University of Zakho

Faculty of Humanities
English Language Dept.

“The Scarlet Letter”

By Nathanial Hawthorne

Prepared by: Tatios Ghazarian Supervisor: Mr. Chiad A. Abdulkarim

 Contents

 Introduction…
 Hawthorne’s life and works…
 Plot summary…
 Major characters…
 Themes…
 Symbolism…
 Conclusion…
 Reference list…
 Introduction
"The Scarlet Letter" is a seminal literary work penned by Nathaniel Hawthorne and first
released in the year 1850. The narrative is situated within Puritanical Boston during the
seventeenth century, and narrates the story of Hester Prynne, a youthful and unmarried female
who was subjected to public condemnation and retribution for the offense of committing
adultery. The literary work delves into various overarching topics such as sin, guilt,
redemption, and the impact that the society has on shaping individual identity. This piece of
literature also explores the psychological and emotional anguish experienced by the characters
as they struggle to reconcile their personal inclinations with the societal norms and standards
imposed upon them. The aforementioned literary work is distinguished by its profound
employment of symbolism and allegory, most notably exemplified by the prominent motif of
the scarlet letter "A" which Hester is constrained to display on her bosom, serving as a visual
depiction of her act of adultery. Hawthorne incorporates supernatural and occult components,
contributing to the eerie ambiance of the narrative. "The Scarlet Letter" has garnered significant
readership and scholarly attention, prompting adaptation into multiple mediums, spanning from
cinema to stage productions. This literary masterpiece remains a compelling and stimulating
opus that sustains its resonance with contemporary readers.
 Hawthorne’s Life and Works
Nathaniel Hawthorne, a writer of American origin, was known for his works in the genres of
short story and novel. Some of his notable works include the collection of short stories called
Twice-Told Tales and individual stories such as "My Kinsman, Major Molineux" from 1832,
"Roger Malvin's Burial" from 1832, and "Young Goodman Brown" from 1835. The author's
most renowned literary works include The Scarlet Letter (1850) and The House of the Seven
Gables (1851). Hawthorne's utilization of allegory and symbolism has elevated him to one of
the most extensively analyzed authors.
Hawthorne, who was born in Salem, Massachusetts on July 4th, 1804, was deeply influenced
by the Puritan customs and beliefs. William Hathorne, a forebear, migrated from England to
Salem, Massachusetts in 1630. He gained notoriety as a judge for his severe punishments.
During the Salem Witch Trials in the 1690s, John Hathorne, the son of William, served as a
judge along with two others. Later on, Hawthorne appended a "w" to his surname as a means
of dissociating himself from this particular branch of his family.
Nathaniel and Elizabeth Clark Hathorne (Manning) gave birth to their only son, Hawthorne. In
1808, his father, who was a sea captain, passed away from yellow fever while he was sailing.
The family was left with limited financial aid and subsequently moved into the residence of
Elizabeth's affluent siblings. When Hawthorne suffered a leg injury at a young age, he was
unable to move for several months. During this period, he developed a strong interest in reading
and decided to pursue a career as a writer.
Between 1821 and 1825, Hawthorne was able to attend Bowdoin College, thanks to the
financial support he received from his affluent uncles. During that time, he formed a close bond
with Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and Franklin Pierce, who would later become the
president. He himself acknowledged that he was an irresponsible pupil who had minimal
interest in academic pursuits.
During his time in college, Hawthorne longed for his mother and two sisters, and as soon as he
obtained his degree, he promptly went back home and spent the next 12 years there. At this
point in time, he started composing with intent and eventually discovered his distinctive style,
releasing a few stories through self-publishing channels like "The Hollow of the Three Hills"
and "An Old Woman's Tale." By 1832, he had produced two of his most remarkable works,
"My Kinsman, Major Molineux" and "Roger Malvin's Burial," and in 1837, he released a
collection of stories titled Twice Told Tales. Despite his writing gaining him some fame, it was
not a reliable source of income and he had to work at the Boston Custom House for a period of
time, where he was responsible for weighing and measuring salt and coal.
Hawthorne emerged from isolation at around the same time he crossed paths with Sophia
Peabody, a transcendentalist who also had a flair for art and illustration. While courting,
Hawthorne spent a period at the Brook Farm society where he became acquainted with Ralph
Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau. Although he wasn't a fan of transcendentalism, he
managed to accumulate funds for his approaching nuptials with Sophia by residing in the
