Introduction to The Scarlet Letter
The Scarlet Letter is considered as a masterpiece in the American Literature. It was firstly published in 1850. The 17th century Puritan Massachusetts Bay Colony formed the background to the story of the novel. It comprises themes of sin, guilt as well as a feeling of redemption, which has been expressed through the life’s story of the protagonist of the novel, Hester Prynne.
Hester was forced to wear Scarlet letter ‘A’ on her chest. It was symbolically represented as the result of adultery. The application of the different literary devices explore the depth of human feelings and the double standard adopted by the Puritan society.
It is noteworthy that while employing symbols, images, and other components the author adds a number of peculiar features to The Scarlet Letter and transforms this literary piece into a symbol of sin and punishment which previews the spiritual points of the emotions and norms of the evaluated society.
Literary Devices in The Scarlet Letter
1- Symbolism
In “The Scarlet Letter”, the literary device symbolism is the most prominent literary device. The writer employs this device to convey the deep meanings and to enrich the thematic layers of the novel.
The Scarlet Letter “A”
The most important symbol in the novel is the scarlet letter “A”. At first, it denotes “adultery” and is meant to be as a mark of disgrace. However, as the story unfolds, the significance of the letter evolves. For example:
“On the breast of her gown, in fine red cloth, surrounded with an elaborate embroidery and fantastic flourishes of gold thread, appeared the letter A. It was so artistically done, and with so much fertility and gorgeous luxuriance of fancy, that it had all the effect of a last and fitting decoration to the apparel which she wore, and which was of a splendour in accordance with the taste of the age, but greatly beyond what was allowed by the sumptuary regulations of the colony.”
Here, the letter “A” not only indicates the sin of Hester, but also her strength, skill and determination. The letter “A” evolves to symbolize “able” rather than “adulteress”.
This shift indicates the transformation of Hester Prynne from a shamed woman to a respected and strong member of the community. Her acts of kindness and dignified behaviour lead the people to view the letter as a symbol of her potential and strength, rather than a mark of shame.
Pearl
Pearl, daughter of Hester, is another significant symbol in the novel. She contains the living scarlet letter and provides as a continuous reminder of the sin of Hester. The writer expresses Pearl in supernatural terms:
“Pearl was a born outcast of the infantile world. An imp of evil, emblem and product of sin, she had no right among christened infants.”
The presence of Pearl is a sign of strong emotions and rebelliousness of her mother. On the other hand, her behavior shows the wild and free nature of those emotions.
See also: Themes and Quotes in The Scarlet Letter
2- Imagery
The writer employs the realistic imagery, which helps to form a rich and engaging environment. It increases the emotional impact of the story.
Light and Darkness
The difference between light and darkness is a persisting motif in the novel. It symbolizes the conflict between truth and concealment as well as sin and redemption. For example:
“The sunshine does not love you. It runs away and hides itself because it is afraid of something on your bosom…It will not flee from me; for I wear nothing on my bosom yet!”
Here, the words of Pearl to Hester reveal that light indicates innocence and darkness symbolizes hidden sin. The use of light and darkness imagery emphasizes the inner conflicts of the characters and the larger moral ambiguities in the story.
The Forest
The forest indicates a place of natural law and freedom, in comparison to the strict rules of the Puritan society. It is the forest that Hester and Dimmesdale are free to explore their genuine emotions and thoughts. The forest provides a safe and private space where they are not restrained by the strict rules and moral expectations of the community.
“The forest was obscure around them, and creaked with a blast that was passing through it, as if the universe were on fire…a smile—kindled as if it were sunlight—flickered over the face of a dusky pool.”
The imagery of the forest indicates the contrast between the natural world and the society rules. The forest reflects a place where natural instincts and emotions are free to exist. Moreover, it emphasizes the difference between what is hidden and what is shown openly.
3- Irony
Hawthorne employs irony to present the characters and situations that are contrary to what they appear.
Reverend Dimmesdale
In the novel, Reverend Dimmesdale is one of the most ironic character. He is considered respectful by the community for his piousness and moral integrity, however he is secretly guilty of the adultery for which Hester is condemned openly. The irony of his situation is grasped in passage as under:
“People say, said another, that the Reverend Master Dimmesdale, her godly pastor, takes it very grievously to heart that such a scandal should have come upon his congregation.”
The unquestioned respect for Dimmesdale by the community contrasts from his secret guilt. It highlights the theme of secret sin and the difference between the things which are before the public and how they really are in reality.
4- Allegory
The use of allegory permeates the novel with a deeper moral and philosophical importance.
The Scaffold
The scaffold is a repeated symbol in the novel. It indicates the allegorical representation of judgment and confession. It appears at three key moments points in the novel. Each time, the characters are forced to confront their sins and reveal their true selves before the public.
