The Scarlet Letter | Nathaniel Hawthorne | Cliff Note Books

“The Scarlet Letter” is a novel written by Nathaniel Hawthorne, published in 1850. It is set in the Puritan Massachusetts Bay Colony during the mid-17th century and explores themes of guilt, sin, and redemption.

The story begins with Hester Prynne, a young woman who has given birth to an illegitimate child, Pearl, after having an affair while her husband, Roger Chillingworth, was believed to be lost at sea. As punishment for her adultery, Hester is forced to wear a scarlet letter “A” (for adultery) on her dress as a constant reminder of her sin.

Hester’s long-lost husband, Chillingworth, eventually returns and seeks revenge on the man who fathered Hester’s child. Disguising himself as a physician, he befriends the town’s minister, Arthur Dimmesdale, who is later revealed to be Pearl’s father. Chillingworth tortures Dimmesdale psychologically by exploiting his guilt, and the minister’s health deteriorates.

Hester and Dimmesdale plan to flee the colony to start a new life together with Pearl. However, before they can escape, Dimmesdale publicly confesses his sin during a town gathering and dies in Hester’s arms. Chillingworth, now robbed of his revenge, withers away and dies soon after.

Years later, Hester returns to the colony and resumes wearing the scarlet letter. She becomes a symbol of repentance and compassion, offering help and counsel to those in need. Hester eventually dies and is buried next to Dimmesdale, with a single tombstone bearing the scarlet letter “A” to mark their shared grave.

Throughout the novel, Hawthorne explores themes of sin, guilt, and the nature of redemption, as well as the hypocrisy and rigid moral codes of the Puritan society.

Themes

Symbollism

Quotes

Author

Discussion

Summaries

THEMES

In Nathaniel Hawthorne’s “The Scarlet Letter,” several themes emerge that highlight the complexities of human nature and the rigid moral codes of Puritan society. Some of the major themes include:

1. Sin and guilt: The novel explores the concepts of sin and guilt, particularly as they relate to Hester Prynne’s adultery and the consequences she faces as a result. The scarlet letter “A” she is forced to wear symbolizes her sin and serves as a constant reminder of her guilt.
2. Redemption and forgiveness: Hester’s journey throughout the novel involves her seeking redemption for her sins and ultimately finding forgiveness, both from others and herself. The transformation of the scarlet letter’s meaning over time—from a mark of shame to a symbol of strength and wisdom—reflects this theme.
3. Hypocrisy and societal judgment: Hawthorne critiques the hypocrisy within Puritan society, where people are quick to judge others while hiding their own sins. Arthur Dimmesdale, the minister, is a prime example, as he secretly struggles with his guilt while publicly maintaining a pious facade.
4. The nature of evil: The novel delves into the nature of evil, particularly through the character of Roger Chillingworth. His quest for revenge against Dimmesdale becomes a consuming, malevolent force that ultimately destroys him.
5. Identity and individuality: The characters in the novel grapple with their identities, often at odds with the rigid expectations of Puritan society. Hester’s refusal to conform, her determination to raise Pearl as a single mother, and her eventual transformation into a symbol of strength all highlight the importance of individuality.
6. Isolation and alienation: Hester’s punishment isolates her from the community, while Dimmesdale’s secret guilt isolates him emotionally. These experiences of isolation and alienation demonstrate the impact of societal judgment and the burden of carrying hidden guilt.
7. The power of symbols: Throughout the novel, symbols such as the scarlet letter “A,” Pearl, and the scaffold carry significant meaning and power. These symbols reinforce the novel’s themes and help to illuminate the characters’ inner struggles.
8. Nature vs. society: The novel often contrasts the natural world, which is presented as a source of truth and purity, with the corruption and artificiality of human society. This theme is seen through Hester and Dimmesdale’s connection to nature and their rejection of the oppressive social norms.

SYMBOLLISM

In “The Scarlet Letter,” Nathaniel Hawthorne employs various symbols to enhance the themes and characters within the story. Some of the most prominent symbols include:

