Evaluate the Transcendentalist and American Romantic influences within The Scarlet Letter.
Initial responses must be between 250 and 300 words. Do not exceed 500 words. Due Monday, Nov. 26 by 11:55 pm.
Peer response must be between 100 and 250 words. Do not exceed 300 words. Due Block day, Nov. 29 by 11:55 pm.
The way in which Nathaniel Hawthorne develops his characters in The Scarlett Letter reveals his transcendentalist beliefs. This is especially reflected in the way he contrasts how the character’s various choices ultimately result in their happiness or misery. Hester Prynne, whether or not she wanted to, is forced to confess her sin of adultery. Although she has the choice to leave Boston, which would “hide her character and identity under a new exterior, as completely as if emerging into another state of being” (73), she chooses to stay and embrace her true identity, a choice that is morally righteous and proof of personal integrity according to transcendentalism. And although she initially faces social ostracism, but over the course of her life, “the scarlet letter ceased to be a stigma which attracted the world’s scorn and bitterness, and became a type of something to be sorrowed over, and looked upon with awe, yet with reverence, too.” (234) Thus, by being true to herself, she is able to redeem herself, achieving the transcendentalist ideal of a person. In contrast, Roger Chillingworth spends his life pretending to be someone else in order to get revenge on Reverend Dimmesdale by emotionally tormenting him, “leeching” off of his individual spirit, all because he feels wronged by the adultery committed between Dimmesdale and Hester. He believes Hester, an individual in her own right, to be his property. However, once Dimmesdale dies, Chillingworth “withered up, shriveled away, and almost vanished from mortal sight” because he “made the principle of his life to consist in the pursuit and systematic exercise of revenge…” (232) Because he willingly rejects the transcendentalist ideal of an honest, independent man, he dies vainly, while Hester Prynne becomes a transcendentalist role model to the women of Boston.
ReplyDeleteSuraj Dhanjani
DeleteMarlaire
AP Lit
28th November 2012
I completely agree with your point that Hawthorne develops his characters in order to support the transcendentalist belief of staying true to one’s identity. In addition to the lives that Chillingworth and Hester lead, Dimmesdale’s life also provides insight into Hawthorne’s transcendentalist beliefs. Throughout most of the novel until the very end when he reveals his identity in public on the scaffold, Dimmesdale is forced to live a life in disguise, constantly “suffering under bodily disease” and being “gnawed and tortured by some black trouble of the soul” (Hawthorne 128). Dimmesdale is denying his true identity as an adulterer, trying to hide his sin, and lives life in a “feeble and unhealthy condition” (Buckner). He also becomes socially awkward because his “secret guilt gnaws so deeply inside him that he is unable to make his peace with God or to feel at ease with his fellow citizens” (Buckner). Because only a select few people know what Dimmesdale truly is, he does not feel comfortable around others. By going against transcendentalist beliefs, Dimmesdale develops into a weak, shy, and lonely character that suffers throughout life and only manages to confess his sin in the final moments of his life.
Buckner, Sally. "The Scarlet Letter." Literary Reference Center. EBSCOhost, Nov. 2010. Web. 28 Nov. 2012.
Hawthorne, Nathaniel. The Scarlet Letter. Pleasantville, NY: Reader's Digest Association, 1984. Print.
Adrian Padilla
ReplyDeleteMrs. Marlaire
AP English
23 November 2012
Prompt 1
In The Scarlet Letter, the author, Nathaniel Hawthorn, gradually transitions Pearl’s character from Evil to Good in order to challenge puritan views on nature. Transcendentalism is a literary and philosophical movement, associated with Ralph Waldo Emerson and Margaret Fuller, asserting the existence of an ideal spiritual reality that transcends the empirical and scientific and is knowable through intuition. American Romanticism was reaction to the Industrial Revolution; it was also a revolt against aristocratic social and political norms of the Age of Enlightenment and a reaction against the scientific rationalization of nature. It was embodied most strongly in the visual arts, music, and literature, but had a major impact on historiography, education and the natural sciences. Transcendentalism and American Romanticism’s influence on Hawthorn’s writing is shown profoundly, especially in The Scarlet Letter.
According to Puritan beliefs, nature is “wild” (No Pun Intended) to say the least. This wildness creates a bad view throughout Puritan believers on nature. They connote nature as being corrupt. Hawthorn disagrees with these beliefs and challenges them in his story. He contests to Puritan’s view on nature by creating a connection between a main character, Pearl, and nature. As nature is in Puritanical eyes, Pearl was seen as evil from birth. She wasn’t even given a true identity by the town’s people, who called her “it” instead of her name. Hawthorn later alters the view on Pearl by giving her “Identity”, a shift which happened when she encountered the wolf on page 184 in The Scarlet Letter. In this scene Pearl is finally “accepted”, thus showing that nature could also be accepted. He proves that like Pearl, nature isn’t something to fear, it too should be accepted. These ideas were directly influenced by Transcendentalism and American Romanticism.
I completely agree with your assertions Adrian. Pearl was ostracized by Puritan society from the moment she was born because of the sin Hester committed. She was a product of that sin and Pearl had no chance in life to prove that she was indeed capable of being a Puritan. Whether intentionally or not, she assumes the role of an "elf child" who essentially does everything contrary to Puritan views. She is in tune with nature and is almost magical because of the fact that she knows things that a normal child should not know. While Hester named her child Pearl because she was her treasure, Hawthorne considered her a pearl because she embodied many of the Transcendentalist and American Romantic views that he believed in. These influences undermine Puritan views by showing that a product of what Puritans believed to be wicked was actually a treasure, because of the comfort she provides Hester with and her ability at such a young age to follow the correct path that Hawthorne believed in.
DeleteI agree that Hawthorne use the all the things that go on in the forest as away to challenge the Puritan society. They view the forest as evil. But, many of the characters use the forest as an escape. They no longer have to obey the ways of their society and they can be their own person. This is a strong message through out the book. This relates to what you said about Pearl finding her identity. The forest is freedom from the restrictions of the Puritan society and they no longer have to act a certain way to fit in. They use the forest to find out who they really are. That is point Hawthorne is making with the transcendentalism and American romanticism views used in the book.
DeleteKelly Barnes
ReplyDeleteMarlaire
AP ELA P.4
26 Nov 2012
Nathaniel Hawthorne connects Pearl's attitude towards nature to American Romantic and Transcendentalist ideas through her change in characterization when she enters the forest with her mother to meet Reverend Dimmesdale. Pearl's "wild nature" is contained when she is in the forest, where she seems more natural and at home. Pearl connects with nature as a whole in a way that makes her seems more pure and normal, bringing out the idea of nature's goodness and purity from transcendentalism. Pearl is also transformed into an American Romantic hero when she becomes one with nature and claims a sort of power over it, such as on page 185 when she makes the wolf lower its supposedly wild and dangerous body to allow her to pet it(Hawthorne 185). By allowing Pearl to transform into a more innocent and pure character when she enters the forest and connects with nature, Hawthorne connects with the influence of Transcendentalist and American Romantic ideas that challenge Puritan ideologies during the 1600's.
I like what you saying Kelly! Yes, I do agree that Pearl connects with transcendentalist and American romantic ideas .This is because Pearl blends in more with nature in which she feels more at home since she really isn't accepted in the Puritan community because she is the product of sin. Also,I agree with you that Pearl is transformed into an American hero because she is seemed to be 'one with nature' since throughout the novel she is regarded as a elf like child in which she is friendly with nature and nature sees her as part of their world.
DeleteNice points. I agree with Pearl being 'one with nature' too. Her affinity with nature is so great that she is even unable to distinguish between herself and nature as seen when, "she flirted fancifully with her own image in a pool of water... Soon finding, however, that either she or the image was unreal, she turned elsewhere for better pastime" (Hawthorne 160). She truly isone with nature, perhaps even less "human" as a result. I also liked how you pointed out that her 'wild nature' was seemingly restrained within the forest, which had not fully sunk in into my brain. That is truly an important aspect challenging Puritan society as you have pointed out.
DeleteTranscendental beliefs such as "that society and its institutions—particularly organized religion and political parties—ultimately corrupted the purity of the individual" are conveyed through the symbolic association of nature to Roger Chillingworth and his development throughout the Scarlet Letter (wikipedia). Nathanial Hawthorne exposes the transcendental "critics of . . . contemporary society for its unthinking conformity" which stain the purity of an individual only found in nature through his demonstration of Chillingworth's evolution from a man of peace and to a man obsessed with revenge.
ReplyDeleteIn the puritan society, the civilians struggle to become pure blinding themselves from the true source of purity which is nature. Hawthorne portrays Chillingworth as a pure and intelligent man when he first arrives into the society where his familiarity “with medicinal herbs and roots that grew in the forest” emphasizes the extensive amount of time which he spent in the forest despite its loathsome reputation (pg.65). Ironically, as he heals Hester and Pearl in the prison, Chillingworth is wounding himself by vowing vengeance to “the man . . . who had wronged [them] both” (pg. 70). Progressively Chillingworth becomes more and more consumed with the idea of vengeance which leads to an unhealthy obsession in which he torments Dimmesdale for his desire for the truth to be exposed. When he spends time with the Reverend, they look at some “ugly weeds” that grew in the grave and Chillingworth intentionally comments that the “black weeds have sprung up out of a buried heart, to make manifest an unspoken crime" as if to torture Dimmesdale and get him to admit to his sin. (pg. 119). The juxtaposition of nature and civilization demonstrate how society corrupts the purity of a man as shown through Chillingworth for as the more time he spent in the town the more obsessed and impure he got.
