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

In The reddened Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne, the theme of the individual versus c aller is prevalent. One of the or so intriguing characters in the novel is Hester Prynne, who is ostracized by the gild around her. Hawthorne uses symbols to accentuate how Hester chooses to accept her branded punishment as a moral obligation rather than a mark of shame. Her individualism is achieved by dint of a clear conscience and accepting the fact that she is unique, distanced from the Puritans surrounding her.Immediately, The ruddy Letter sets up a clear contrast between Hester and the different ladies in capital of Massachusetts, Massachusetts. Hester emerges from the prison as a gorgeous woman who was,tall, with a figure of perfect elegance on a large scale. She had fantasm and abundant hair, so glossy that it threw off the susnhine with a gleam, and a pillow slip which ,beside being beautiful from regularity of feature and richness of complexion was ladylike, too, after the manner of the feminine gentility of those days characterized by a certain(a) state and dignity. (Narrator, p. 46-47)Mean turn, the other women in Boston atomic number 18 portrayed as gossiping quacks who ridicule Hester out of jealousy and spite. Hester is further distanced from the mob tamp through her elegant garb and her skill of needle-work.While on the scaffold, and subsequent when she moves into a cottage distanced from everyone else, Hester remains defiant. She asserts her quasi rebellious personality by not wavering amid the penetrating stares of the townspeople. In addition, she chooses to check in Boston rather than take the opportunity to escape and start a raw life. By running away, Hester would be acknowledging societys power of her. Instead, she desires to make believe her own identity and not have society determine it for her. If Hester were to give way to outside pressure, it would further undermine what little integrity the townspeople check into in her. However, th e cruel taunts are meaningless to her, because Hester is adamant in her convictions she has a genuine purpose in life.Her daughter Pearl is an important crack of Hesters life. Much more than a living embodiment of the blunder out that Hester is reminded of through the scarlet letter, Pearl allows Hester to have a reason to work and a reason to stay. Pearl acts as a reality check, for she day-after-day reminds her mother of her sin. Yet, Pearl is a miracle child, by proving that beauty can gush from sin. She offers Hester a mirror of herself, and an enduring obligation for which to uphold. In addition, Hester feels an obligation to stay in New England because she feels morally bound to stay with Pearls father.The scarlet letter in a sense defines who Hester is. Lavishly ornament in fine red cloth surrounded with an elaborate ornamentation and fantastic flourishes of gold thread, (Narrator, p. 46) the letter A binds Hester to serve her due reconciliation for the wrongs she has committed. However, her brilliant skills at needle-work and uniqueness of individuality are frowned upon by the society. issue of malice and jealousy, they verbally abuse both her and Pearl, degrading them to worthless figures while they themselves are hypocrites in their own right. Ironic takes its finest form when the skillful plant of Hester are adorned by those highest officials that are punishing her.Despite the ridicule, Hester stands tall. She knows the expectations that are placed on her, and that the shame incurred by her will extend for perhaps generations to come. Hester is not willing to mold herself to the eager hands of others so that they whitethorn satiate their cruel desire to earn her torture in her moral prison. She strives for compassion and well-being amid all the harsh words. This is evidenced in her give-and-take of Pearl, who is exalted far beyond the other children. She is dressed in the most extravagant attire, while being taught heavenly virtues. Mo therly love defies all pressures, and Hesters undeniable love for Pearl is the quintessence of this.In the hard-and-fast morals of Puritan society that are delineated in The Scarlet Letter, Hester Prynne undergoes many tribulations. Her wrongdoing helps provoke the angry sentiments of the townspeople, who are determined to see her suffer to the fullest extent. However, Hesters attitude is one of moral obligation and tender defiance. She retorts with nothing but love, as beautifully demonstrated in her discussion of Pearl. Hester is unique, and sois her unwavering attitude regardless of what the rest of society thinks of her. She answers to a higher order and never relents her conscience to the greedy hands of others.