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The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne

The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne. A Puritan Age Novel Written in the Age of Romanticism - 1850. First Novel: Age of Romanticism. Published in 1850 – as America was transitioning from the Age of Enlightenment into the Age of Romanticism

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The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne

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  1. The Scarlet Letterby Nathaniel Hawthorne A Puritan Age Novel Written in the Age of Romanticism - 1850

  2. First Novel: Age of Romanticism • Published in 1850 – as America was transitioning from the Age of Enlightenment into the Age of Romanticism • Genre in which writer can work in junction between actual and imaginary • A highly stylized symbolic fable • Interior psychological explorations • Lauded for “initiating a distinctive American literary tradition” (Telgen 1). • Psychological Exploration • Literary Symbolism • Historical Interpretation

  3. Structure and Setting • Allegorical—people and symbols represent universal ideas and truths • Boston, Massachusetts Bay Colony • 1642-1649 • Isolated, remote Puritan town • Theistic and patriarchal society

  4. Historical Background • Massachusetts Bay Colony founded by John Winthrop in 1630 • First generation Puritans • Ann Hutchison • Hutchinson challenged all hierarchical systems, a vocal woman, suggesting individuals could receive revelations directly from God • encouraged good deeds for good deeds sake, not for self-preservation or salvation • Rejected laws requiring people to attend church, to observe a day of rest on the Sabbath, to attend sermons and the ministers' lectures • Scaffold

  5. God’s Chosen People America was the New Eden Dealt harshly with dissenters Public punishment to preserve community Predestination Outward behavior showed state of grace Theistic Society – 17th Century Beliefs

  6. “Custom House”- Introductory Essay • 3 Fold Purpose of “The Custom House” • Criticizes the boredom and vacuity of the job and the men that worked there • Recalls his attachment to Salem and his Puritan ancestors • Where he found the “A” and the documents recalling Hester’s story But wait, there’s more…Authenticity and book length

  7. Motifs developing into Themes • Truth and Lying – When? Why? • Individual and society- What dynamics are there? What are their results? • Sin- What is it? Who defines it? • Penance vs. Penitence • Revenge- Yeah or Nay? • Pride- What are its positives? What are its negatives? • Love vs. Hate- How are they different? How are they the same?

  8. Other Areas of Focus… • Freudian and/or Jungian Psychology • Use of and purpose of Irony • Symbolism – Nature, Plants, Light, Names • Contrasts

  9. Rate for Moral Turpitude Rate each item listed below for its moral turpitude, 1 being the most egregious offense and 6 being the least egregious offense. Then, write an explanation of why two of the six items received that particular rating from you. • Revenge • Lying to a friend • Lying to a stranger • Adultery   • Refusing to take responsibility for wrong-doing • Judging Others

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