effect of adultery and its punishment in those days in Puritan New England and the reaction of people for this action.
The writer is concerned to show us different ways of considering adultery. The community implies it as a sin against God, a crime against people, while Hester knows it as the consequence of a natural love. The Colonial State believes it to deserve public punishment while Hester sees no necessity to condemn it publicly…
The writer shows all these reactions without any personal or suggestive idea. He leaves you alone to make judgments yourself about the truth…
There are four central characters shaping the plot of the story. The most important is Hester, the symbol of loyalty and no selfishness. These are shown when she refuses to name the father of her illegitimate daughter and keeps it a secret. She is shown as adventurous, and nonconformist. She has a tough character and an independent mind. She stands suffering the punishment alone and she could be judged as a scapegoat. She is also honest, shown especially when she told her husband that she never loved him. Next is Arthur Dimmesdale, the popular priest who is also Hester’s lover. He betrayed the religion and never announced himself as the Co-adulterer. If he did so he would ruin all the respect and love people had in their minds and hearts for him. He was about a coward character but showing the challenges of a priest in Christianity especially in those years of Puritanism. Third is Hester’s husband whom she didn’t love, and he was just the symbol of vengeance and he was to take revenge of Arthur Dimmesdale. A symbol of hatred. And finally is Pearl, the illegitimate daughter. A wild and solitude girl who is the result of a love, a true love, though being known as a sin…