I really like some of the points you brought up transcendentalism. I think you made a good connection between transcendental beliefs and Roger Chillingworth that was very interesting. Comparing Roger’s judgment on the Reverend and him seeking revenge and transcendentalism’s judgment on puritan society made an even further connection between Hawthorne’s expression of transcendentalism through his characters. Also, a good point you made was about puritan civilians being blinded from what is truly pure, such as nature. Again, you made another connection by Chillingworth’s character, stating how at first he seemed smart and pure but turned out to be the opposite. I think overall you did a good job at answering part of the prompt but you did however leave out american romantic influences.
DeleteIn the Scarlet Letter, Nathaniel Hawthorne uses nature as a tool of escape to expose the wrongs of society displaying how some of the Puritan beliefs and rules that they follow in life are illegitament. When Hester and Pearl visit the forest and experience nature they see, "the sunshine, pouring a very flood into the obscure forest, gladdening each green leaf,transmuting the yellow fallen ones to gold, and gleaming adown the gray trunks of the solemn trees," (183) portraying nature as an amazing beauty in an American Romantic sense. This beauty is uncontrolled by society or the Puritans with their strict guidelines show freedom through it. Puritan belief of constraint and proper composure is what this scene of nature goes against but it still remains pretty and astonishing showing that this Puritan belief is unnecessary. Hester and Pearl also meet Dimmesdale in the forest where Hester gains a sense of freedom and lets her hair down and takes off the scarlet "A" revealing, " A crimson flush on her cheek," and, "the whole richness of her beauty." (183). Hawthorne's belief in Transcendentalism is shown through his opinion that the truth come out in nature and that truth is Hester's hidden beauty that is veiled behind the harsh Puritan punishment of the scarlet letter which wrongly puts her to shame because she is really a good person at heart and shouldn't be percieved as a sinful being.
ReplyDeleteMy post cont'd
DeleteThe ideas of constraint and punishment through shame which are both deeply embedded in the Puritan social construct prevent the good people like Hester from being their true selves and showing their internal external beauty to the world, like the amazing and extraordinary nature shown in chapter 17, which is exactly what Transcendentalism and American Romanticism promote for one to expose and be.
Trace Dimeff
ReplyDeleteAP Literature
Marlaire
11/26/12
Nathaniel Hawthorne uses many examples of Transcendentalism and American Romanticism in the novel The Scarlet Letter, one of which being the change of attitude by characters when they are in the forest. The forest in which Hester and Dimmesdale meet in changes both of their characteristics greatly, bringing out the truth showing their true feelings and what they want to confess to one another. Pearl represents the gate, as she does not change as she enters, but notices the difference and does not understand why they cannot act like they do outside of the forest. Hawthorne states, “But she was brought back to her former mood by the shimmer of the sunshine” (211) this quote shows how when Hester exits the forest and comes into the sunlight she understands who she is portrayed as, how society views her, and how she should act. Dimmesdale wants to confess to his sins, but is viewed as a role model by society, showing how corrupt the puritan beliefs and religion can be, relating to politics and how every hero has a dark side. Chillingworth also seeks out revenge on Dimmesdale, which is the greatest sin one could make, revealing him as the true antagonist of the story, as Hester and Dimmesdale sinned out of love, not revenge. Hawthorne’s ideas are represented in the text, showing the hypocrisy of puritan society, and also helping characters understand the purpose their actions have been an example of.
I agree, I think the characterization of all the characters is highly accurate, especially Reverend Dimmesdale and Hester. Dimmesdale sustains an advanced and superior role in society as a reverend, yet he is tainted by sin, demonstrating the hypocrisy within Puritan society. This also further emphasizes the importance of the forest as a refuge for people like Dimmesdale, Hester, and Pearl from these double standards that ultimately categorize them as outsiders. The reason their attitudes and characteristics change is because in the forest, the harsh guidelines of the Puritan religion. Instead of being portrayed in the way society sees them, they are able to form their own identity.
DeleteBrody Smith
ReplyDeleteMrs. Marlaire
AP English
26 November 2012
Prompt 1
The Scarlet Letter, by Nathaniel Hawthorne, was written in 1850, a time dominated by new philosophical movements. Two of these, Transcendentalism and American Romanticism, significantly influenced Hawthorne’s writing. In The Scarlet Letter, Transcendentalist and American Romantic principles are expressed through Nathaniel Hawthorne’s exemplification of Hester’s emotions with a third-person-omniscient point of view.
The Transcendentalist and American Romantic influences on The Scarlet Letter are portrayed through Hawthorne’s choice of point of view. Throughout the text, Hester’s emotions serve as a connection to both Transcendentalism and American Romanticism ideals. A key principle of Transcendentalism is the idea of being true and returning to oneself. Hester embodies this ideal as she is forced to conform to society with the shame of the scarlet letter, but when she removed it, thus rejecting the shackles placed upon her by the Puritan community, she experienced “exquisite relief,” and “freedom”(pg 182). The third-person-omniscient point of view enables the discerning of this transcendentalist principle which would otherwise by imperceptible through Hester’s emotional reaction to the “burden of shame and anguish depart[ing] from her spirit” as she returns to her pre-shame self by “mak[ing] it as [if] it had never been”(pg182). Furthermore, the third-person-omniscient point of view plays a role through Hester in revealing the American Romanticist ideal of the purity of nature. This is accomplished as in The Scarlet Letter, Hawthorne often parallels nature with purity of both emotion and soul. Nature is related to purity through Hester in her interaction with it in the forest. When she was still burdened by her shame and guilt the sunshine “[ran] away and [hid] itself,”(pg 165) but when she cast aside her problematic emotions and embraced happiness the sunshine burst forth “[a]ll at once, as with a sudden smile of heaven”(pg 183). Nature was also portrayed as pure simply through its contrast to the Puritan community, portrayed as corrupt, as it was “never subjugated by human law”(pg 183). The influences of Transcendentalism and American Romanticism on Hawthorne’s The Scarlet Letter are revealed through the third-person-omniscient point of view utilized by Hawthorne.
Great job Brody. I like your introduction paragraph with your solid thesis argument. I thought that it was cleaver how you explained transcendentalism and American romanticism so that the reader can develop a base to go off with your analysis. I found your point of view with Hester and how she reestablished her freedoms from the Puritan society. It was a good point to show how she was able to return to her individualistic self and not stay within the bonds of Puritan society that it placed on her. Your analysis of the American romanticism was very good and how you also tied in the third-person omniscient point of view. You did a great job.
DeleteYour analysis is great. Like JT said, your intro is very transcendent. Your explanations for both the relation of American Romanticism to Hawthorn's use of nature in the story and Transcendentalism to the third-person omniscient point of view. Your take on this prompt individual, in a good way.
DeleteOmeed Jahangiri
ReplyDeleteMarlaire
Ap Lit
26 November 2012
Hawthorne uses American Romanticism and Transcendentalism to establish that nature is a place separated from the wrongdoings of Puritan society. Nature is a pure place where people can spiritually connect themselves and not be judged by others as there are no set guidelines or social code. As Hester and Pearl are walking to the forest, “The road, after the two wayfarers had crossed from the peninsula to the mainland, was no other than a footpath” (165). The change from a road becoming a footpath symbolizes a shift from urban society to nature. The wilderness’s seclusion from society is then represented as standing “So black and dense on either side, and disclosed such imperfect glimpses of the sky above” (165). Hawthorne wants to separate nature from urban society because nature is free from the corruption, judgment, and stress of urban society. When describing the outside of the prison, “On one side of the portal, and rooted almost at the threshold, was a wild rose-bush” (46). Hawthorne juxtaposes the rose bush, being nature, and the jailhouse, representing the corruption of society. The jail is a measure of society that represents the corruption and illness of actions that the society has caused individuals to perform or become. Transcendentalism states that “The essential nature of human beings is good and that, left in a state of nature, human beings would seek the good” (Campbell). As prisoners are freed from the jail they are reminded of the good they have gathered within them with the sight of the botanical rose bush because of their seclusion from society. Hawthorne references these ideas of nature being so pure, forgiving, and related to good to establish the wrongdoings with conformed societies and their corruption they cause to individuals.
Campbell, Donna M. "American Transcendentalism." Literary
Movements. Dept. of English, Washington State University.
2010. Web. November 26 2012.
Hawthorne, Nathaniel. The Scarlet Letter. New York, NY: Bantum
Dell, 1986.
