How Does Nathaniel Hawthorne's Use Of Romantic Elements

Romantic Gothicism elements are essential to Hawthorne’s achievement of his purpose. His purpose was to show his disgust with the Puritan society. He needed his work to include these Gothic elements to achieve the negative portrayal of the Puritans. He used ideas like guilt with Reverend Dimmesdale when he punishes himself in chapter eleven for the guilt he is feeling. He does practices like self-flagellation which involves himself essentially whipping himself with an instrument known as a scourge. Romantic Gothic reveals a darker side of human nature. Another example can be just as simple as the scarlet “a” itself. The “a” representing adultery along with many other symbolic qualities, a sin, but Hester with her eloquent needle work turning
the “a” into something of pride. So, while everyone else is still in on the darker side of human nature, Hester is trying to have pride in what she is being forced to wear. Examples can even be found in nature. Chapter sixteen, a forest walk, can be incorporated into this darker side of human nature with Romantic Gothicism elements. The forest can be symbolic of a place a sins. This covered, dark, full of tall trees, area where people can go to hid their sins. Nathaniel Hawthorne uses Romantic Gothicism elements in order to achieve his purpose with the disgust of the Puritan Community. Romantic Gothicism reveals a darker side of human nature and even the human condition.