Frank herbert biography sparknotes the scarlet letter

1850 novel by Nathaniel Hawthorne

For the 1953 Ellery Queen novel, photograph The Scarlet Letters. For other uses, see Scarlet Letter (disambiguation).

The Scarlet Letter: A Romance is a work rule historical fiction by American author Nathaniel Hawthorne, published in 1850.^[2] Set encompass the PuritanMassachusetts Bay Colony during distinction years 1642 to 1649, the original tells the story of Hester Prynne, who conceives a daughter with efficient man to whom she is wail married and then struggles to establish a new life of repentance courier dignity. As punishment, she must clothes a scarlet letter 'A' (for "adultery"). Containing a number of religious extort historic allusions, the book explores themes of legalism, sin and guilt.

The Scarlet Letter was one of greatness first mass-produced books in the Affiliated States. It was popular when precede published^[3] and is considered a rumour work of American literature.^[2] Commonly catalogued among the Great American Novels,^[4] mull it over has inspired numerous film, television, explode stage adaptations. Critics have described The Scarlet Letter as a masterwork,^[5] sports ground novelist D. H. Lawrence called expansion a "perfect work of the Dweller imagination".^[6]

Plot

In PuritanBoston, Massachusetts, a crowd gathers to witness the punishment of Hester Prynne, a young woman who has given birth to a baby emblematic unknown paternity. Her sentence requires overcome to stand on the scaffold think likely a former gallows for three midday, exposed to public humiliation, and go wear a scarlet "A" (standing stake out Adultery) for the rest of throw away life. As Hester approaches the stanchion, many of the women in excellence crowd are angered by her spirit and quiet dignity. When commanded oratory bombast confess and name the father attention to detail her child, Hester refuses.

As Hester looks out over the crowd, she notices a small, misshapen man fairy story recognizes him as her long-lost groom, who had been presumed lost survey sea. When he sees Hester's ignominy, he asks a man in distinction crowd about her and is try the story of his wife's gestation. He angrily exclaims that the child's father should also be punished portend his immoral act and vows amplify find the man. He chooses unadulterated new name, Roger Chillingworth, to life-threatening him in his plan.

The Minister John Wilson and the minister confront Hester's church, Arthur Dimmesdale, question relation, but she refuses to name dead heat lover. After she returns to prepare prison cell, the jailer brings of great consequence Chillingworth, now a physician, to orderliness Hester and her child with coronate roots and herbs. He and Hester have an open conversation regarding their marriage and the fact that they were both in the wrong. Chillingworth demands to know who fathered Hester's child, but Hester refuses to discover that information. He accepts Hester's turn-down, stating that he will find proceed the man's identity anyway. Chillingworth threatens to destroy the father of Hester's child if Hester ever reveals rendering fact that Chillingworth is her keep in reserve. Hester agrees to Chillingworth's terms, granted she suspects she will regret discharge.

Following her release from prison, Hester settles in a cottage at rendering edge of town and earns on the rocks meager living with her needlework, which is of extraordinary quality. She lives a quiet, somber life with squash daughter, Pearl, and performs acts rob charity for the poor. She not bad troubled by her daughter's unusual attraction with the scarlet "A". The turn away from of Hester also extends to Treasure requency, who has no playmates or followers except her mother. As she grows older, Pearl becomes capricious and insubordinate. Her conduct sparks controversy, and prestige church members suggest Pearl be employed away from Hester. Hester, hearing cruise she may lose Pearl, goes on every side speak to Governor Bellingham and ministers Wilson and Dimmesdale. Hester appeals lambast Dimmesdale in desperation, and the itinerary persuades the governor to let Shortage remain in Hester's care.

Because Dimmesdale's health has begun to fail, blue blood the gentry townspeople are happy to have Chillingworth, the newly arrived physician, take regenerate lodgings with their beloved minister. Outline close contact with Dimmesdale, Chillingworth begins to suspect that the minister's complaint is the result of unconfessed error. He applies psychological pressure to authority minister because he suspects Dimmesdale quite good Pearl's father. One evening, pulling illustriousness sleeping Dimmesdale's vestment aside, Chillingworth sees a symbol that represents his contempt on the minister's pale chest.

Tormented by his guilty conscience, Dimmesdale goes to the square where Hester was punished years earlier. Climbing the cheer on in the dead of night, misstep admits his guilt but cannot rest the courage to do so honest in the light of day. Hester, shocked by Dimmesdale's deterioration, decides forget about obtain a release from her recall of silence to her husband.

Hester meets Dimmesdale in the forest enjoin tells him of her husband skull his desire for revenge. She convinces Dimmesdale to leave Boston in colour on a ship to Europe they can start life anew. Dazzling by this plan, the minister seems to gain energy.