Nice job in tying the rose bush in with your example! Also adding to your analysis there is that Hawthorne also explains the rose bush as almost a jagged and unfitting piece adding to the dullness of the jail that is just barely trying to survive. That could also tie into how there is still a spark of hope in reviving society and rebuilding it to be diverse again. This "spark" can also be seen in Pearl as she is almost a miracle in how she refused to conform and struggles to keep her individuality as well as a pure heart (though society sees her as demonic)
DeleteNice response, Omeed. I really like your use of secondary sources to help better define transcendentalism. I also enjoyed your examples of how Hawthorne uses transcendentalist ideas to add significance to the forest setting. All the important scenes of the novel take place there. The sense of detachment Hester feels in the forest is what allows her to freely speak her mind. While in the puritan village, however, she feels trapped. I agree with you that Hawthorne feels society is corrupted; his romantic background gives the text an outside bias. The ideas of romanticism were not brought to light until the eighteen hundreds so the narration has a broader perspective than the characters of the story.
DeleteI like how you used the rose bush and its location to strengthen your argument. I think that you can further argue the pureness of nature and the juxtaposition between nature and the Puritan town by the conversation that Reverend Dimmesdale and Hester Prynne have in the forest. Since they have the conversation that frees them both from guilt, the forest exemplifies the idea you had about nature being free from judgment, since both Hester and Dimmesdale feel that they are able to truly talk about their past and their feelings in the seclusion of nature. Also connecting to the quote that you used that describes the forest as “[s]o black and dense on either side, and disclosed such imperfect glimpses of the sky above” (165) is the incident when Hester takes off the “A” and the light breaks through the trees and shines down on Hester, symbolizing the idea that nature frees the individual, in this case from their past sins.
DeleteI like your example about the road from a footpath. That is a perfect way to show personification and backs up a transcendentalist view that symbolizes a change from urban society to a down to earth society. I like your introduction sentence because it provides a basis for the reader/ myself to see your point of view. If I were to write a response about this prompt I would use the similar example of the wilderness and explain how it's a secluded truthful place where Hester and Dimmesdale go to not be judged; and that is basically your idea and its ism simple but purposeful. I didn't see Many examples for American romanticism, but don't get hurt because it may just be me not understanding the ideologies of American Romanticism.
DeleteHawthorne demonstrates Transcendentalism and American Romanticism through his characterization of Pearl and Dimmesdale. Developing Pearl as an outspoken, curious young girl, her individualistic mind and personality exploits a prime epitome of American Romanticism. Being questioned by the minister of where she "came from", Pearl "[announces] that she had not been made at all, but she had been plucked by her mother off the bush of wild roses that grew by the prison door." (Hawthorne 102) Being able to construe a simple white lie in order to inhibit her mother's custody of her demonstrates Romanticist values, having the ability to express "spontaneity versus control, [as well as] subjectivity and metaphysical musing versus objective fact". (Strickland) In other words, she challenges fact and extrapolates her perspective through cunning dialogue and expression. Pearls curiosity also displays Romanticism when questioning the story of her mother's scarlet "A" when dressing herself in seaweed at the shore. (Hawthorne 161-164) Her persistence in finding the truth behind the "A" with her abrupt questions of the placement of the "A" and why the minister holds his hand over his heart and what it means for Hester to wear it depicts a curious mind that doesn't conform to the facts of life, but sees through to the true meaning of life through expression. Dimmesdale embodies a Transcendentalist character with his constant haunt by a secret sin due to his affair with Hester. His relations with Chillingworth, being tortured and constantly being in anguish due to his cruel actions, causes Dimmesdale to be diseased and ill, having visions and revelations that make him "[achieve] a brilliant popularity in his sacred office... [winning] it, in great part, by his sorrows." (Hawthorne 128) The reason for his pain are due to his inability to reveal the truth about his life, or secret sin, of fornicating with Hester. Dimmesdale also proves Transcendentalist ideals with trying to "seek the good, [as for] society is to blame for the corruption that mankind endures." (Campbell) He reveals to the community his own "A" upon his bosom, attempting to repent his secret sin and end his daily distress that is brought upon him due to lack of identity. (Hawthorne 228-229) Dimmesdale's lifestyle accompanied by secret sin and the effort to repent it, and Pearl's spontaneity and curiosity in figuring out the meaning of life without fact, strictly establishes Romantic and Transcendental ideals throughout the text.
ReplyDeleteCampbell, Donna M. "American Transcendentalism." Literary Movements. Dept. of English, Washington State University. 21 Mar. 2010. Web. 26 Nov. 2012.
Hawthorne, Nathaniel. The Scarlet Letter. New York: Bantam Dell, 1994. Print.
Strickland, Dr. Brad. "American Romanticism Overview." N. p., 1997. Web. 26 Nov. 2012.
I really like how you identified the symbolic elements in the story- how Pearl's character developed and, "the truth behind the 'A'." There are prime examples of American Romanticism running throughout the novel but you successfully point out how Pearl questions and offends these particular beliefs. It is often seen as ironic that Dimmesdale is the Transcendentalist trying to seek good and blaming corruption on society. Revealing a sin to the corrupt society was solely for his own benefit and not to purify or change the opinion of others. He fits into the above mentioned ideals because of his individualistic identity.
DeleteYou make some very good points Rachel. I agree the Reverend Dimmesdale lives in the shadow of his own sin, and takes personal ownership by placing an "A" on himself. However, this doesn't necessarily mean that he is trying to do good, which is the main focus in transcententalim, but is trying to supress his guilt for commiting sin. I do agree that Pearl is a good example that Pearl's charecter portrays ideas of Romanticism by "questioning the minnister" and her curiosity about the scarlet letter. Her "Individualistic mind" and her persistant curiosity about the scarlet latter "A" anre just some of the examples off why Pearl embodies the ideals of American Romanticim.
DeleteI agree with you Rachel. Dimmesdale in the Puritan society is not capable of being who he truly is.. He was constantly “suffering under bodily disease” and was not capable to be true to the people around him, but most importantly to himself, making him be “gnawed and tortured by some black trouble of the soul” (Hawthorne 128). You make a good point stating that he blames society as the one who makes humans become corrupt. I agree with you on that for the Puritan society, as seen throughout the book, is hypocritical. Having the Reverend be the one who committed adultery proves that having so many expectations in a society of a human being purified and perfect eventually leads one to commit sin. Temptation gets into one’s mind, for when something is forbidden from someone, in this case it would be sin, it becomes more of a temptation for someone. Also this idea that he blames society for being the one to blame for, for making humans corrupt can be seen in the scene where Dimmesdale and Hester meet at the forest. The forest is part of nature and has no set rules or expectations like the Puritan society did. The forest gives Hester and Dimmesdale a sense of freedom to be true be able to be their true selves as well as knowing that they are not being confined by society.
DeleteHawthorne, Nathaniel. The Scarlet Letter. Pleasantville, NY: Reader's Digest Association, 1984. Print.
I agree with what you are saying Rachel. I see how clearly you expressed American romanticism and transcendentalism to be shown throughout The Scarlet Letter. I believe that this novel is a strong expression of transcendental ideas with its use of symbolism with aspects of nature. The novel uses a forest as a place for Hester, Dimmesdale, and Pearl to go escape to which is where people following along transcendentalism would believe to go to escape from such a restricting Puritan society. With American romanticism you can clearly see how the individualism that Hester holds throughout is able to portray and powerful impact with the novels understanding.
DeleteKatie Golshan
ReplyDeleteMarlaire
Ap Lit
26 November 2012
Hawthorn’s character development of Hester Prynne reveals the transcendentalist and American Romanic influences within his novel The Scarlet Letter. Individuality and identity in society is one of the key ideas in both transcendentalism and American Romanticism. The high focus on individuality, specifically but not solely on Hester, reveals key details in what Hawthorn was trying to convey with her character. Puritan society, by nature, inflicts a set of rules on its followers in order to control and maintain society, however these rules limit the creativity and freedom of the individual. In the case of Hester Prynne, the scarlet letter that was burned onto her was Puritan society’s way of controlling her adulterous misbehavior. It was initially given to her to exact punishment and control over her. Alternately, Hester chooses to accept the “punishment” in resistance to conforming to society because if she had chosen to leave and “hide her character and identity under a new exterior, as completely as if emerging into another state of being” (73) she would have been accepting society’s power over her. Not conforming and doing things for herself and the people rather than because society told her to is how she transformed the meaning of the letter from “adulterer” to “able”. Unfortunately for the controlling Puritans, instead of the punishment that they had hoped to draw Hester back in line, “the scarlet letter ceased to be a stigma which attracted the world’s scorn and bitterness, and became a type of something to be sorrowed over, and looked upon with awe, yet with reverence, too.” (234). Hester Prynne was Hawthorn’s example of how one should determine their own identity rather than allowing others to determine it for them.
Hawthorne, Nathaniel. The Scarlet Letter. New York, NY: Bantum
Dell, 1986.
