Individual vs. the Society in “The Scarlet Letter” Essay

Inside the Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne, the theme of the individual versus society is prevalent. One of the most stimulating characters inside the novel is definitely Hester Prynne, who is ostracized by the society around her. Hawthorne uses symbols to accentuate how Hester chooses to simply accept her brand punishment as a moral responsibility rather than a mark of disgrace.

Her individuality is achieved through a crystal clear conscience and accepting the very fact that she is unique, distanced from the Puritans surrounding her. Immediately, The Scarlet Letter sets up an obvious contrast between Hester as well as the other females in Boston, Massachusetts. Hester emerges in the prison as a gorgeous woman who was, “tall, with a number of perfect elegance on a large scale.

The lady had darker and numerous hair, and so glossy which it threw from the susnhine with a gleam, and a face which, alongside being amazing from reliability of characteristic and richness of complexion… was lady, too, following the manner of the feminine gentility of those times; characterized by a certain state and dignity. ” (Narrator, l. 46-47) In the meantime, the additional women in Boston will be portrayed while gossiping quacks who poker fun at Hester away of jealousy and spite. Hester is definitely further distanced from the mob throng through her graceful garb and her skill of needle-work. While on the scaffold, sometime later it was when the girl moves right into a cottage distanced from all others, Hester is still defiant.

The girl asserts her quasi rebellious personality by simply not unstable amid the penetrating looks of the townspeople. In addition , your woman chooses in which to stay Boston rather than take the possibility to escape and begin a new your life. By running aside, Hester would be acknowledging society’s power of her. Instead, your woman desires to create her very own identity and never have culture determine that for her.

In the event Hester would have been to succumb to outside pressure, it would further undermine what very little integrity the townspeople observe in her. However , the cruel taunts are useless to her, because Hester is usually adamant in her croyance; she has an authentic purpose in every area of your life. Her child Pearl is an important part of Hester’s life. Considerably more than a living embodiment from the sin that Hester can be reminded of through the scarlet letter, Pearl allows Hester to have a reason to live and a reason to be. Pearl acts as a reality check, to get she daily reminds her mother of her trouble.

Yet, Treasure is a miraculous child, simply by proving that beauty can easily spring from sin. Your woman offers Hester a mirror of herself, and an enduring responsibility for which to uphold. In addition , Hester feels an obligation in which to stay New Britain because she feels morally sure to stay with Pearl’s father. The scarlet letter in a sense identifies who Hester is. Lavishly decorated “in fine red cloth ornamented with an elaborate embroidery and fantastic flourishes of precious metal thread, ” (Narrator, l. 46) the letter “A” binds Hester to provide her because of atonement to get the wrongs she has committed.

However , her brilliant skills at needle-work and uniqueness of individuality are frowned upon by the culture. Out of malice and jealousy, they verbally misuse both her and Treasure, degrading these to worthless statistics while that they themselves are hypocrites in their own right. Satrical takes its best form if the skillful works of Hester are embellished by those highest officials that are penalizing her.

Despite the ridicule, Hester stands extra tall. She knows the anticipations that are added to her, and the shame incurred by her will prolong for possibly generations to come. Hester is certainly not willing to form herself towards the eager hands of others in order that they may satisfy their vicious desire to see her torture in her mental jail. She strives for consideration and health amid all of the harsh words.

This is evidenced in her treatment of Gem, who is exalted far past the various other children. She actually is dressed in the most extravagant dress, while being taught heavenly benefits. Motherly take pleasure in defies most pressures, and Hester’s undeniable love intended for Pearl is definitely the quintessence with this. In the stringent morals of Puritan society that are delineated in The Scarlet Letter, Hester Prynne undergoes many difficulties. Her wrongdoing helps provoke the irritated sentiments of the townspeople, who are identified to see her suffer for the fullest magnitude.

However , Hester’s attitude is definitely one of moral obligation and compassionate defiance. She retorts with simply love, because beautifully demonstrated in her treatment of Gem. Hester is unique, and so is her unwavering attitude regardless of what the rest of society thinks of her.

She answers to a higher purchase and never relents her mind to the money grubbing hands of others.