Characterization Of Hester Prynne In D. H. Lawrence's Scarlet Letter

In On the Scarlet Letter, D.H. Lawrence comments on Nathaniel Hawthorne’s controversial character, Hester Prynne. What makes Lawrence unique from other critics is that he criticizes Hester and Dimmesdale's’ sinful act, and he asserts negative opinions about the way Hester Prynne is conventionally perceived because of it. D.H. Lawrence presents a well written analysis that effectively castigates Hester Prynne’s characterization in the novel through biblical and literary allusions, harsh syntax, and a satirical tone. The biblical and literary allusions D.H. Lawrence includes in his critical analysis allow him to execute his criticism towards Hester Prynne. The main biblical figure that Lawrence focuses on is Abel. Hester is similar to Abel, because they are both considered victims in each of their tales of woe. Lawrence sarcastically proclaims that Hester Prynne is “Abel [and] Admirable!” Hester should not be considered the victim, because she has committed a sin and has betrayed her own society. By referring to Hester as Abel, Lawrence implies that Hawthorne incorrectly portrays Hester as the victim, when in reality, she manipulates the reader in order to gain sympathy.
However, he does not only criticize Hester in this essay. He also judges Nathaniel Hawthorne’s style of writing and American society as a whole. Lawrence suggests that Hawthorne did not have to characterize Hester this way. He could have written a more accurate portrayal of a Puritan woman who feels more guilty for her actions. Lawrence believes that if it was written this way, then the story would have been more acceptable. Lawrence also mocks the way readers perceive the novel and how they fall for Hester’s fake behavior. Overall, Lawrence’s essay could be seen as a satire about how easily the American people can succumb to the most basic literary