Thomas Sarjeant
ReplyDeleteAP Literature
Marlaire
26 November 2012
In the Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne, Hawthorne uses numerous examples of Transcendentalism and American Romanticism, the most obvious being incorporated in nature and the scene with Hester and Dimmesdale in the forest. Hester's entire life since she was put under the burden of the scarlet letter has been judged and viewed in a negative manner by the people of the town. In an attempt to re-evaluate her life and find her true self Hester often went deep into the forest which served as a secluded area away from the corrupt, judging society that she lives in. Particularly, when Hester and Dimmesdale found their way into the forest, Hawthorne is able to fully utilize his transcendentalist ideas. He is able to do this by describing how nature felt toward Hester when wearing the scarlet letter and then the difference in the environment when Hester removed the "A". Upon removing the scarlet A, Hester was immediately filled with joy and happiness, but also the nature felt the same. Simultaneously with her happiness, the trees in the forest parted and a stream of light spurred down on Dimmesdale and Hester (183). The most significant part of this series of events was the fact that the forest and nature served as a security fortress for Hester to find her true self without being judged.
You make some very good points Thomas! As you pointed out, this scene is rife with Hawthorne’s transcendentalist ideals. It’s interesting that the forest seemed to be in direct correlation with the events that were taking place in the forest. When Prynne finally relieved herself of the scarlet letter, she was instantly bathed in sunlight, which I believe is also a symbol of God’s forgiveness for her sin. However when Prynne had the letter on, the forest was portrayed as dark and foreboding, which could be why Hester chose to wander there in the first place, because she felt safe from the judgments and expectations of the Puritan society in which she lives.
DeleteZoë Litzenberg
ReplyDeleteAS I LIT AP
Marlaire, Period 4
26 Nov 2012
The ideals of Puritanism contrast with those of American Romanticism and Transcendentalism in many ways: Puritans focus on conformism, the impurity of Man, and the savageness of nature, and Romantics on individualism, the overall goodness of Man, and the beauty and purity of nature. It is very difficult to reconcile the two bodies of thought. Surprisingly, Nathanael Hawthorne is widely considered one of the greatest Romantic authors of the nineteenth century, despite being of Puritan background and lifestyle. The Scarlet Letter was the physical product of Hawthorne’s internal struggle between what he wanted to believe -- genuine human goodness associated with Romanticism and Transcendentalism -- and what he had been taught his whole life -- that realistically, humanity was doomed and wicked.
Chillingworth, old, deformed and vengeful, and though not himself a Puritan, represents the epitome of Puritan thought that Man is inherently evil. When Chillingworth first reaches the colony -- a metaphorical birth into the novel -- he is faced with the option of accepting his wife’s fate and move on, but he instead chooses one of revenge and self-destruction. Throughout the novel, he feeds off of Dimmesdale’s personal suffering, “[making] the principle of his life to consist in the pursuit and systematic exercise of revenge”(232), all while hiding himself within the protection and trust of his Puritan community. His evil actions stand in stark contrast to little Pearl, who is wild and impish in temperament, yet innocent and pure and beautiful because of her connectedness with Nature and refusal to conform to Puritan beliefs. The Puritans and Chillingworth reject Pearl as an idea and symbol that should not exist, and they shun her from their lives, as they do Hester. Pearl and her mother struggle the entire novel to exist in a community that seems Hell-bent on excluding the two. However, Hawthorne ultimately has Pearl triumph over her ostracizing community when she inherits Chillingworth’s possessions and land at the conclusion of the novel, allowing her a freedom that Hester never receives.
Through the interactions of symbolic characters, Hawthorne presents the question of whether or not one should accept everything they are taught. Though Chillingworth is demented, the townspeople unforgiving, Hester self-punishing, and Dimmesdale weak, Pearl triumphs, a Romantic Hero, due to her individual strength and purity, and lives a happy life, despite her childhood. Pearl is Hawthorne’s literary proof that Romanticism and Transcendentalism hold realistic ideals about the goodness of Human Nature, regardless of his Puritan upbringing.
You bring up a lot of good points. I agree that pearl is Hawthorns representation for Romanticism and Transcendentalism. I like how you bring up that Hawthorne finds whether or not one should accept everything they are taught. It is true that pearl was taught by her mother to be kind and a good puritan even though they were both viewed as sinners, but that adds to Hawthorne’s view of pearl being able to show that she is herself an example of Romanticism and Transcendentalism. I also like how you connected Hawthorne’s background to his novel. It showed the struggles that that all puritans went through in that day, by wanting to be so much more than a puritan, but not being able to because of everyone else’s influence.
DeleteTrevor Davis
ReplyDeleteMrs. Marlaire
APAMS ELA
26 November 2012
Prompt 1
Nathanael hawthorn, in his novel The Scarlet letter, uses the ideals of American romanticism and Transidintalism in the shift of character of Pearl. Pearl has some interesting characteristics regarding her ties with the community, Dimmesdale and hester. She is very out spoken and very bold with regards to her real identity; this is a part of American Romanticism. Her other part is her mystical appearance in the story as many reference her to an Imph witch is an elf like creature who resides in the forest. Pearl also is especially early on in the story is regarded as the work of the devil and called ruby witch in a puritan community is concerted to do with blood and death. Pearl Is the daughter of Hester and Reverend Dimmesdale witch is a union that is concerted adultery in the community. Pearl in her young age would run about and seem to have connections with nature and the natural element in her has direct influences form Transindintalism, witch has a lot to deal with the idea of nature and transcending to the level that nature is at. As pearl ages and her existence as a product of adultery fades she becomes less mystical and more real, more woman like as she moves to Brittan in the end and becomes married, witch is very unlike her rebel type attitude in the beginning, but her outspokenness connects with American romanticism along with her transition to a real figure and not an Imph.
I think the reason she became “less mystical and more real” like you said was because she was able to escape the Puritan community. The Puritans were quick to judge Pearl based on her mother’s single forbidden act and thus saw her as something that should not exist in a good Christian society. So she definitely represents Transcendentalist and Romantic views because her existence contradicts Puritanism, on top of the fact that her personality – curious, impish, and independent – juxtaposes Puritan values. It is very interesting that you note Pearl’s change, and I don’t necessarily think it was Pearl herself that transformed but rather her circumstances. The Puritans looked at her from a very condemnatory point of view, and England was Pearl’s blank slate, just as Hester had hoped. Instead of conforming to what the Puritans wanted, she remained strongly connected to nature. Much like her mother, Pearl did not let the scarlet letter punishment affect her own opinions and actions.
DeleteNoah Blumenfeld
ReplyDeleteMrs. Marlaire
AP Lit
26 November 2012
Both Transcendentalism and American Romanticism are two movements that greatly influence Nathaniel Hawthorne’s writings. In The Scarlet Letter, the third-person-omniscient point of view is used to exemplify Hester’s emotions, displaying the main principles that influenced the text.
Both American Romantic and transcendentalist influences are continually shown in the text through Hawthorne’s choice of the omniscient point of view. Hester’s emotions are his way of connecting back to these ideas constantly throughout the text. Hester symbolizes the transcendentalist idea of returning to ones true self when she removes the scarlet letter and “the burden of shame and anguish depart[] from her spirit” (pg 182). The third-person-omniscient point of view allows readers to grasp not only Hester’s person feelings towards this release, but also the physical change of Hester’s returned “sex, … youth, and… whole richness of her beauty” (pg 183). This point of view also connects Hester to the expression of American Romantic influences within the text. These ideas are expressed through the purity nature can bring to one’s soul and emotion. The nature was “afraid of something on [her] bosom” until Hester removed the scarlet letter, when then “[t]he objects that had made a shadow [before started to] embodie[] the brightness” (pg 165; pg 183). This shift of nature fearing Hester to being the light in the darkness symbolizes the concept of how nature can purify a person if they allow it to. Hawthorne’s use of the third-person-omniscient point of view to expose the influences that Transcendentalism and American Romanticism had on The Scarlet Letter.
Great point, Noah. It's also interesting that, as you mentioned, Nature fears Hester's scarlet letter, but it does not fear her. Hester is a Byronic Hero (in the Dark Romantic sense) due to her constant self punishment; Nature is not so judgmental. In a way, it's like the passage with the sunlight "accepting" Hester is conveying that she is more than the Letter, and she is more than her sin. That acceptance is more than can be said for anyone in her colony, even Dimmesdale.
DeleteI completely agree with your ideas. I also thought that Hester exemplified transcendentalist believes of returning to oneself. The incident of Hester removing her scarlet letter and casting aside her anguish and shame was a clear example of the transcendentalist ideal of returning to oneself. I like your idea on how the omniscient point of view contributed to both the American Romantic and Transcendentalist values. The omniscient point of view enables these values to be revealed through the portrayal of Hester’s emotions in relation to events that are transpiring. The American Romantic beliefs are shown in Hester’s peace in nature.
DeleteYou made some great points and connections. I find it interesting how once Hester removes the scarlet letter, nature wholeheartedly accepts her. The forest serves as a place of refuge and liberation from the rigid structure of Puritan society; when Hester threatened the free nature of the forest by bringing one of society’s labels along with her, she was left in the darkness. Once she tosses this label aside, however, there was a “sudden smile of heaven, forth burst the sunshine, pouring a very flood into the obscene forest...” (183) Nature approves of Hester the free and impulsive soul, not Hester the one lets her lifestyle be dictated by society. This concept being corrupted by the rigidity of society and being liberated by beauty of nature is key in both Transcendentalism and American Romanticism.