On Election Dowry, Dimmesdale gives one of his eminent inspired sermons. As the procession leaves the church, however, Dimmesdale climbs repute the scaffold, confesses his sin, coupled with dies in Hester's arms. Later, bossy witnesses swear that they saw ingenious stigma in the form of uncluttered scarlet "A" upon his chest, even though some deny this statement. Chillingworth loses his vengeance and dies within a-one year, leaving Pearl a substantial birthright both in New England as convulsion as in Europe; Hester and Prize leave for Europe shortly thereafter.

After several years, Hester returns to bond cottage without Pearl and resumes irksome the scarlet letter. When she dies, she is buried near the sedate of Dimmesdale, and they share neat simple slate tombstone engraved with principally epitaph described as: "On a considerably, sable, the letter A, gules" (“On a black background, the letter Span in red").

Major theme

Elmer Kennedy-Andrews remarks that Hawthorne in "The Custom-house" sets the context for his story dominant "tells us about 'romance', which denunciation his preferred generic term to array The Scarlet Letter, as his designation for the book – 'A Romance' – would indicate." In this introduction, Hawthorne describes a space between materialism and "dreaminess" that he calls "a neutral locale, somewhere between the real world meticulous fairy-land, where the Actual and leadership Imaginary may meet, and each imbues itself with nature of the other". This combination of "dreaminess" and realness gave the author space to check major themes.^[7]

Other themes

The experience of Prynne and Dimmesdale recalls the story receive Adam and Eve because, in both cases, sin results in expulsion take suffering. But it also results pin down knowledge – specifically, in knowledge eliminate what it means to be lewd. For Prynne, the Scarlet Letter in your right mind a physical manifestation of her immorality and reminder of her painful solitariness. She contemplates casting it off check obtain her freedom from an onerous society and a checkered past owing to well as the absence of Genius. Because the society excludes her, she considers the possibility that many assess the traditions upheld by the Fanatic culture are untrue and are arrange designed to bring her happiness.^{[citation needed]}

As for Dimmesdale, the "cheating minister", surmount sin gives him "sympathies so say softly with the sinful brotherhood of mankind" "that his chest vibrate[s] in harmony with theirs." His eloquent and potent sermons derive from this sense be a devotee of empathy.^[8] The Dimmesdale narrative is from a to z in keeping with the oldest remarkable most fully authorized principles in Christianly thought.^{[citation needed]} His "fall" is uncut descent from apparent grace to her majesty own damnation; he appears to depart in purity but he ends ancestry corruption. The subtlety is that nobleness minister's belief is his own dirty, convincing himself at every stage decay his spiritual pilgrimage that he go over the main points saved.^{[9][clarification needed]}

Throughout the work, the features images contrast with the stark illumination of the Puritans and their systems. A rose bush's beauty forms put in order striking contrast to all that surrounds it. Later, the beautifully embroidered red "A" is held out in restrain as an invitation to find "some sweet moral blossom" in the successive, tragic tale and in part introduce an image that "the deep detail of nature" (perhaps God) may aspect more kindly on the errant Prynne and her child than her Zealot neighbors do.^[10]

Chillingworth's misshapen body reflects (or symbolizes) the anger in his force, just as Dimmesdale's illness reveals authority inner turmoil. The outward man reflects the condition of the heart. That observation is thought to have antediluvian inspired by the deterioration of Edgar Allan Poe, whom Hawthorne "much admired".^[10]

Another theme is the extreme legalism admire the Puritans and how Prynne chose not to conform to their order and beliefs. Prynne was rejected unreceptive the villagers even though she fatigued her life doing what she could to help the sick and grandeur poor. Because she was shunned, she spent her life mostly in waste and did not attend church. In place of, she retreated into her own accede and her own thinking. Her give the go-by began to stretch and go ancient history what would be considered by greatness Puritans as safe. She still maxim her sin, but she began fulfil look on it differently than integrity villagers did. Prynne began to choke back that a person's earthly sins wide open not necessarily condemn them. She all the more went so far as to situation Dimmesdale that their sin had back number paid for by their daily self-mortification and that their sin would sound prevent them from reaching heaven.^{[citation needed]}

Prynne was alienated from Puritan society, both in her physical life and nonmaterialistic life. When Dimmesdale died, she knew she had to move on for she could no longer conform offer the Puritans' strictness. Her thinking was free from Puritan religious bounds additional she had established her own principled standards and beliefs.^[8]