“It was, in short, the platform of the pillory; and above it rose the framework of that instrument of discipline, so fashioned as to confine the human head in its tight grasp, and thus hold it up to the public gaze.”
The scaffold points allegorically explore the themes of sin, punishment and redemption. The characters challenges their guilt and seek reparation in different ways.
5- Personification
The writer employs personification to extend human qualities to objects and ideas. This make the story emotionally powerful
The Scarlet Letter
The scarlet letter in the novel has been personified, as if it has a life and will of its own. For example:
“She seemed absolutely hidden behind it. It had the effect of a spell, taking her out of the ordinary relations with humanity, and enclosing her in a sphere by herself.”
The writer by personifying the letter creates emphasizes on its pervading influence on the identity and existence of Hester.
6- Metaphor
In the novel, metaphors have been used in an extensive manner. They draw contrast and intensify understanding of the reader regarding characters and themes.
Hester as a Rosebush
The most significant metaphor in the novel is to compare Hester with a wild rosebush:
“But on one side of the portal, and rooted almost at the threshold, was a wild rose-bush, covered, in this month of June, with its delicate gems, which might be imagined to offer their fragrance and fragile beauty to the prisoner as he went in.”
The metaphor of rosebush reflects that Hester is like the rosebush, who is determine and capable of beauty even in the harsh conditions. It makes us think that the people can grow morally and spiritually even after making mistakes.
7- Allusion
The writer usually alludes to the historical, biblical and literary texts. This enriches the thematic elements of the novel.
Biblical Allusions
The novel is filled with biblical references. It reflects the Puritan setting and moral beliefs. For example, Dimmesdale is like a Christ figure, but he is suffering for the sins of others:
“Hester Prynne, whose term of confinement was now at an end, came forth into the sunshine, which, falling on all alike, seemed, to her sick and morbid heart, as if meant for no other purpose than to reveal the scarlet letter on her breast.”
Here, the sunshine reveals God’s truth and judgment as it spread the same shines on everyone. Hester feels that it makes her sin more evident, like how sins are revealed in the Bible.
8- Foreshadowing
The use of foreshadowing is to give indication at future events and create suspense.
Pearl’s Role
In the novel, there are sings that Pearl will play an intrigue role in unfolding the drama. Her behavior and the reflections of Hester on her often foreshadow important revelations and turning points:
“Pearl’s inevitable tendency to hover about the enigma of the scarlet letter seemed an innate quality of her being.”
The foreshadow of the role of Pearl brings about the confession of Dimmesdale and the resolution of the main conflict.
9- Juxtaposition
Juxtaposition is employed to indicates the contrasts between the characters, settings and the ideas.
Hester and Dimmesdale
The juxtaposition between Hester and reactions of Dimmesdale regarding their shared sin reveals their strengths and weaknesses. Hester openly faces her punishment, while the hidden sin of Dimmesdale secretly anguish him:
“It is done! The whole town will awake and hurry forth, and find me here!”
Here, the contrast has been shown between the themes of public and the private punishment. It further explores that how different people deal with guilt and shame.
10- Paradox
The use of paradox in the novel leads to the complexity of the novel and challenges the reader to ponder critically about the characters and themes.
Sin Leading to Redemption
It is one of the main paradoxes of the novel. It reveals the idea that the sin of Hester leads to her ultimate redemption and personal growth. On the other hand, the hidden guilt of Dimmesdale takes him towards his downfall:
“In Heaven’s own time, a new truth would be revealed, in order to establish the whole relation between man and woman on a surer ground of mutual happiness.”
The idea challenges usual moral views and indicates the exploration of the novel i.e. sin and redemption.
11- Motif
The repeating motifs in the novel are helpful to reinforce the themes and add depth to the story.
The Color Red
In the novel, the color red is a recurring motif. It symbolizes the numerous elements of Hester’s experience, from sin and shame to passion and vitality:
“It was the scarlet letter in another form; the scarlet letter endowed with life!”
The motif helps to emphasize the exploration of the novel from the complex exchange between sin, identity and societal judgment.
Major Theme in the scarlet letter
The major theme in the novel is sin and its consequences. The novel unfolds how different characters deal with the sin of adultery in a strict Puritan society. The protagonist, Hester Prynne, is publicly shamed and forced to wear the scarlet letter “A”. Subsequently, she change this symbol from shame into one of strength and determination. On the other hand, Arthur Dimmesdale conceals his sin, which leads him to deep internal suffering and guilt. It indicates the devastating power of secret sin.
Roger Chillingworth becomes possessed with revenge. It shows how sin may consume a person entirely. The novel also criticizes the hypocrisy of Puritan society, which harshly considers Hester, despite the fact that many members hide their own sins. Moreover, the writer indicates the identity and society. This explains that how individuals can reconceive themselves despite societal judgment and stigma.
See also: 11 Themes in Dracula
