Redemption In Nathaniel Hawthorne's The Scarlet Letter
The downfall and redemption of an individual surmounted the inherent hypocrisy of Puritanism. Forced to wear the scarlet letter of an adulteress, Hester Prynne struggled to perpetuate dignity in the face of lust and guilt. Spiritual leaders of the community preached strict adherence to Christian dogma which required branding with a scarlet letter. Repeated attempts to survive in the face of adversity failed. Her husband’s use of black magic and the veil of secrecy enforced by him and her lover impeded all efforts to make amends. The elders, acting as God on Judgment Day, sentenced Hester to isolation in a hostile community unwilling to forgive the young woman’s sin as God would.
The governor, magistrates, and the townspeople hypocritically …show more content…
At Chillingworth’s insistence that she conceal the marriage further complicated her attempts to encourage Dimmesdale to confess his sin. The stranger endeared himself to the townspeople as a scholarly physician and seized the opportunity to befriend and provide medical treatment to his victim. The mere sight of Chillingworth paralyzed the vulnerable Hester by triggering emotional distress. His practice of black magic overshadowed her drive for redemption. Incognito, the hypocritical leech tortured his wife’s lover; the physician’s duty to heal the sick was …show more content…
She engaged in duplicity by concealing her husband’s identity which resulted in the resolution of the conflict between them. At the outset, this young woman was resolute and haughty. The trials and tribulations of punishment, societal estrangement, parenting an illegitimate child, and coping with silence promoted Hester’s spiritual growth. After Dimmesdale’s death she departed with Pearl, her daughter, for Europe. Upon returning to the community, she\ nobly displayed the embroidered scarlet letter demonstrate acceptance of sin and redemption. She considered that emblem a part of her identity. Parishioners stained with sin sought Hester’s counsel on matters of the soul. Life-long commitment to her chosen community was a testament to her free-will, passion, love, and charity toward
The governor, magistrates, and the townspeople hypocritically …show more content…
At Chillingworth’s insistence that she conceal the marriage further complicated her attempts to encourage Dimmesdale to confess his sin. The stranger endeared himself to the townspeople as a scholarly physician and seized the opportunity to befriend and provide medical treatment to his victim. The mere sight of Chillingworth paralyzed the vulnerable Hester by triggering emotional distress. His practice of black magic overshadowed her drive for redemption. Incognito, the hypocritical leech tortured his wife’s lover; the physician’s duty to heal the sick was …show more content…
She engaged in duplicity by concealing her husband’s identity which resulted in the resolution of the conflict between them. At the outset, this young woman was resolute and haughty. The trials and tribulations of punishment, societal estrangement, parenting an illegitimate child, and coping with silence promoted Hester’s spiritual growth. After Dimmesdale’s death she departed with Pearl, her daughter, for Europe. Upon returning to the community, she\ nobly displayed the embroidered scarlet letter demonstrate acceptance of sin and redemption. She considered that emblem a part of her identity. Parishioners stained with sin sought Hester’s counsel on matters of the soul. Life-long commitment to her chosen community was a testament to her free-will, passion, love, and charity toward