1. The Scarlet Letter “A”: The most significant symbol in the novel, the letter “A” initially represents Hester’s sin of adultery. As the story progresses, it takes on new meanings, such as “Able” or “Angel,” symbolizing Hester’s transformation, strength, and the community’s changing perception of her.
2. Pearl: Hester’s daughter, Pearl, serves as a living symbol of her sin and a constant reminder of her affair. She also represents the potential for redemption and the possibility of a new beginning for Hester and Dimmesdale.
3. The Scaffold: The scaffold is the site where Hester is publicly shamed for her adultery and where Dimmesdale eventually confesses his guilt. It symbolizes public judgment, penance, and the oppressive nature of Puritan society.
4. The Forest: The forest represents a place of freedom, escape, and the natural world, in contrast to the restrictive and hypocritical Puritan society. It is in the forest where Hester and Dimmesdale can meet without fear of judgment and where they plan their escape.
5. The Meteor: The meteor that appears in the sky is interpreted by the townspeople as a sign from God, marking Dimmesdale’s sin. It symbolizes the idea that everyone’s sins will eventually be exposed and that divine judgment is inescapable.
6. Roger Chillingworth’s Name: Chillingworth’s name is symbolic of his cold, calculating nature and his transformation into a malevolent force bent on revenge.
7. The Black Man: The Black Man, believed by the Puritans to be a representation of the devil, is mentioned in connection with the forest and Hester’s scarlet letter. It symbolizes temptation, sin, and evil.
8. The Rosebush: The rosebush outside the prison door symbolizes nature’s persistence and beauty despite the harshness of human society. It can also be seen as a representation of Hester’s own strength and resilience.
9. The Brook: The brook in the forest symbolizes the boundary between Hester’s world of sin and the Puritan society, as well as the barrier between Pearl’s innocence and the adult world.

These symbols contribute to the novel’s themes and help to illuminate the characters’ inner struggles and transformations.

QUOTES

1. “On the breast of her gown, in fine red cloth, surrounded with an elaborate embroidery and fantastic flourishes of gold thread, appeared the letter A.” (Chapter 2)
2. “No man, for any considerable period, can wear one face to himself and another to the multitude, without finally getting bewildered as to which may be the true.” (Chapter 20)
3. “She had not known the weight until she felt the freedom.” (Chapter 18)
4. “It is to the credit of human nature, that, except where its selfishness is brought into play, it loves more readily than it hates.” (Chapter 22)
5. “It is a curious subject of observation and inquiry, whether hatred and love be not the same thing at the bottom.” (Chapter 14)
6. “We men of study, whose heads are in our books, have need to be straightly looked after! We dream in our waking moments, and walk in our sleep.” (Chapter 9)
7. “The scarlet letter was her passport into regions where other women dared not tread. Shame, Despair, Solitude! These had been her teachers—stern and wild ones—and they had made her strong, but taught her much amiss.” (Chapter 18)
8. “Be true! Be true! Be true! Show freely to the world, if not your worst, yet some trait whereby the worst may be inferred!” (Chapter 24)
9. “When an uninstructed multitude attempts to see with its eyes, it is exceedingly apt to be deceived.” (Chapter 23)

AUTHOR

Nathaniel Hawthorne (1804-1864) was an American novelist and short story writer, known for his exploration of moral and psychological themes, as well as his criticism of Puritanism in early American society. Born on July 4, 1804, in Salem, Massachusetts, he was a descendant of a prominent Puritan family, which greatly influenced his writing.

Hawthorne attended Bowdoin College in Maine, where he graduated in 1825. After college, he returned to Salem and began to write, mainly short stories. His first published work, “Fanshawe” (1828), was a novel that he later disowned. He continued to write stories, many of which were published in periodicals, and gained recognition for his 1837 short story collection, “Twice-Told Tales.”

In 1841, Hawthorne briefly joined the transcendentalist utopian community at Brook Farm, but his stay was short-lived. He married Sophia Peabody in 1842, and the couple moved to Concord, Massachusetts. There, they became friends with notable literary figures such as Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry David Thoreau, and Louisa May Alcott.

Hawthorne’s most famous work, “The Scarlet Letter” (1850), is a novel that explores themes of sin, guilt, and redemption in Puritan New England. This work, along with “The House of the Seven Gables” (1851) and “The Blithedale Romance” (1852), are considered his most significant contributions to American literature.

Hawthorne’s other notable works include “The Marble Faun” (1860) and a collection of children’s stories called “A Wonder-Book for Girls and Boys” (1851). He also wrote a campaign biography for his college friend and future president, Franklin Pierce, which helped secure Hawthorne a position as the United States consul in Liverpool, England, from 1853 to 1857.

After his time abroad, Hawthorne returned to the United States and continued writing until his death. He passed away on May 19, 1864, in Plymouth, New Hampshire. Today, Nathaniel Hawthorne is remembered as a prominent figure in American literature, known for his morally complex stories and his unique insight into the darker aspects of the human experience.