DeleteMaddee MacLeod
ReplyDeleteMarlaire
AP LIT/6
26 November 2012
While transcendentalism emphasizes the escape of preset societal edicts and of society’s impurities, Nathanael Hawthorne serves to disrupt the Puritan belief of an untainted society by presenting the idea that society itself is corrupt, with which the norm is thus impure. Hawthorne’s Bostonian society Hester wishes freedom from, (she herself feeling the “innumerable throbs of anguish that had been so cunningly contrived for her” (41) essentially becomes a hypocritical community unaware of its corruption - lost in what Puritan beliefs it had wished to retain. While Puritanism focuses on purity and the emphasis of the individual, the men and women surrounding Hester foster a redundant, fierce negative bias towards her, forcing down her throat the “perfect” model of a woman (one that does not commit adultery) and society’s desire for the purge of all imperfections; a paradox created by a society unwilling to discover - or dilute - their own sins. The townspeople serve as American Romanticism’s adversary while they act with the utmost intention to achieve transcendence. Hester begins her wish to “transcend” this community, per say, upon realizing in the forest with Chillingworth “that eternal alienation from the Good and True, of which madness is perhaps the earthly type” (188). However, the impure societal norms Hester cannot escape are juxtaposed with Hawthorne’s embodiment of American Romanticism: Hester’s own daughter Pearl. As American Romanticism relies upon faith in the individual and innocence, Pearl is the light in Hester’s time of darkness – a deviation from society’s preordained skewed notions of innocence, or lack thereof. Through her youth, Pearl is unaware of the evils of society, thus protected from its twisted norms. Both American Romanticism and Transcendentalism value a higher morality and the divergence from society’s ascertained structure: the norms of which Hawthorne’s Boston town is hypocritical and ignorant of, placing Hester into an unjust moral turmoil.
I really like how eloquently this was written, and the ideas in it are very unique and well-thought out! I appreciated how you described Hester's society as a "hypocritical community unaware of its corruption." I also found a lot of truth in how you called the efforts of Hester's community a "paradox created by a society unwilling to discover- or dilute- their own sins." I thought your analysis was very articulate and potent, and your ideas were very insightful. This post has definitely helped me understand the novel (the American Romanticist aspect of it) more than I had understood it before. Nice job Maddee!
DeleteTranscendentalism and American Romanticism both influence Nathaniel Hawthorne's The Scarlett Letter. American Romanticism is used to show Hester's independence, because she does not fear what others think of her sin and she lives and supports Pearl on her own. She also works on her own helping and giving back to the community despite how she is viewed by the Puritan society she lives in. Transcendentalism influences the idea that nature is a refuge in this novel. Hester removes her "A" in the forest, which signifies that she is free from society and the label they have put on her, in the forest when she takes off her "A" the sun shines on her, which also symbolizes that she is free from the hold that the "A" had on her.
ReplyDeleteThroughout "The Scarlet Letter" the affects of Transcendentalism and American Romanticism on the novel are shown through Nathaniel Hawthorne's beliefs as he attempts to prove that nature is freeing from the strict social demands and structure of Puritan society.
ReplyDeleteThe Forest within the text is symbolic of both the influence of Transcendentalism and American Romanticism because of its affects on all the main protagonists (Hester,Dimmesdale,Pearl). When Hester, Pearl, and Dimmesdale all enter the forest for the first time together, Hester is able to remove the "A" from her bosom. This event is reflective of the both of the idea's influence on the text by showing the freedom in the natural world while she would otherwise have been scrutinized by the public in her Puritan society. Reverend Dimmesdale normally denying the fact that he has any relationship with Hester to the public, he acknowledged her in the forest and spoke of leaving back to Europe with him to escape the puritan society that has ravished his soul with guilt. Pearl, being a Byronic hero vaguely remembers Dimmesdale in the forest and doesn't know that he is her father. Although, she feels drawn to him at the end of the book when she asks Hester to ask him if he would hold their hands on the scaffold in the center of the marketplace.
Hawthorne's beliefs on Transcendentalism and American Romanticism are conveyed through the novel in order to expose hypocrisy and to critique all Puritan societies and beliefs. These religious ideas prove the harsh ideals of puritan beliefs and do a outstanding job of really uncovering the true skin of Puritan Society.
Amanda Powell
DeleteMARLAIRE
APLIT/P4
11/28/12
You make a lot of really good points! I agree with your whole post. I found it interesting how you interpreted Hawthorne's views on nature and its purpose, and how the characters behave differently in society and in nature. Hester accepted the "A" as part of her wardrobe until running into the forest, where she removed it for the first time. This shows how nature serves as a refuge for Puritans, and others, suffering under the pressures and expectations of society. This symbolism is then linked back to the effects of transcendentalism and American Romanticism in the novels execution of characters relationships with nature.
As Amanda said, you make a lot of great points. The forest is an extremely transitional and important part of the novel, because Hester and Dimmesdale discuss a lot of things and Pearl starts to figure things out. The forest is where Pearl first sees Reverend Dimmesdale as a family figure, and it’s where Hester grows the courage to take off her A, which is when everything in nature begins to accept her and she has her big turnaround. That’s where, as you said, the transcendentalism really goes into effect. At the end of your post, I liked that you brought it back to Hawthorne’s beliefs and how she affected the book’s take on these two things through her own opinion because, as she is the author, that would only make sense.
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ReplyDeleteThrough the use of Irony of Hester's scarlet letter as the story progresses, and the use of symbolism of nature Nathaniel Hawthorne is able to reveal his transcendental and American Romantic beliefs. Hester's scarlet letter "A" becomes an ironic symbol because its original purpose of being a way to oppress and punish Hester is slowly transformed into ," Able… with a woman's strength" as her actions towards the community and her ability to take care of herself and Pearl without a husband help relieve her from the shroud of false truths that control her identity in Puritan society(Hawthorne pg .146). From this Hawthorne's views of transcendentalism can be seen as Hester promotes her own improvement of her identity, in order to better please herself, not the society's rules and expectations. This then follows through with the symbolic essence of Nature in the story. Hawthorne's Romantic beliefs express how nature is a realm to essentially escape from the chains and bonds of society, and undertake their true identities, now that the common social beliefs and religious values cannot shroud what is truly there. Nature as presented by Hawthorne enables Hester to be herself, as she," undid… the scarlet letter… [and threw] it among the withered leaves" in which the withered leaves represent her old self as characterized by the community, and what is left is her true and beautiful self which remains uncensored by the Puritan belief and the expectations of the community(Hawthorne pg. 182). Similarly Pearl who is seen as a demonic representation of sin enters the forest and is transformed into," a real child… [with] a child's spirit", as the shroud that was presented by society is lifted off by the pureness of nature(Hawthorne pg. 184).
ReplyDeleteHawthorne, Nathaniel. The Scarlet Letter. New York, NY: Bantum
Dell, 1986.
I really like what you say about Hester improving her identity for herself, rather than for society. I think it is very important to understand that by doing this, Hawthorn is conveying that an individual should not conform to society, but live their own lives. By not conforming to society's previous views of her, she was able to transform to "A for Able." If she had conformed, however, she would be forced to live in the cabin, outcast from society, and suffer her punishment. I also like what you said about how nature is an escape from society. Throughout the story, nature is viewed as a place of refuge and peace. Hester and Dimmesdale find refuge from society in the forest. They are able to hold hands and feel in love, as they should be. Also, Mistress Hibbins also goes into the woods to find religious freedom. This is similar to the situation of Hester and Dimmesdale, because without the woods, they would not be free.
DeleteNathaniel Hawthorne uses his characterization of Hester Prynne in a Transcendentalist and American Romantic manner to further his purpose of encouraging all of mankind to never abandon individuality and personal freedom for the fixed, ethical codes of society. Throughout The Scarlet Letter, Hawthorne uses Hester’s courage and complete understanding of her inner guilt of committing the great sin of adultery to further illustrate his purpose and to teach his lesson of the threat that society can pose towards an individual’s personal freedom. Hester possesses the eternal punishment laid upon her by society that has tuned her out as an outcast. She has born an “evil” child, and as a result, she must now wear the scarlet letter for the rest of her life within the Puritan society. She also is now looked down upon by society as the beacon of all of the ugliness within their society, and as a result, she and her daughter, Pearl, are now considered outcasts. As Hawthorne observes Hester throughout the novel, she experiences a shift in character from a strong and fiery individual who opposes society’s teachings into a largely criticized outcast. This is portrayed as she begins to act in charity for the poor, who do not appreciate her services. Hawthorne portrays the poor as unforgiving as they “revile [Hester’s] hand that was stretched forth to succor them.”(78). Later in the novel, Hester begins to fully embrace her inner sin as a justification for her true role in society – to teach the lesson of avoiding sin at all costs. She further uses this purpose to justify her ownership of Pearl. Pearl serves as Hester’s everlasting guilt, and she must embrace this fact and make it her duty to reach out to her daughter and to teach of the importance of keeping to the laws of society. Therefore, Hester Prynne represents Hawthorne’s Transcendentalist and American Romantic influences as she is greatly rejected by society and as she comes to terms with her guilt to properly raise Pearl.
