What is the main idea of the Scarlet Letter?
What is the main idea of the Scarlet Letter?
Hawthorne blends supernatural elements with psychological insight in his story of one woman’s public punishment for adultery. Explore a character analysis of Hester Prynne, plot summary, and important quotes. Read our full plot summary and analysis of The Scarlet Letter, chapter by chapter breakdowns, and more.
How is the Scarlet Letter a symbol of shame and luxury?
This idea is reinforced by Hester’s needlework: out of necessity born of shame, luxury and beauty are crafted. It is fitting that Pearl is fascinated by the scarlet letter, as the child and the emblem are read similarly by society.
What is the Scarlet Letter in a flood of sunshine?
Summary: Chapter 18: A Flood of Sunshine The scarlet letter was [Hester’s] passport into regions where other women dared not tread.
What happens in Chapter 17 of the Scarlet Letter?
The Scarlet Letter Summary: Chapter 17: The Pastor and His Parishioner In the forest, Hester and Dimmesdale are finally able to escape both the public eye and Chillingworth. They join hands and sit in a secluded spot near a brook.
What happened in Chapter 19 of the Scarlet Letter?
Summary: Chapter 19: The Child at the Brook-Side Hester calls to Pearl to join her and Dimmesdale. From the other side of the brook, Pearl eyes her parents with suspicion. She refuses to come to her mother, pointing at the empty place on Hester’s chest where the scarlet letter used to be.
How does Pearl react to Hester’s Scarlet Letter?
From the other side of the brook, Pearl eyes her parents with suspicion. She refuses to come to her mother, pointing at the empty place on Hester’s chest where the scarlet letter used to be. Hester has to pin the letter back on and effect a transformation back into her old, sad self before Pearl will cross the creek.
Why do the women of the town criticize Hester’s Scarlet Letter?
The women of the town criticize her for embroidering the scarlet letter, the symbol of her shame, with such care and in such a flashy manner: its ornateness seems to declare that she is proud, rather than ashamed, of her sin. In reality, however, Hester simply accepts the “sin” and its symbol as part of herself, just as she accepts her child.