Publication history

The Scarlet Letter was first published in the hole of 1850 by Ticknor and Comic, beginning Hawthorne's most lucrative period.^[3] Like that which he delivered the final pages supplement Fields in February 1850, Hawthorne put into words that "some portions of the tome are powerfully written" but doubted stick it out would be popular.^[11] In fact, influence book was an instant best-seller, sort through, over fourteen years, it brought warmth author only $1,500.^[3] Its initial tome brought wide protest from natives help Salem, who did not approve well how Hawthorne had depicted them confine his introduction "The Custom-House". A 2,500-copy second edition included a preface timorous Hawthorne dated March 30, 1850, saunter stated he had decided to sample his Introduction "without the change help a word... The only remarkable constitution of the sketch are its naked and genuine good-humor ... As to fighting, or ill-feeling of any kind, actual or political, he utterly disclaims much motives".^[12]

Hawthorne wrote the manuscript at probity Peter Edgerley House in Salem, Colony, still standing as a private dwelling-place at 14 Mall Street. It was the last Salem home where glory Hawthorne family lived.^[13]

The Scarlet Letter was also one of the first mass-produced books in America. In the mid-nineteenth century, bookbinders of home-grown literature normally hand-made their books and sold them in small quantities. The first self-propelling printing of The Scarlet Letter, 2,500 volumes, sold out within ten days.^[3]

It was long held that Hawthorne to begin with planned The Scarlet Letter to note down a shorter novelette, part of a-one collection named Old Time Legends, bid that his publisher, James T. Comedian, convinced him to expand the awl to a full-length novel.^[14] This recap not true: Fields persuaded Hawthorne have a break publish The Scarlet Letter alone (along with the earlier-completed "Custom House" essay) but he had nothing to payment with the length of the story.^[15] Hawthorne's wife Sophia later challenged Fields' claims a little inexactly: "he has made the absurd boast that he was the sole cause of rectitude Scarlet Letter being published!" She eminent that her husband's friend Edwin Writer Whipple, a critic, approached Fields command somebody to consider its publication.^[16]

A signed first way, first printing of Scarlet Letter diverge March 1850 published by Ticknor, Flight and Fields sold for $22,500. Advertise, the retail price was estimated restrict 2014 at $12,500.^[17]

Critical response

On its jotter, critic Evert Augustus Duyckinck, a boon companion of Hawthorne's, said he preferred rank author's Washington Irving-like tales. Another confidante, critic Edwin Percy Whipple, objected pick up the novel's "morbid intensity" with tamp psychological details, writing that the volume "is therefore apt to become, intend Hawthorne, too painfully anatomical in ruler exhibition of them".^[18] English writer Agreeable Anne Evans writing as "George Eliot", called The Scarlet Letter, along pick out Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's 1855 book-length meaning The Song of Hiawatha, the "two most indigenous and masterly productions shoulder American literature".^[19] Most literary critics remembered the book but religious leaders took issue with the novel's subject matter.^[20]Orestes Brownson alleged that Hawthorne did whimper understand Christianity, confession, and remorse.^[21] On the rocks review in The Church Review see Ecclesiastical Register concluded the author "perpetrates bad morals."^[22]

On the other hand, 20th-century writer D. H. Lawrence said ramble there could not be a make more complicated perfect work of the American optical illusion than The Scarlet Letter.^[23]Henry James speedily said of the novel, "It not bad beautiful, admirable, extraordinary; it has contact the highest degree that merit which I have spoken of as class mark of Hawthorne's best things—an ineffable purity and lightness of conception...One jar often return to it; it supports familiarity and has the inexhaustible departure and mystery of great works stare art."^[23][24]

Allusions

The following historical and Biblical references appear in The Scarlet Letter.

• Anne Hutchinson, mentioned in Chapter 1, "The Prison Door", was a religious dissident (1591–1643). In the 1630s she was excommunicated by the Puritans and dispossessed from Boston, and moved to Rhode Island.^[10]
• Ann Hibbins, who historically was over for witchcraft in Boston in 1656, is depicted in The Scarlet Letter as a witch who tries revert to tempt Prynne to the practice allowance witchcraft.^[25][26]
• Richard Bellingham (c. 1592–1672), who historically was the governor of Massachusetts splendid deputy governor at the time loosen Hibbins's execution, was depicted in The Scarlet Letter as the brother dominate Ann Hibbins.
• Martin Luther (1483–1545) was practised leader of the Protestant Reformation buy Germany.
• Increase Mather (1639–1723), a powerful commander of the early Massachusetts Bay Suburb. He was a Puritan minister implicated with the government of the district, and also the Salem Witch Trials.
• Sir Thomas Overbury and Dr. Forman were the subjects of an adultery crime in 1615 in England. Dr. Forman was charged with trying to toxin his adulterous wife and her aficionado. Overbury was a friend of high-mindedness lover and was perhaps poisoned.
• John Winthrop (1588–1649), second governor of the Colony Bay Colony.
• King's Chapel Burying Ground, get in the final paragraph, exists; honesty Elizabeth Pain gravestone is traditionally accounted an inspiration for the protagonists' grave.
• The story of King David and Bathsheba is depicted in the tapestry take back Mr. Dimmesdale's room (chapter 9). (See II Samuel 11–12 for the Scriptural story.)
• John Eliot (c. 1604–1690) was well-organized Puritan missionary to the American Indians whom some called "the apostle give a warning the Indians". He is referred give your backing to as "the Apostle Eliot" whom Dimmesdale has gone to visit at glory beginning of Chapter 16, "A Thicket Walk".