ReplyDeleteTravis Rogers
ReplyDeleteMrs. Marlaire
ASIELA per 4
26 November 2012
Through the characterization of Pearl and her sinful father, Reverend Dimmesdale, in The Scarlet Letter, Hawthorne is able to portray his complex romantic and transcendentalist influences. From her birth, Pearl was only described as mythical creatures of the forest like an imp, elf, or pixie which is not only a puritan base of evil, but also that of dark romanticism which embraced the darkness of the human soul. These creatures are seen as evil by puritan society because of their contempt for nature, which causes her to be described as “a direct consequence of the sin which man thus punished, had given her a lovely child” (Hawthorne 81) by everybody who meets her and sees her mother’s scarlet letter. However, according to romantic beliefs nature was eternal happiness and everything good was in nature. Because of this, Pearl was not at all seen as an evil creature of sin and villainy when in the forest playing by herself; “[s]ombre as it was, [the forest] put on the kindest of its moods to welcome her” (Hawthorne 184) and in the holly glow of nature, Pearl was no longer alone in this world and actually became humanized “and these wild things which [the mother-forest] nourished, all recognized a kindred wildness in the human child” (Hawthorne 185). This is one of the first times that Pearl is actually described as a human and demonstrates how Hawthorne is revealing his romantic influences. For his transcendentalist influences, which value the individual and emotion, Hawthorne demonstrates Dimmesdae’s internal conflict between his guilt of being Hester’s lover against his duties that puritan society has forced him to continue through social intimidation and obsession over others thoughts of himself. Eventually, his conscience overcomes his will and Dimmesdale forces himself to reveal the truth to the congregation. Even though he dies as a result, Dimmesdale receives inner satisfaction by getting it off of his chest, besides the letter of course, and portrays the benefit of valuing one’s emotional health over society’s opinions.
You make a lot of good point. I really like your point that one of the first times Pearl is described with human qualities rather than impish or elfish qualities is when she is in the forest. I feel however, that Pearl being described as elfish and impish reflects more individuality and freedom than the darkness of the human soul. Through her actions Pearl is characterized as different and individual more of a transcendentalist thought than a Dark romantic thought. Her actions also reflect freedom, especially her actions in the forest where “she decorated her hair, and her young waist” with the flowers who called out to her in the forest. (Hawthorne p.185) These actions where she is almost one with nature reflect more romantic believes. I agree with your ideas about Dimmesdale however I don’t feel that it was just his conscience that made him confess his sins; while I think that played apart, I believe it was more the fact that he was dying that allowed him the courage to confess to the congregation.
DeleteKate Wensley
ReplyDeleteAS I LIT AP
Marlaire, Period 4
26 Nov 2012
In the novel, The Scarlet Letter, Nathaniel Hawthorne expresses views of Transcendentalism and American Romanticism in order to contrast the views of Puritanism revealing the character traits of Hester’s daughter, Pearl.
Traditional Puritan values are seen throughout the story in order to demonstrate society’s negative opinion of Hester’s sin. Pearl is seen as a sin since she was conceived through adultery of which is viewed negatively in a strict Puritan society. These beliefs are contradicted by Pearl’s elf-like nature. Hawthorne examines the principles of Dark Romanticism through Hester’s daughter when “There was witchcraft in little Pearl’s eyes, and her face, as she glanced upward at the minister, wore that naughty smile which made its expression frequently so elfish.” (140) These principles show high influence of magic along with beliefs of sin and evil. Contradicting Puritanism along with Dark Romantic thoughts is Transcendentalism which contributes to Pearl’s relationship with nature. This characterization of Pearl involving her calm impact on people and the outside world go against the conformity of Puritan society. The idea of Pearl being a symbol of sin is opposed by “…the child flew away like a bird, and, making bare of her small white feet, went pattering along the moist margin of the sea. “ (152) Pearls’ traits juxtapose her disconfirming view in society as result of her Mother’s sin. The Transcendentalist and Romantic influences upon the story help to form the character traits of Pearl and her positive and negative impacts upon Puritan society.
You did a good job defending/ proving your point through the use of quotes. When I began to read yur post, initially, I didnt understand your view point, but after I read the quotes I understood what you were saying. I also like the way you restated your thesis n the conclusion, this shows your skillfull writing. Your analysis, "...Traditional Puritan values are seen throughout the story in order to demonstrate society’s negative opinion of Hester’s sin.", is now very clear and I agree with you on this completely.
DeleteGeorge Gilles
ReplyDeleteMarlaire
AP LIT, P.4
26 November 2012
In The Scarlet Letter, Nathaniel Harthorne applies Transcendentalist and American Romantic ideologies by utilizing both irony and symbolism to portray nature as a refuge from the social burdens that restrict an individuals will to be free and self empowering.
Nature transforms people into their true selves because it is a place of opportunity. American Romanticism emphasizes the forest power among the people because they see nature as the base of a pure lifestyle, where people can connect with nature and be themselves. The forest where Hester and Dimmesdale met symbolizes their disconnection from the society, “I’m not the man from whom you take me! I left him yonder in the forest …”(Harthorne 195), this quote emphasizes how life differs from the forest and society because the life experienced in the forest can never brought into society. The Romantics emphasized nature for its simplicity and the forest symbolizes the dramatic change from living in a confined community to becoming an independent individual. Irony is also used to embrace the Transcendentalism by showing the inner strength of Hester. Hester was exiled and punished with the scarlet letter, however her determination allowed her to work with the community until most of the citizen have forgotten the sin she has committed. “Many people refused to interpret the scarlet A by its original signification. They said that it meant Able; so strong was Hester Prynne.”(Harthorne 146), this reveals how the Romantic influences allowed for Hester to become accepted by the people as she works alone to assist the society that had exiled her. It’s ironic because the people who shunned Hester now see her as helpful. Symbolism and irony allowed for Transcendental and Romantic influences to display nature as an escape from social containment and embrace people to self reliant.
Hawthorne, Nathaniel. The Scarlet Letter. New York: Bantam Dell, 1850. Print.
Amanda Powell
ReplyDeleteMarlaire
AP LIt/P4
11/26/12
Throughout the novel, "The Scarlet Letter" Nathaniel Hawthorne emphasizes the presence of Transcendentalism and American Romanticism through the idea that nature can be a refuge from the burdens and pressures of strict the Puritan society.
Nature is representative of American Romanticism and Transcendentalism because of several characters, such as Hester and Pearl's, relationships with nature. Hester found herself at peace when in the forest; she felt a release from society, so she was able to remove the "A" from her wardrobe. this shows that nature is and has been an easy escape from the troubles and conflicts of everyday life. Once Reverand Dimmesdale confronts Hester in the forest, he no longer tries to deny and hide the sin he's committed. He discusses the matter with Hester and even the possibility of them running away to Europe together. Hawthorne's personal beliefs pertaining to American Romanticism and Transcendentalism are revealed in order to criticize and reveal truths about Puritan society.
The evidence you show is spectacular like your eyes, and the relationship between Hester, Pearl and nature is proven with the freedom they feel in the forest. Not only did you interpret Hawthorne's personal beliefs within the text, but also proved them with facts. Since Hester removed the scarlet letter that she had worn, she felt a sense of freedom and an escape route to a new life that she could prosper in, and not be judged and looked down upon by society.
DeleteMorgan Simmons
ReplyDeleteMarlaire
Ap Lit
26 November 2012
American Romantic and Transcendental influence is prominent throughout the Scarlet Letter primarily by portraying the forest as a refuge for those rejected by Puritan society. Hester, Reverend Dimmesdale, and Pearl are the few characters that actually venture into the isolation the forest symbolized in Puritan society. Hester, for example, is able to form an identity apart from the way society views her when she lets her hair down and removes the Scarlet Letter in the forest. Hawthorne also describes nature as accepting, saying “Such was the sympathy of Nature-that the wild, heathen Nature of the forest, never subjugated by human law, nor ill-minded by higher truth,” (183). This concept directly contradicts the traditional Puritan belief that nature is dark and unsafe because nature is unpredictable. Pearl, being an embodiment of sin, reflects Puritan criticism when she orders Hester to wear the letter again, which is a painful reminder that ultimately hinders Hester’s ability to move on from her sin. While Pearl directly represents strict Puritan beliefs, the Reverend illustrates the hypocrisy of the religion. However, the forest still accepts Dimmesdale though he is flawed and impure, showing the American Romantic idea that nature is accepting and just. Hawthorne portrays nature in a sympathetic and nonjudgmental way, pointing out flaws in the Puritan religion. Hawthorne’s ultimate purpose was to demonstrate that the Puritan religion is full of hypocrisy by incorporating Transcendental and American Romantic ideas.
