Essay Test: The Scarlet Letter Nathaniel Hawthorne’s "The Scarlet Letter" is set in the early days of Puritan America. Hester Prynne‚ a seamstress‚ comes to the New World before her husband in order to prepare a place for them. During his absence‚ she develops a relationship with Arthur Dimmesdale‚ a rising minister in the newly founded Puritan community. Hester becomes pregnant. The novel is widely viewed to be a story about her trials and tribulations; however‚ critic Randall Steward argues
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Pearl is the symbolic character of the novel‚ The Scarlet Letter‚ by Nathaniel Hawthorne. Pearl is the daughter of Hester Prynne and Arthur Dimmesdale‚ the result of their secret sin. As a result of the sin Pearl’s mother is forced to wear the letter "A"‚ embroidered in scarlet upon her chest‚ so all will know of her adultery. Pearl is mainly described through other characters in the novel‚ though Pearl’s actions also play an important part in determining her character. Pearl like most people has
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Public Humiliation The Crucible and The Scarlet Letter share many themes that are still present in today’s society‚ such as the use of public humiliation as a punishment. Because of their sins‚ both John Proctor and Hester Prynn were alienated and punished by their peers and town leaders. The public humiliation that they faced helped shape the characters in the eyes of the reader and effected the way that they behaved and acted. In The Crucible John Proctor and the other towns people were punished
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cultures at different eras within American history‚ a common theme can be established when comparing The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald with The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne. Both novels‚ for example‚ examine the dichotomy between reality and appearance as well as the conflict between individual and social values. In The Scarlet Letter‚ Hester Prynne and Arthur Dimmesdale love each other. This love holds great personal value for them. However‚ because their relationship is adulterous
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"A" for Alienation Alienation is a common theme in all writing; however‚ in The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne‚ never has alienation been so vividly accounted. The Scarlet Letter is a story about Hester Prynne‚ a woman who commits adultery against her husband named Roger Chillingworth‚ with the local reverend named Arthur Dimmesdale; the result is a strange child named Pearl. The plot thickens as the mistress and the reverend strive to keep their sin a secret‚ and as Chillingworth appears
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The beautifully composed novel The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne demonstrates the effects of sin through the actions of his characters and circumstances they must bear daily. While living in a world with many complexities the temptation of sin lurks everywhere. Most sins‚ the offences against one’s morals‚ are ordinarily committed to seek pleasure. Similar to that of Hester Prynne along with Reverend Arthur Dimmesdale’s sin: “…this had been a sin of passion‚ not of principle nor even purpose
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Arthur Dimmesdale was a very important character in The Scarlet Letter. He encountered many problems and resolved them throughout the novel. He changes a lot throughout the novel‚ physical and mentally. While reading the novel‚ the reader can relate to Dimmesdale by his actions and feelings. Minister Arthur Dimmesdale explains the moral of the story‚ and helps the reader understand what the novel is about. First‚ Dimmesdale encountered many problems throughout the story. These problems were very
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Symbolism of the Scarlet Letter AIn Nathaniel Hawthorne ’s The Scarlet Letter‚ the meaning of the letter A changes throughout the novel. This change is significant as it indicates the personal growth of the characters as well as the enlightenment of the townspeople. When the novel begins‚ the letter A is a symbol of sin. As the story progresses the A slowly is viewed as a symbol of Hesters strength and ability (Hawthorne Julian). By the end of the novel‚ the letter A has undergone a complete metamorphosis
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In the novel‚ The Scarlet Letter‚ by Nathaniel Hawthorne‚ Hester commits adultery‚ disobeying the Puritan laws‚ and is punished with two constant reminders of her sin‚ the scarlet A and her daughter‚ Pearl. Hawthorne characterizes Pearl with contrasting personalities and roles she plays in Hester’s life. Pearl’s conflicting personality components‚ innocence and defiance‚ both derive from her isolation from society‚ which resulted from her mother’s sin. Pearl represents the conflict between good and
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Galo Vasquez Mrs. Erichsen AP Literature 4/11/13 1979. Choose a complex and important character in a novel or a play of recognized literary merit who might—on the basis of the character’s actions alone—be considered evil or immoral. In a well-organized essay‚ explain both how and why the full presentation of the character in the work makes us react more sympathetically than we might otherwise think. Avoid plot summary. A man falls into a violent epileptic shock from sheer anger and jealousy
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