DISCUSSION

“The Scarlet Letter” has been a subject of discussion and analysis since its publication in 1850. Here are some discussion points and critical viewpoints that you can consider:

1. The role of women in Puritan society: Hester Prynne’s character challenges the traditional roles and expectations of women in the Puritan era. Discuss how her defiance and transformation contribute to the novel’s themes and what they say about the author’s views on the treatment of women during that time.
2. The concept of sin: The novel’s central theme revolves around sin and its consequences. Analyze how different characters deal with their sins and how the portrayal of sin in the novel may be a reflection of Hawthorne’s own views on morality and human nature.
3. The impact of guilt: Guilt is a powerful force in “The Scarlet Letter,” driving the actions and decisions of the main characters. Discuss how guilt manifests in Hester, Dimmesdale, and Chillingworth, and how it contributes to their ultimate fates.
4. The criticism of Puritan society: Hawthorne critiques the hypocrisy and rigid moral codes of Puritan society through the characters and their experiences. Explore how the novel serves as a critique of Puritan values and the societal norms of the time.
5. Symbols and their meaning: The novel is rich in symbolism, which plays a significant role in the development of themes and characters. Discuss the various symbols used in the story and how they contribute to the overall narrative.
6. Redemption and forgiveness: Examine the journey of redemption for the main characters, focusing on how they seek and ultimately achieve (or fail to achieve) forgiveness and redemption. How does this theme relate to the author’s message?

Critical viewpoints:

1. Psychoanalytical approach: Some critics have explored the novel using psychoanalytical theories, analyzing the characters’ psychological states, repressed desires, and the power dynamics between them. This perspective can provide a deeper understanding of the characters’ motivations and the novel’s themes.
2. Feminist criticism: Feminist critics have examined “The Scarlet Letter” in terms of its portrayal of women, gender roles, and power dynamics. They may argue that Hester Prynne’s character represents a challenge to the patriarchal norms of Puritan society and serves as an early example of feminist literature.
3. Historical context: Critics may analyze the novel’s historical context, exploring how Hawthorne’s portrayal of Puritan society reflects his own 19th-century views and concerns. This perspective can help contextualize the novel and illuminate its themes and significance.

By engaging with these discussion points and critical viewpoints, readers can gain a deeper understanding of “The Scarlet Letter” and its enduring relevance in the study of American literature.

SUMMARIES

Chapter 1 – The Prison Door: The novel begins by describing a prison door in 17th-century Boston, Massachusetts, with a rosebush growing nearby, symbolizing nature’s defiance against human society.

Chapter 2 – The Market-Place: Hester Prynne, holding her infant daughter Pearl, emerges from the prison to stand on the scaffold as a punishment for her adultery. The townspeople gossip about her sin and the identity of the child’s father. Hester wears a scarlet letter “A” on her dress as a symbol of her sin.

Chapter 3 – The Recognition: Hester’s long-lost husband, Roger Chillingworth, arrives in town, having survived his captivity among Native Americans. He conceals his identity and swears vengeance on the man who fathered Hester’s child. Meanwhile, Reverend Arthur Dimmesdale, a young minister, encourages Hester to reveal the father’s name, but she remains silent.

Chapter 4 – The Interview: Chillingworth, disguised as a physician, visits Hester in prison to examine her and Pearl. He reveals his true identity to Hester and asks her to keep it a secret. He also reiterates his vow to find Pearl’s father.

Chapter 5 – Hester at Her Needle: Hester is released from prison but chooses to remain in the community, living in a small cottage on the outskirts of town. She supports herself and Pearl by working as a seamstress, but her work is not accepted for weddings and baptisms due to her reputation.

Chapter 6 – Pearl: Pearl grows into a strong-willed, impish child who seems to be both a blessing and a curse to Hester. Hester wonders if Pearl is the living embodiment of her sin, as she exhibits strange and unsettling behavior.

Chapter 7 – The Governor’s Hall: Hester hears rumors that the town leaders are considering taking Pearl away from her. She decides to plead her case before Governor Bellingham, hoping to keep her child.

Chapter 8 – The Elf-Child and the Minister: Hester and Pearl visit Governor Bellingham’s mansion, where they encounter Reverend Wilson, Reverend Dimmesdale, and Roger Chillingworth. The men question Hester’s ability to raise Pearl properly, but Dimmesdale persuades them to let mother and child remain together.

Chapter 9 – The Leech: Chillingworth becomes the town physician and moves in with Dimmesdale, claiming that the minister’s health is fragile. The townspeople begin to suspect that Chillingworth may have malevolent intentions.

Chapter 10 – The Leech and His Patient: Chillingworth increasingly focuses on Dimmesdale, convinced that the minister is hiding a secret sin. One day, while Dimmesdale is asleep, Chillingworth discovers a mark on the minister’s chest, confirming his suspicions. Chillingworth’s desire for revenge intensifies.