commune. The couple finally tied the knot on July 9, 1842 after a prolonged courtship, which
was partly due to Sophia's health condition. Without any delay, they established themselves in
Concord, Massachusetts where they leased the Old Manse property which was owned by
Emerson. Their initial child was delivered in 1844, marking the beginning of their parenthood
journey with a total of three children.
Hawthorne relocated to Salem due to an increasing family size and an increasing amount of
debt. Having been a loyal Democrat his entire life, his political affiliations proved
advantageous in securing a position as a surveyor at the Salem Custom House in 1846, which
provided much-needed economic stability for his family. Although Hawthorne was initially
appointed, he was forced to relinquish his position due to political bias when Whig President
Zachary Taylor took office. His termination ultimately proved to be advantageous as it allowed
him the opportunity to create his magnum opus, The Scarlet Letter. This novel tells the tale of
two lovers who found themselves at odds with the ethical standards of the Puritan community.
Hawthorne's fame was propelled by the extensive circulation of his book, which was among
the initial batch of printed materials to be mass-produced in America.
Hawthorne, who never felt at ease in Salem due to the town's Puritan constraints, was resolute
in relocating his family elsewhere. The author established a strong bond with Herman Melville
during his stay at Red House located in Lenox, Massachusetts. Hawthorne's most prolific era
as an author occurred during this period, marked by the publication of works such as The House
of the Seven Gables, Blithedale Romance, and Tanglewood Tales.
In 1852, Hawthorne composed a political biography for his former university companion Pierce
as part of the election campaign. As a token of appreciation, Pierce nominated Hawthorne as
the American Consul to Britain after being elected as the president. From 1853 to 1857, the
Hawthorne family resided in England. Hawthorne's book, Our Old Home, was motivated by
this particular era.
Following his tenure as consul, Hawthorne embarked on a lengthy sojourn with his kin in Italy
and subsequently returned to England. His final novel The Marble Faun was completed in
1860. In the same year, Hawthorne returned with his family to the United States and established
permanent residence at The Wayside, located in Concord, Massachusetts.
It was becoming evident after 1860 that Hawthorne's best years were behind him. Despite his
efforts, he was unable to revive his previous level of productivity. The drafts appeared
disorganized and incomplete for the most part. A few displayed indications of a decline in their
psychic abilities. As he gradually got ill, his appearance changed significantly, with his hair
turning grey and his cognitive abilities slowing down. Despite the passage of several months,
he was persistent in his decision not to seek medical attention and eventually passed away on
May 19, 1864, whilst sleeping in Plymouth, New Hampshire.
 Plot Summary
The introduction of The Scarlet Letter consists of a lengthy prologue detailing the
circumstances surrounding the creation of the book. The individual without a name held the
position of a customs surveyor in Salem, Massachusetts. While searching the attic of the
customhouse, he stumbled upon various records. Interestingly, one of them was a manuscript
that had a crimson patch with golden embroidery in the shape of the letter "A." This manuscript
was authored by a former surveyor outlining incidents that took place almost two centuries
prior to the actual narrator's existence. After being dismissed from his position at the customs,
the narrator made the decision to create a fictional narrative based on the accounts documented
in the manuscript. The ultimate result is The Scarlet Letter.
The narrative commences in Boston during the 17th century when it was a Puritan colony.
Hester Prynne, a young lady, is seen departing from the town prison carrying her baby girl,
Pearl, and wearing the emblematic "A" embroidered on her chest in scarlet. As the onlooker
watches, a man in the crowd reveals to him that Hester is being penalized for committing
adultery. Hester's spouse, a scholar significantly her senior, dispatched her to America in
advance, but failed to meet her in Boston. The general agreement is that he has disappeared
while traveling on water. While in anticipation of her husband's arrival, it seems that Hester
has engaged in an extramarital relationship, evidenced by the birth of a child. Despite facing
public ridicule and being forced to wear a scarlet letter as punishment for her wrongdoing and
concealing the identity of her lover, she remains tight-lipped about revealing his identity. On
this particular day, Hester is guided towards the town's platform and verbally attacked by the
town officials, yet she continues to firmly decline any revelation of her child's father's identity.