I agree with your point that nature serves as a refuge for Puritan society. Hawthorne views society and organized religion as a corrupting force upon the individual. Hester begins to have an almost intimate relationship with nature. She enjoys its solitude, purity, and forgiveness. She is relieved of all stress and can let her hair down, which represents the idea that she is only comfortable and at home when she is free from the patriarchy of Puritan society. I think you made an excellent point saying that "Pearl is the embodiment of sin" she them reminds Pearl that she is only temporarily free from Puritan society by reminding her to put her "A" back on.
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ReplyDeleteThroughout the Scarlet Letter, Hawthorne uses signs of Transcendentalism and American Romanticism to express how nature, mainly the forest, is seen as a safe haven for Hester. It protects her from the negativity of society and represents a pure place where individuals can freely and spiritually empower themselves. Hawthorne is also able to use the forest as a place where the secret couple can talk amongst themselves freely with tender and sentimental aspects, and without the issues of punishment and social order from Puritan society. From a Transcendentalist point of view, Hester being isolated into the outskirts of society had expressed “no restrictive clause of her condemnation” being so “remote…..so obscure” from Puritan settlement (Pg. 73). This isolation therefore protects Hester from the cruelty given within the limits of Puritan society, and now nature has given her a chance to redeem herself and provide a renewed path of character development to becoming a true and spiritual Puritan. Despite her self-reliance however, Hester feels lonely and is constantly aware of her alienation from the shame burned within her. Yet this freedom given by nature allows her to find companionship or sympathy to ease her spiritual body. From a Romantic point of view, it is very intertwined with the Transcendentalist vision as well when showing how nature is symbolized as pure and it still accepts Hester as being a pure individual despite her crime. The removal of the Scarlet Letter from her bosom was a “stigma” in which nature has take away “the burden of shame and anguish….from her spirit”, and in return has asked her for the devotion to natural spirit over the difficulties of a formal society (Pg.182). Having cast off the stigma, Hester regains some of her former, passionate beauty as the rays of sunlight and freedom shine upon her within the forest.
ReplyDeleteNice Job, Arman! I completely agree with your points, Hawthorne makes a good connection with Hester and nature. Also, when the community is angry with Hester, they were all in unity because the townspeople originally had the idea that adultery was wrong, since it was a “sin” against their strict Puritan religion. The people were all in agreement that adultery was wrong and horrible, which is a teaching of transcendentalism that everything related to nature is one. This includes animals and plants. A key important point in transcendentalism is nature. When Hester is pushed away from society, she goes to live in the “house”. The only thing that surrounded the place was nature. The self-confinement of the things around her, she began to learn about herself and her thoughts. Nature is also the place where Pearl expresses herself. She runs freely without any thought of what society would think. Furthermore, transcendentalists and dark romanticisms believe in a “over soul,” which means everything is connected in some way. For instance in this novel, Dimmesdale is the modest, kind man, while Chillingworth is illustrated as the evil or as Pearl says, the “black man” (Hawthorne 167). Eventhough the two were quite different, they were connected in a way because Dimmesdale depended on Chillingworth to survive the townspeople and his “reputation” as a Reverend.
DeleteI definitely agree with the premise of your post, Arman. The scene in the forest strongly conveys American Romanticism by highlighting the freedom that the Reverend and Hester feel. Their plans to elope also emphasize the whimsical, freeing tendencies of nature in contrast to the ridicule of Puritan society. However, did Hester's time in the forest give her a path to redemption in the eyes of Puritan society? While this event did lead to her development as a character, perhaps nature instead gave Hester insight on the benefits of living outside the "difficulties of a formal society" (Hawthorne 182), discouraging her to re-conform to harsh Puritan ways. I loved the way you connected nature's sympathy to light in order to illustrate that Romanticism influenced the way the scarlet letter began "ceasing to be a stigma which attracted the world's scorn and bitterness" (Hawthorne 234).
DeleteTranscendentalist and Romantic ideals are reflected in the overall theme of the Scarlet Letter, that nature frees man from the restrictive confines of society, depicted through the case of Hester Prynne. Once these restrictions are released, that person is free to act how they wish, which reflects their true nature. Imagery exemplifies nature's freeing effect upon Hester and Dimmesdale "exhilarating feeling-upon a prisoner just escaped from the dungeon of his own heart, breathing the wild, free atmosphere." (Pg 182) Transcendentalism focuses on transcending society in order to reach the full potential of the individual, exactly what Hester and Dimmesdale accomplish here by finally agreeing to leave or transcend society. Their tool that aided them in transcending society is nature which is depicted in a Romantic style that embraces nature despite society's misconceptions of nature being a place of sin "The objects that had made a shadow hitherto, embodied brightness now." (Pg 183) Hester, detached from society and connected with nature, has "no restrictive clause of her condemnation" (Pg 73) freeing her from the oppression that Puritan society places on their members as the society already regards her with contempt, which is society's harshest punishment next to execution. She is free to do what she pleases because society has already casted their harshest punishment upon her so there is not much more Puritan society can do to her. Hester chooses to help those from the Puritan society that condemn her revealing her true nature. Hester is the golden child of Transcendental and Romantic beliefs, someone who freed themselves from society's chains and acted upon her own true nature, and not just how society wants her to act.
ReplyDeleteJesus Perez
ReplyDeleteMrs. Marlaire
AP lit
November 26, 2012
The author uses transcendentalism and American romanticism to characterize some of the characters as well as compare them in their obligations and restrictions in society. He establishes Pearl as an American romanticism character, as seen when it is said, “she announced she has not been made at all”(pg. 102). As an American romanticism characters she has her own thought process and can interpret what she sees and speak freely about it, having no restrictions on what she believe is right and can do. While Dimmesdale a transcendentalist character is haunted by an evil sin that he committed which contradicts his role and occupation in society as a priest and role model to what a “”pure “ soul or person is. His exposer (dramatic irony) when he confess to all of what he had done reveals how his life was tortious, because of his role and power guilted him with what he had done. ( Pg. 228-229). Also on page 160 when its said that “ sea weed of various kinds and make herself a scarf of mantle or headdress.” Shows how Pearl (as a American romanticism character) is not afraid to express herself in a way that goes against what was believed to be allowed. She express individualism, because she is not afraid to express herself and does not take into consideration what others think. So Hawthorne shows how characters from one being American romanticism and one from transcendentalism may lead different live based on their restrictions and obligations with in the society.
Hawthorne opposes Puritan ideals through his words in the Scarlet Letter as a biased omniscient narrator. The descriptions, or sometimes the lack of descriptions, of several people including Hester Prynne, the good Reverend Dimmesdale, or even the nameless warden at the beginning of the novel, who held a “grim and grisly presence… with a sword by his side” which “represented in his aspect the whole dismal severity of the Puritanic code of law” (49). Already, Hawthorne is taking his stance against Puritan ideals, and proceeds to utilize Transcendentalist and American Romantic ideals instead in his representation of certain individuals. Hester Prynne was initially regarded as the sinner, or weak link of the Puritan society, but as she embraced her individuality, and general happiness through emotion (as opposed to Puritan constrictions and conformity), many began to say “that [the scarlet A] meant Able; so strong was Hester Prynne, with a woman’s strength” (147). Even Reverend Dimmesdale, a symbol of Puritanic ideals, snaps later when asked by Hester if his reverence brings comfort. He cries out that “As concerns the good which I may appear to do, I have no faith in it… What can a ruined soul … effect towards the redemption of other souls?” (172). Hawthorne sees Puritan ideologies as broken and inefficient, simply constricting the growth of individual people. He sees the conformity as unnecessary and altogether illogical, and prefers instead to bring forth Transcendentalist and American Romantic ideas of freedom, individualism, and the goodness of human nature, rather than the Puritan opposites. Most of the positive changes in characters also occurred near the wilderness, as opposed to many negative events happening in the actual town, reflecting romantic ideals of the beauty of nature.
ReplyDeleteInteresting point, Kevin. I hadn't thought about Rev. Dimmesdale being a symbol of Puritan ideals, but more of the symbol of weakness and outward conformity. I do agree, though, that Dimmesdale's voiced struggles were reflective of the colony and Hawthorne's internal struggles, and that it effectively reveals many Puritan mannerisms to be inefficient and constrictive. It makes me wonder about the effect it might have had on the real Puritan communities of the nineteenth century, and of which Hawthorne was a member. Do you think that Hawthorne was able to change any Puritan churches/settlements?
DeleteNathan Penn
ReplyDeleteMarlaire
AP ELA P.6
26 Nov. 2012
Prompt 1
In direct response to increasing urbanization and materialization of the Industrial age, Transcendentalism and American Romanticism developed, emphasizing the importance of nature and the purity it possessed. In transcendentalism, specifically, the follower “rises above the lower animalistic impulses of life (animal drives) and moves from the rational to a spiritual realm” (Reuben 1). This becomes extremely important in The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne, as the author touches upon these main ideas by implementing the forest as a symbol representing an escape from the impurities and harsh morals of Puritan society. Ultimately, Hester Prynne, judged and degraded by society through her crime of adultery, is shown to find peace of mind in the barriers of the “dark, inscrutable forest” (73).
