Romanticism In The Scarlet Letter

Romanticism in The Scarlet Letter “The Scarlet Letter” written by Nathaniel Hawthorn is a book about a woman named Hester Prynne and her life after she is found guilty of committing adultery. Hawthorn uses romanticism throughout his novel often using symbols, fanciful objects and nature. The scarlet A, Hester’s daughter pearl and the rose bush are all examples of this. The scarlet A is first described to the reader in Chapter Two. It is very extravagant and decorative despite its purpose; which is to serve as a reminder to Hester and the other members of her community that she is an adulteress. The narrator says “It has the effect of a spell, taking her out of ordinary relations with humanity and enclosing her in a sphere by herself (2;51).” The a is not literally casting a spell upon Hester that places her inside a sphere. However, by using the word “spell” the A becomes more of a symbol to the reader. It also makes the A feel more
It symbolizes innocence and hope and nature’s kindness towards man. The rosebush is first seen in chapter one outside the prison door. It grows on a partially dead and ugly patch of land despite its beauty. The roses on the bush are said to “Offer their fragrance and fragile beauty to the prisoner as he went in, and to the condemned criminal as he came forth to his doom. . . Nature could be kind to him.” This quote shows that nature holds no bias toward people. Even those that have committed a crime. This separates nature from religion and lets it be its own powerful force capable of bringing joy and hope to others. “The Scarlet Letter” is a great example of a romantic novel. There are many symbols, fanciful descriptions of objects, people and nature. The scarlet A, Pearl and the rosebush can all be used to describe romanticism in “The Scarlet Letter.” By analyzing all of these things closely a reader can better understand romanticism both in and outside of the