The observer who is elderly happens to be Hester's estranged spouse who is currently practicing
medicine and utilizing a different name, Roger Chillingworth. Focused on vengeance, he
establishes himself in Boston. Only Hester knows his actual identity, as he has made a vow to
keep it hidden from everyone else. Several years have gone by. Hester manages to support
herself through her job as a seamstress, while Pearl develops into a mischievous and determined
youngster. Living at the periphery of Boston, in a small cottage, they have been ostracized by
their surroundings. The authorities try to separate Hester from her daughter Pearl, but with the
aid of a charismatic and youthful clergyman named Arthur Dimmesdale, the two are able to
remain united. Dimmesdale is visibly declining in health and is afflicted with a puzzling heart
condition, which seems to be a result of his psychological burden. Chillingworth closely
associates himself with the sickly minister and eventually takes up residence with him in order
to ensure that he receives constant attention and treatment. Smart paraphrase: Chillingworth's
suspicion about the relation between the minister's sufferings and Hester's secret drives him to
experiment on Dimmesdale, hoping to uncover the truth. During an afternoon nap taken by the
minister, Chillingworth comes across a mysterious marking on the minister's chest. The
specifics of the marking are not disclosed to the reader, but it serves as confirmation for
Chillingworth's prior suspicions.
The mental torment of Dimmesdale intensifies and he subjects himself to novel forms of self-
punishment. For now, the community has ceased to despise Hester as she has demonstrated
acts of kindness and modesty. Pearl and her mother come across Dimmesdale standing on the
town scaffold, attempting to atone for his wrongdoing, as they make their way back home after
visiting someone on their deathbed. This occurs when Pearl is around seven years old. Hester
and Pearl collaborate with him and the trio form a hand-in-hand chain. Dimmesdale declines
Pearl's plea for him to publicly acknowledge her the following day, while a meteor creates a
faint crimson "A" in the night atmosphere. Observing the minister's deteriorating state, Hester
formulates a plan to step in and take action. She approaches Chillingworth and requests him to
cease exacerbating Dimmesdale's self-inflicted anguish. Chillingworth declines.
Hester orchestrates a meeting with Dimmesdale in the woods as she suspects that Chillingworth
has deduced her intention to divulge his true identity to Dimmesdale. The ex-partners opt to
escape to Europe and reside with their offspring, Pearl, forming a united family. In a span of
four days, they're scheduled to embark on a ship departing from Boston. Both experience a
feeling of liberation, prompting Hester to discard the symbol of shame and loosen her hair.
Playing close by, Pearl fails to identify her mother in the absence of the letter. On the eve of
the vessel's departure, the community assembles for a festive occasion and Dimmesdale
delivers his most impressive preaching. In the interim, Hester became aware of Chillingworth's
knowledge of their strategy and his reservation on the identical vessel. As Dimmesdale exited
the church following his sermon, he caught sight of Hester and Pearl standing in front of the
scaffold. Suddenly, he ascends the platform alongside his beloved partner and their child,
boldly admitting his wrongdoing before a crowd, revealing an emblematic red symbol indelibly
marked on his chest. Pearl's kiss causes him to fall lifeless.
Chillingworth, who was unable to exact his revenge, passed away one year later with a sense
of disappointment. Hester and her daughter Pearl depart from Boston, and their fate remains a
mystery to all. After several years, Hester arrives by herself back at her former dwelling, still
adorned with the infamous scarlet letter, with the intention of continuing her selfless deeds.
Pearl, now married to a European aristocrat and raising a family, sends her infrequent
correspondence. Upon Hester's demise, she is interred adjacent to Dimmesdale's burial site.
They both rest under one gravestone, adorned with a crimson letter "A".
 Major Characters
Hester Prynne
The central character of the book is Hester, who is also identified as the wearer of the scarlet
letter, from which the book derives its title. Hester, bearing a sewn fabric resembling the letter
"A," is labeled as an "adulteress." In her youth, she wedded an aged academic named
Chillingworth, who dispatched her to reside in America individually but never joined her. As
she waited for him, she engaged in a romance with a Puritan clergyman named Dimmesdale,
resulting in the birth of their daughter, Pearl. Despite facing years of shame and scorn, Hester's
passion and strength enable her to persevere. Her intelligence and thoughtfulness are on par
with both her husband and her lover. As a result of her detachment, she has the capability to
make sharp observations regarding her society, particularly its attitude towards women.