By the end of Chapter 10, the main characters’ roles and conflicts have been established. The novel delves deeper into the themes of sin, guilt, redemption, and the nature of evil in the subsequent chapters.

Chapter 11 – The Interior of a Heart: Dimmesdale’s guilt and Chillingworth’s manipulations take a toll on the minister’s health and spirit. He begins to punish himself physically and mentally for his sin but still cannot bring himself to confess publicly.

Chapter 12 – The Minister’s Vigil: Unable to sleep, Dimmesdale climbs the scaffold at night, imagining confessing his sin to the townspeople. Hester and Pearl happen upon him, and they join him on the scaffold. A meteor illuminates the sky, and the townspeople interpret it as a sign from God. Chillingworth appears and convinces Dimmesdale to return home.

Chapter 13 – Another View of Hester: As time passes, Hester’s reputation in the community improves. The meaning of the scarlet letter changes from a symbol of shame to one of wisdom and resilience. Hester starts to help the poor and sick, and people begin to interpret the “A” as meaning “Able.”

Chapter 14 – Hester and the Physician: Hester, noticing Chillingworth’s growing malevolence, confronts him and asks for permission to reveal his true identity to Dimmesdale. Chillingworth agrees, and the two discuss the changes they have undergone since their separation.

Chapter 15 – Hester and Pearl: Hester, reflecting on her life, begins to feel bitterness and hatred towards Chillingworth. Pearl, now seven years old, asks about the meaning of the scarlet letter, but Hester refuses to tell her.

Chapter 16 – A Forest Walk: Hester decides to meet with Dimmesdale in the forest to reveal Chillingworth’s true identity. Pearl, who accompanies her, asks about the Black Man and the connection to the scarlet letter, but Hester evades the question.

Chapter 17 – The Pastor and His Parishioner: Hester and Dimmesdale meet in the forest, and Hester tells him the truth about Chillingworth. Dimmesdale is initially angry but eventually forgives her. They decide to leave the colony and start a new life together in Europe.

Chapter 18 – A Flood of Sunshine: Hester removes the scarlet letter, letting her hair down, and experiences a sense of freedom. She and Dimmesdale envision a life together, free from the burden of their past sins.

Chapter 19 – The Child at the Brook-Side: Hester calls Pearl to join her and Dimmesdale, but Pearl refuses to come to her mother until the scarlet letter is back in its place. Dimmesdale tries to show affection towards Pearl, but she evades him, sensing that something has changed.

Chapter 20 – The Minister in a Maze: Dimmesdale returns to the village, feeling a newfound sense of purpose and energy. He is tempted to commit various sins but resists, attributing these temptations to the devil’s influence. He also decides to write a new Election Sermon, which will be delivered on the day he and Hester plan to leave the colony.

In these chapters, the novel’s themes of guilt, redemption, and the struggle against societal expectations continue to develop as Hester and Dimmesdale plan their escape and attempt to come to terms with their past.

Chapter 21 – The New England Holiday: The town prepares for a holiday to celebrate the election of a new governor. Hester learns that Chillingworth has also booked passage on the ship that she and Dimmesdale plan to take to Europe, indicating that he intends to continue pursuing them.

Chapter 22 – The Procession: The townspeople gather for the holiday festivities, and Hester watches the parade. She sees Dimmesdale looking healthier and more energetic than before. However, Mistress Hibbins, the governor’s sister rumored to be a witch, approaches Hester and insinuates that she knows about Hester and Dimmesdale’s plan.

Chapter 23 – The Revelation of the Scarlet Letter: Dimmesdale delivers an impassioned sermon, impressing the townspeople with his eloquence. Afterward, he reveals his secret to the community by tearing open his shirt, showing a mark on his chest (presumably an “A,” though the novel does not explicitly state this), and confessing his guilt. He then collapses and dies in Hester’s arms, finally finding peace.

Chapter 24 – Conclusion: In the aftermath of Dimmesdale’s death, Chillingworth loses his purpose and dies a year later, leaving a considerable inheritance to Pearl. Hester and Pearl leave the colony and eventually settle in England. Many years later, Hester returns to the colony alone and resumes wearing the scarlet letter. She continues her charitable work and becomes a source of advice and comfort for women in the community. When Hester dies, she is buried next to Dimmesdale, with a shared tombstone marked by the letter “A.”

In the final chapters of “The Scarlet Letter,” the novel reaches its climax with Dimmesdale’s public confession and death. The story concludes with the fates of Hester, Pearl, and Chillingworth, emphasizing themes of guilt, redemption, and the lasting effects of sin.