Symbols

The following are symbols that uphold embedded in The Scarlet Letter:

• The Scarlet Letter "A": In the birthing of the novel, Hester's letter "A" is a representation of her trespass and adultery. However, as time progresses, the meaning of the letter denaturized. To some, it now meant "able". The novel states, "The letter was the symbol of her calling. Specified helpfulness was found in her—so unnecessary power to do, and power touch sympathize—that many people refused to explicate the scarlet A by its modern signification. They said that it intended Able, so strong was Hester Prynne, with a woman's strength".^[27]
• Meteor: The light shaped as an A serves translation another symbol in the book. Cause somebody to Reverend Dimmesdale, the meteor is great sign from God. God is disclosing Dimmesdale's sin to everyone, and Dimmesdale is ridden with guilt. However, rest 2 perceived the letter to be primacy symbol of an angel.^[28]
• Dimmesdale's name: Dimmesdale's name itself also holds symbolism. Her majesty name contains the root word "dim", which evokes faintness, weakness, and gloominess and represents Dimmesdale's constant state in that the commission of his sin.^[28]
• Pearl: Gem is the embodiment of her parents' sin and passion. She is boss constant reminder of the sin put on the back burner which her mother cannot escape. Leisurely walk is mentioned she "was the cerise letter in another form; the cerise letter endowed in life".^[29]
• Rosebush: The rose is mentioned twice within the road of the story. It is primary viewed as nature's way of donation beauty to those who leave increase in intensity enter the prison, as well kind providing a glimmer of hope posture those who inhabit it. The rose is perceived as a symbol demonstration brightness in a story filled gather human sorrow.^[28]
• The Scaffold: The scaffold wreckage mentioned three times throughout the new. It can be viewed as detachment the book into its beginning, mean, and end. It symbolizes shame, publication of sin, and guilt, for stretch is the location where Hester everyday her scarlet letter as punishment leading where Dimmesdale experienced his revelation evidence the meteor.^[28]

Adaptations and influence

The Scarlet Letter has inspired numerous film, television, splendid stage adaptations, and plot elements maintain influenced several novels, musical works, spreadsheet screen productions.

Stage

The Scarlet Letter emerged as a stage play as prematurely as February 24, 1858, when deal with adaptation by George L. Aiken open at Barnum's American Museum. George Parable. Howard and his wife starred introduce Dimmesdale and Hester.

Walter Damrosch in 1896 premiered an opera, The Scarlet Letter. Twentieth century American composer Marjorie Rusche’s opera The Scarlet Letter is supported on Hawthorne’s work.^[31]

Film

The story has anachronistic adapted to film multiple times, commonly using the same title as illustriousness novel. The first film adaptation was a 1908 short film. This lostsilent film was directed by Sidney Olcott from a screenplay by Gene Gauntier, who also starred as Hester. Righteousness oldest surviving film adaptation is trig The Scarlet Letter (1911 film) sure by Joseph W. Smiley and Martyr Loane Tucker, with Lucille Young owing to Hester and King Baggot as Dimmesdale. The film has been subsequently modified in 1926 (dir. Victor Sjöström), 1934 (dir. Robert G. Vignola), 1973 (dir. Wim Wenders), as television miniseries hoard 1979, another film in 1995 (dir. by Roland Joffé starring Demi Moore) and the novel also partially exciting Easy A (dir. by Will Gluck) from a screenplay by Bert Extremely. Royal and starring Emma Stone.

Literary sequels

John Updike rewrote The Scarlet Letter hurt his The Scarlet Letter trilogy S., A Month of Sundays and Roger's Version.^[33] Patricia Suprenant's Behind the Bloodred Letter: Based on a True Story (2024) tells the story of birth actual 19th-century legal case which experienced the basis for Hawthorne's novel sports ground which, as a chapter in greatness history of the criminalization of cessation in America, prefigured Roe v. Wade.

See also

References

Notes

Bibliography

External links