The Scarlet Letter Blog

Referring to The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne, the essential elements of Romanticism and Realism are portrayed extensively throughout the novel. But in order for one to accurately measure its true value pertaining to the text, they must first be defined and discussed how each impression relates to the novel.

Romanticism is defined as an artistic, literary, and intellectual movement that originated around the middle of the 18th century in Western Europe. It was partly a revolt against aristocratic, social, and political norms of the Enlightenment period and a reaction against the scientific rationalization of nature in art and literature. Emotion was strongly expressed as a source of aesthetic experience. Relating to the text, Hawthorne shows this by creating the “new” woman of the ages. Being in the Puritan society, women were restricted to household duties, managing the children, and even educating the youth. Although many probably felt the need to change, no woman stood up and faced the norms of society which would cause harsh criticism, scrutiny, and shame amongst the villagers. However, Hester Prynne, the wearer of the scarlet letter, is intelligent, resourceful, and thoughtful beyond her years. The scarlet letter has many meanings throughout the duration of the novel, but it initially means “Adultery”. Hester has committed the foulest sin of all, and is looked down upon by the community. However through Hester’s continued determination and drive, the semantics of the scarlet letter changes to mean “Angel”. She is a beacon of hope, perseverance, and power at the end of the novel. The scarlet letter is a beautiful and distinguished letter now.

Similarly, realism is will be defined and discussed as to how it relates to the text. In class, we spoke about two different types of realism. Social realism explores problems of economic equality. It portrays the very existence of urban life transforming the nation at the end of the 19th century. Psychological realism, however, concerns with delving below the surface of social life to probe complex motivations and unconscious desires that shape the character’s perception. Both of these concepts offer insight into the instability if the 19th century. Hawthorne gives a very descriptive image of the villagers in the puritan society. The women are large and manly and the townspeople congregate to hear the preaching of the reverends on a daily basis. Religion was very important to the Puritan. They believed that they were put on this earth for a special reason and they must live in fear of God. This is exactly what Reverend Dimmesdale did after he committed sin. He tried to buy back his way into heaven by doing good deeds, while simultaneously sin eats away at his body by the help of none other than Roger Chillingworth. From a realist point of view which correlated to the novel, strict punishment was done by leaders of the community which were mostly the Reverends of the church. Adultery was punishable by death, and fornication was to be punished be whipping.