Arthur Dimmesdale
Dimmesdale, a youthful individual who gained recognition in England as a theologian,
relocated to America. During a vulnerable moment, they engaged in a romantic relationship.
Despite his reluctance to admit it publicly, he is indeed the biological father of her offspring.
He copes with his feelings of guilt by subjecting himself to physical and mental torture, which
leads to the development of a heart ailment. Dimmesdale, being both cognitive and sensitive,
produces sermons that are exceptional in their power of persuasion and rhetorical fluency. He
frequently experiences a clash between his sense of sinfulness and the responsibility he feels
towards his congregation.

Pearl
Pearl, the illegitimate offspring of Hester, is a girl with a capricious and prankish temperament,
endowed with a perceptiveness that surpasses that of her peers. An instance of her smartness
is evident in her rapid identification of the reality concerning her mother and Dimmesdale. The
residents of the town allege that she appears almost non-human and propagate gossip that her
biological father is the Devil himself. She possesses a remarkable amount of insight and
understanding that is well beyond what is expected of her age. She often participates in playful
and sarcastic activities that involve her mother’s infamous scarlet letter.

Roger Chillingworth
Hester's disguised spouse is referred to as "Roger Chillingworth". He's considerably more
mature than her and dispatched her to America while he sorted out his matters in Europe. Upon
his capture by Native Americans, he arrives in Boston later than expected and encounters
Hester and her illegitimate child being publicly exhibited on the scaffold. Despite his wife's
betrayal and shame, he chooses to stay in Boston driven by his desire for vengeance. The
individual in question is a learned person and employs his expertise to masquerade as a
physician, with the primary objective of uncovering and causing distress to the unidentified
romantic partner of Hester. Chillingworth is a highly self-centered individual who possesses
qualities that are both monstrous in terms of his physical appearance as well as in a
psychological sense. He is characterized as the most sinister personality in the novel due to his
unwavering commitment to seeking revenge.

The Narrator
The individual who remains unidentified serves as the surveyor of the Salem Custom-House,
approximately two centuries after the occurrences depicted in the book. While exploring the
attic of the building, the protagonist comes across an ancient manuscript outlining the tale of
Hester Prynne. Following a job loss, he resolves to create a fictional rendition of the story. The
person telling the story is a rather nervous individual whose lineage with Puritanism causes
them to feel remorseful about their occupation as a writer. The reason behind his writing is his
fascination towards American history and his strong belief that America must gain a better
comprehension of its ethical and spiritual inheritance.

Mistress Hibbins
Mistress Ann Hibbins, a windowed lady, dwells at a lavish mansion with her sibling, Governor
Bellingham. In 1656, she was put to death for practicing witchcraft. She is now considered to
be a significant figure in history. A prevalent belief is that she practices witchcraft and
participates in nocturnal rides with the "Black Man" in the forest. The book portrays her as
possessing extraordinary knowledge and dark abilities, symbolizing super or preternatural
wisdom and overseeing both Hester's and Dimmesdale's wrongdoings. Her presence at public
events serves as a symbol of the duplicity and covert malevolence within Puritan culture.

Governor Bellingham
Richard Bellingham, a historical personality, held the post of governor in 1641, 1654, and 1665.
The leader of Boston and the sibling of Mistress Hibbins. Bellingham behaves in a similar
fashion to a member of the aristocracy, reveling in wealth, opulence, and the advantages
associated with authority. However, Governor Bellingham enforces strict Puritan codes of
conduct and penalizes any conduct exhibited by others that does not align with these standards.
He can be considered an unsympathetic hypocrite due to this behavior. As an example, despite
hiring Hester to engage in intricate embroidery for him, he endeavors to take Pearl away from
her, contending that she is an unsuitable parent due to her act of adultery. Afterwards, he
condemns and carries out the punishment of his biological sister for engaging in witchcraft.
 Themes
Theme of Sin
The connection between sin and knowledge is a prominent theme in the Judeo-Christian
tradition. The story of Adam and Eve, who were banished from the Garden of Eden for
acquiring knowledge, demonstrates this connection. This knowledge made them aware of their
humanity, leading to a life of toil and procreation. Similarly, Hester and Dimmesdale's
experience of sin and its consequences resembles Adam and Eve's story. They both suffer and
are expelled from their community, but their sin also brings them knowledge of themselves and
others. Hester's scarlet letter allows her to question society and herself, while Dimmesdale's sin
gives him empathy for others, which is reflected in his sermons. However, the Puritan elders
view sin as a threat and punish those who commit it, which creates a stagnant society. In
contrast, Hester and Dimmesdale's experience shows that living with sin can lead to personal
growth, sympathy, and understanding of others. Ironically, these qualities are incompatible
with the idea of purity upheld by the Puritan community.

