The Scarlet Letter
Reading Report
The Scarlet Letter
Abstract The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne explores several aspects in the Puritan community of 17th century Boston. Such as the relationship, religion, community, discipline and punishment and so on. Relationship between men and women are very constrained and that are what made adultery such a bad sin in the eyes of everyone in the community. Religion seems to govern over all. Reverends own high status in the Puritan society and people completely believe that their fate are relevent with God. Public discipline and punishment are used to discourage everyone else from committing the same crime or sin as the offending criminal did. The communities always follow the belief of God and try best to do their duties. And are always here to criticize and punish all who disobeyed the religion or laws.
Key words: punishment，symbolism，puritanism，psychological conflicts
Nathaniel Hawthorne’s attitude towards Puritanism In this novel, Hawthorne used the repressive, authoritarian Puritan society as an analogue for humankind in general. The Puritan setting also enabled him to portray the human soul under extreme pressure. Hester, Dimmesdale, and Chillingworth, while unquestionable part of the Puritan society in which they live, also reflect universal experiences. Hawthorne speaks specially to American issues, but he circumvents the aesthetic and thematic limitations that might accompany such focus. His university and his dramatic flair have ensured his place in the literary canon. Back to his attitude towards the Puritanism of ancestors, when Hawthorne read the accounts about his first American ancestors, he was reported to have read them with fascination and horror. He was different from his ancestors; he had a feeling to some extent of Puritanism as being intolerant and cruel. He seems to think that the Puritan religion was too strict and harsh. You
The Scarlet Letter
Abstract The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne explores several aspects in the Puritan community of 17th century Boston. Such as the relationship, religion, community, discipline and punishment and so on. Relationship between men and women are very constrained and that are what made adultery such a bad sin in the eyes of everyone in the community. Religion seems to govern over all. Reverends own high status in the Puritan society and people completely believe that their fate are relevent with God. Public discipline and punishment are used to discourage everyone else from committing the same crime or sin as the offending criminal did. The communities always follow the belief of God and try best to do their duties. And are always here to criticize and punish all who disobeyed the religion or laws.
Key words: punishment，symbolism，puritanism，psychological conflicts
Nathaniel Hawthorne’s attitude towards Puritanism In this novel, Hawthorne used the repressive, authoritarian Puritan society as an analogue for humankind in general. The Puritan setting also enabled him to portray the human soul under extreme pressure. Hester, Dimmesdale, and Chillingworth, while unquestionable part of the Puritan society in which they live, also reflect universal experiences. Hawthorne speaks specially to American issues, but he circumvents the aesthetic and thematic limitations that might accompany such focus. His university and his dramatic flair have ensured his place in the literary canon. Back to his attitude towards the Puritanism of ancestors, when Hawthorne read the accounts about his first American ancestors, he was reported to have read them with fascination and horror. He was different from his ancestors; he had a feeling to some extent of Puritanism as being intolerant and cruel. He seems to think that the Puritan religion was too strict and harsh. You