... 260). The scarlet letter also forges a link between the characters. Pearl, for instance, can't see her mother without it; the scarlet letter had become a part of her mother. The scaffold is another important symbol in the novel. It symbolizes Judgment Day and repentance. Hawthorne uses it whenever the plot takes a shift, as a sort of turning point, "each of the scaffold scenes brings together in a moment of moral, emotional, and psychological tension the major characters and forces of the story ... and spiritual, while Chillingworth's alienation is both physical and emotional. Hester is...

• Word Count: 2338
• Approx Pages: 9
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: High School

... manifested differently within them. Their future and newfound identities are a projection of the past sins that they have committed. While their sin may have been a choice, the consequences from their misgivings are shown to be up to fate. While both characters have a major transformation in identity throughout the novel, Hester's is the most revolutionary. Hester creates a new identity for herself as a woman, ... completely devoid of her past sins, and in turn is shown to be a positive and empowering role model. In the final chapter and scene of the novel, Hawthorne indicates that alth...

• Word Count: 1347
• Approx Pages: 5
• Grade Level: High School

... was committed which was seven years ago. Hester and Dimmesdale decide that the three of them will run away together where they can live together feel like a family and not live in sin anymore, wash there hands of the sin. There ship is not leaving for another four days. In this time a lot of major events will happen. Dimmesdale has transformed from a god like man, to a crazy ... ill man to a haggard and feeble man and last of thus far a happy and relieved man. Hester also has told Dimmesdale that her ... his last change and then died. He had finally relieved himself of guilt after seve...

• Word Count: 1308
• Approx Pages: 5
• Grade Level: High School

... England stories also failed. The collection contained the following short stories: My Kinsman, Major Moulineux, Young Goodman Brown, The Maypole of Merry Mount, The Gray Champion, Legends of the Province House, Howe's Masquerade and Lady Elinore's Mantle. All of them allegories and mixture between dream and reality, surrounded by familiar landscapes to the author. Hawthorne's main two novels are The Scarlet Letter, published in 1850, and The House of Seven Gables, published the following year. They ... sequence of events, and the syuzhet or the order in which these events are actually p...

• Word Count: 2367
• Approx Pages: 9
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: High School

... the punishments done, for the crimes committed. Presentism is a major idea to remember when reflecting on the actions taken during colonial times. The below excerpt is taken from The Body of Liberties of 1641 and can add to the understanding of why and how such punishments discussed were carried out. Perhaps the magistrates in power took things too far; Possibly the law enforcers took the word of ... adulterers to wear cut or letters (AD) on their sleeve or back, the Bay colony did not follow the same law. Nevertheless, The Scarlet Letter exemplifies the courage and strength of an accused...

• Word Count: 2078
• Approx Pages: 8
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

... Veil- is evidence of Hawthorne's disapproval of the Puritan culture, a comparison of Hawthorne's tales prove helpful when a repetitive theme arises. The major theme in every case is the suffering and separation of the protagonist from the Puritan way of life due to the unfair rulings of such a society. Hawthorne critic of the unkindness within the Puritan society is very subtle, but yet very clear. The main events of "The Minister's Black Veil- revolve around the opinions and actions of the Puritan society that ... in his hour of death. "The Minister's Black Veil- is not the only one of...

• Word Count: 1634
• Approx Pages: 7
• Grade Level: High School