Identity and Society

Although Hester has been publicly shamed and forced to wear a humiliating badge by the
people of Boston, her decision to remain in the town may seem perplexing. Although she could
remove the scarlet letter and live a normal life by leaving the Massachusetts Bay Colony, she
appears upset when Chillingworth informs her that the town leaders are considering allowing
her to do so. Hester's behavior is based on her desire to shape her own identity rather than
allowing others to define it for her. If she were to flee or remove the letter, she would be
acknowledging society's control over her and admitting that the letter was a symbol of shame
and something she desired to escape. Instead, Hester chooses to stay and recontextualizes the
scarlet letter as a symbol of her own experiences and character. Her past transgression is a part
of who she is, and denying it would be like pretending that a part of herself never existed.
Consequently, Hester consciously integrates her sin into her life.

Theme of Guilt
The Scarlet Letter deals with the theme of guilt, particularly in the character of Arthur
Dimmesdale. He is haunted by guilt for his sin of fathering an illegitimate child and for failing
to take responsibility for it. Dimmesdale longs for someone he can confide in and seek
forgiveness from. His guilt is intensified by the fact that he is perceived as a holy and righteous
figure, causing him immense agony. Despite frequently expressing his guilt, Dimmesdale only
admits his wrongdoing in public when it is too late for anything to change. Hawthorne portrays
Dimmesdale's guilt as a weakness that makes him susceptible to being manipulated by
Chillingworth. The author suggests that guilt is not inherently virtuous and must be
accompanied by an effort to redeem oneself.
Theme of Nature
"The Scarlet Letter" portrays nature as a counterpoint to Puritanism. While Puritanism is
unyielding and severe, nature is accommodating and adaptable. This contrast is apparent from
the beginning of the novel, where the narrator compares the "black flower" of the prison, which
punishes sin, to the red rose bush that he envisions as forgiving those condemned to death. The
theme of nature is further developed through the forest near Boston, which is depicted as an
"uncivilized, lawless region." In the forest, people who are wild, passionate, and persecuted,
such as Hester, Pearl, Mistress Hibbins, and the Native Americans, can escape from the strict,
oppressive morality of Puritan society. The forest offers comfort and protection that are
unavailable in society and is also the only place where Hester can reunite with Dimmesdale.
When Hester moves to the outskirts of Boston, the narrator suggests that she would have been
better suited to living in the forest. Hester's decision to reside on the fringes of society and
nature represents her internal conflict: she cannot prosper entirely within the confines of
Puritanism, but she also cannot flee due to her ties to society and to Dimmesdale.

The Occult
The town of Salem, Massachusetts is commonly associated with the notorious "Salem Witch
Trials." The Scarlet Letter, which takes place in and around Boston, also deals with themes of
witchcraft and the occult. However, the novel portrays these subjects in a sympathetic light.
Hawthorne links Pearl with other social outcasts, such as Mistress Hibbins, to suggest that
witches were both created by and victimized by the excessively strict Puritan society. The
Puritan society's intolerance created an environment where people became interested in
witchcraft as a means of expressing natural human emotions that Puritanism forbade.
Puritanism then viewed witches as a threat to its repressive society and sentenced all witches,
including Mistress Hibbins, to death.
 Symbolism
The Scarlet Letter contains numerous symbolic representations that convey its key themes and
messages. The colors red and black, the scarlet letter, the meteor, and Pearl are paramount
symbols within the novel.

Red and Black

To symbolize the dualities of human behavior, the novel employs the colors black and red
consistently. The color red is closely linked with intense feelings and energy, yet it also
symbolizes wrongdoing and remorse. Hester's passion is represented by the color red. On the
contrary, black is often linked with shadows and malevolence. It symbolizes evil and
wrongdoing in various contexts, Chillingworth, for instance, refers to their shared fate as a
"black flower." The combination of these two hues symbolizes the intricate nature of human
feelings and the ongoing battle between morality and immorality. The red and black tones are
prominently displayed in the scarlet letter.

The Scarlet Letter

Although intended to represent disgrace, the scarlet letter ultimately transforms into a potent
emblem of Hester's individuality. The interpretation of the letter changes over time. Initially
designed to identify Hester as a person who committed adultery, the badge eventually
transforms into a symbol of her capability and competence. Eventually, it becomes ambiguous
in meaning: The Native Americans observing the Election Day ceremony infer that it signifies
her as an esteemed and influential individual. In a similar manner to Pearl, the letter serves as
a tangible reminder of Hester's immoral relationship with Dimmesdale. However, the letter
appears trivial in comparison to a human child, thus exposing the futility of the community's
system of judgement and repercussions. The little one may be a divine or natural creation, but
the letter is simply a man-made device. Moreover, the ambiguity of the letter's perceived
significance raises doubts about the capacity of societal symbols to serve as a means of
strengthening ideological views. Frequently, a symbol takes on significant importance and
becomes the subject of intense examination and discussion.

The Meteor
Chapter 12 depicts Dimmesdale, accompanied by Hester and Pearl, standing on the scaffold
while a meteor illuminates the dark sky and forms the shape of an “A”. The meteor's
significance to Dimmesdale infers that he should bear a symbol of disgrace akin to Hester's.
The community has varying perceptions of the meteor; some believe it represents an "Angel"
and symbolizes Governor Winthrop's ascent to heaven. "However, interpreting the symbol as
'Angel' appears to be an uneasy interpretation." The Puritans often relied on symbolic
representations to validate their religious beliefs. In this account, symbols are subject to
interpretation and can be attributed with various meanings based on the observer's perspective.
The meteor incident serves as an explicit illustration of how symbols can be utilized in two
distinct ways: one from the perspective of Puritanism and the other from a literary standpoint.

Pearl
Pearl is a young, unbridled individual with a strong affiliation to nature. Despite her
multifaceted personality, she's overarching role in the novel is to serve as a symbolic
representation. Pearl embodies the essence of her mother's infamous scarlet letter in a living
form. She personifies the physical manifestation of sexual indiscretion and serves as a tangible
mark of wrongdoing. Although Pearl serves as a reminder of Hester's wrongdoing, she is not
just a form of punishment, she also brings joy to her mother's life. She personifies not just the
concept of "wrongdoing," but also the crucial energy and enthusiasm that gave rise to that
wrongdoing. She represents the liberation and liveliness that exists beyond the rigid limitations
imposed by Puritan culture. The presence of Pearl serves as a source of motivation for her
mother, preventing her from giving up and boosting her morale. Pearl can only achieve full
humanity once Dimmesdale's identity as her father is disclosed, as prior to this point she only
serves as a symbolic force that serves as a reminder of an enigma that has not yet been resolved.
 Conclusion
Ultimately, "The Scarlet Letter" is a compelling account of the impact of wrongdoing and the
potential for individuals to be redeemed. Hawthorne delves into the intricate intersections of
moral principles and societal norms and their potential impact on individuals through his
portrayal of Hester Prynne. Despite enduring public humiliation and punishment, Hester's
fortitude and perseverance remain intact as she seeks comfort in her bond with her daughter
Pearl and ultimately gains pardon and approval from the society. The book functions as an
evaluation of the harsh, unforgiving, and strict Puritan community of 17th century Boston,
which restricts individual autonomy and creativity with severe limitations. As a timeless work
of art, "The Scarlet Letter" continues to fascinate and push readers with its intricate symbolism,
complicated personas, and deep understanding of human behavior. Hawthorne's capacity to
shed light on the intricacies of the human existence is brilliantly showcased and stands as proof
of his writing prowess.
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https://www.litcharts.com/lit/the-scarlet-letter.

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https://www.sparknotes.com/lit/scarlet.

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