The forest, surrounding the puritan community, creates a harsh barrier of unmingled open territory that juxtaposes the corrupt and impure society. Hester Prynne, located on the outskirts of town, is immediately connected to the forest and the narrator describes her ability to “assimilate…with a people whose customs and life were alien from the law that had condemned her” (73). This idea has close relation to the value of nature in American Romanticism. The forest allows Prynne to return to her roots and free herself from the corrupt judgments and diluted ideals of the Puritan society. Later in the story, Hester Prynne and Reverend Dimmesdale meet in the forest and the troubled woman removes her confinement attire: the scarlet letter and her head cap. Immediately, “as with a sudden smile of heaven, forth burst the sunshine…gleaming adown the gray trunks of the solemn trees” (183). Ultimately, this is the symbol of nature’s acceptance in Prynne and the change in atmosphere defines the forest as a tool of escape from the negativities Puritan society casts upon people.
Hawthorne’s use of American Romanticist and Transcendentalist beliefs in The Scarlett Letter represents his belief in nature’s powers and exposes the impurities of humankind generated by urbanization of society.
Works Cited
Hawthorne, Nathaniel. The Scarlet Letter. New York, NY: Bantum
Dell, 1986.
Reuben, Paul P. "Chapter 4: American Transcendentalism: A Brief Introduction." PAL:
Perspectives in American Literature- A Research and Reference Guide. Web. 25 Oct. 2012.
I find it very true that nature is supposed to return our spiritual body's back to the original roots and focuses from the past. Hester's isolation with only the presence of nature around her allows her to realize that society is corrupt with strict immoral laws and commands and is therefore unbalanced with the original cycle of equality. The forest is a pure, natural spirit and therefore it accepts that Hester still has this purity within her when the light shines down. In a transcendentalist type of sense, yes she is moving beyond the criticism and cruelty among her angered peers through her determination, realizing that she is the better Puritan individual.
DeleteI fully agree with your points and ideas. The connection between the symbolism of the forest and Transcendentalism Hawthorne uses is really important. I agree with that the forest creates a barrier between freedom and restriction. The forest is a safe and pure place for Hester to be her true self whereas in this puritan society she is trapped. In the idea of transcendentalism she is progressing on past these outdated and corrupt puritan lifestyles and her community, where in the end she comes to know she is the stronger individual in this puritan society that she is stuck in.
DeleteChris Nash
ReplyDeleteMrs. Marlaire P.4
AP American Literature
26 Nov 2012
Transcendentalist and American Romantic influences can be found throughout Hawthorne’s writing. Nature serves as a major motif in The Scarlett Letter. Transcendentalism holds nature to be pure and free from the corruption of society. In this text, nature is presented as a refuge where Hester can be relieved of her sins and escape the harsh judgment of Puritan society. In the forest Hester takes off her “A” and the sun shines down on her, this event reveals nature’s forgiveness of her sins and the idea that everything in nature is pure. Importance of the individual, also a Transcendentalist belief, is another major motif that is explored in this novel. Soon after Hester’s crime is exposed to the town she is exiled to the edge of the settlement. The townspeople enacted this exile upon Hester as a punishment but instead she grows from it and becomes a more productive member of society. Free from the corruption of society, her “A” transforms from “adultery” to “able” . Hawthorne is criticizing Puritan society and its beliefs by revealing its destructive impact on the townspeople, he uses juxtaposition to bring light to the fact that Hester prospers in her solitude. On the other hand, Reverend Dimmesdale is a leader in the Puritan church, but his happiness and mental/physical well-being is rapidly deteriorating. Transcendentalists also believed that society, specifically organized religion, corrupted the individual. Reverend Dimmesdale’s position in society is representative of his inner corruption. He is the one of the most respected church officials in the town yet he is the most unstable, unhappy, and guilt-ridden individual there. Hawthorne uses Transcendentalist and American Romantic beliefs to criticize Puritan society and expose its core hypocrisies.
Great job, Chris! I like how how you connect Transcendentalist beliefs to Hawthorne's criticism of Puritan society. He does in fact describe nature as a place of freedom, where one is free to be an individual. I like your analysis on the part in the forest, where Hester takes off her "A", and nature forgave her for her sins because it is a pure, safe environment. Transcendalist views are definitely shown here, as Hester feels free from the corruption of her Puritan community. I also like how you point out the irony in the character of Reverend Dimmesdale, as he holds one of the highest positions in town, yet is probably the most corrupted. Great job!
DeleteElissa Cox
ReplyDeleteMarlaire
Ap Lit
26 November 2012
In the Scarlet Letter, Hawthorne incorporates Transcendentalist and American Romantic ideologies through juxtaposition and symbolism to portray the hypocrisy of Puritanism, and the spiritual freedom that comes from expressing personal emotion. The symbol of the letter "A" separating her from society, contrasted with the consequence of that separation that caused her to actually turn into the ideal Puritan. By being pushed out from society, Hester began to take on the actions of a true Puritan because she was no longer hindered by her personal emotions that she was unable to expose before. In Puritanism, people are forced to suppress their true actions, thoughts, and emotions, because exposing them is frowned upon by society. In contrast, Transcendentalism and Romanticism valued sincerity, and faith in emotions as markers of truth. By being forced to expose her true sin to the public, she is forced to also expose her true emotion rather than suppressing them, she is able to achieve spiritual greatness better than those who continue to suppress it. Transcendentalism also focuses on the value of nature as a living mystery. When Hester finds peace and comfort in the forest, this corresponds with the Transcendentalist belief in nature as the basis for living things and directly coming in contact with the human soul, providing humans with comfort when they can appreciate it for what it is.
I completely agree with your ideas! I find your point about Hester embodying Puritain ideals by escaping prior emotional restrictions especially perceptive. Because Hester is enveloped into a society corrupt in it's own morals and unaware of it's ramifications, Hester and her community essentially experience a role-reversal: Hester acting as the purer and her society the one deviating from it's original intentions. I think your explanations on Hester's "spiritual greatness" in relation to her Boston community are spot on, and your idea on Transcendentalism's ability to provide humanity with their desired comfort lacking in Puritanism's loftiness is particularly engaging.
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DeleteI definitely agree with you. Hawthorne includes transcendentalist and American romantic ideologies by using nature as a symbol, in this case the forest, to provide a “shelter” for members of society in need of a refuge from their daily lives and the severity of Puritan society. Hester transcends throughout the text and is able to change inwardly, "her life had turned, in a great measure, from passion and feeling to thought.”(Hawthorne 148) When Hester Prynne is in the forest, she’s able to escape from the rules and restrictions of society by removing the scarlet letter, this connects back to the American romantic ideology that nature is “a sanctum of non-artificiality, where the Self can fulfill its potential.” (Harvey)
DeleteWorks Cited
Harvey, Bruce. "AMERICAN ROMANTICISM OVERVIEW." University of West Georgia. Professor Bruce Harvey’s American Literature Webpage., n.d. Web. 29 Nov. 2012. .
Hawthorne, Nathaniel. The Scarlet Letter. New York, NY: Bantum
Dell, 1986.
Transcendentalist and romantic ideas are revealed through Hawthorne's characterization of Pearl and Hester's connection with the symbol of the scarlet letter -- initially an ignominious representation of the passionate sin from which her Pearl was born--, conveying the theme of nature's liberation of the outcasts and its acceptance of the flawed and down-trodden. The scarlet letter symbolizes Hester's social condemnation and punishment; she removes it in the forest, signifying that she is free from the stigma-- from the harsh criticism of society-- at least while she takes refuge in the kind indifference of nature, which can "never [be] subjugated by human law"(183). Similarly, Pearl cannot be "made amendable to the rules"(83), possessing the "wild, heathen nature of the forest"(183) ; she remains unrestrained by established views or expectations (like nature)-- repudiating reason in favour of mysticism--, and rejects some of the religious views so decidedly upheld in the community (90).
ReplyDeleteNature offers to those outcasts like Pearl and her mother an alternative to the conformity and restrictions of conventional society.
In contrast with the kindness of environmental nature, the dark romantic aspects of the novel emphasize the corruption of human nature ; the heart is fatally flawed by secrecy, lust and darkness through the concept of original sin, as exemplified by Dimmesdale's deterioration due to a secret guilt long concealed. He has the opportunity to partially relieve himself of some of his agony over this guilt in his meeting with Hester in the seclusion of the forest ( though this agony, along with self-torture, still contribute to his untimely death in the end). Thus, nature offers forgiveness and freedom to the debauched souls of mankind.
Rudra Mehta
ReplyDeleteMrs. Marlaire P.6
AP American Literature
26 Nov 2012
In The Scarlet Letter, Nathaniel Hawthorne utilizes nature as a safe haven for Hester and Dimmesdale to be open with their sins without being judged by Puritan social constraints. The forest that Hester goes into is described as “primeval,” signifying that it’s outside of social influence (Hawthorne 165). In it, Hester and Dimmesdale meet, and the two connect, such that “it was like the first encounter, in the world beyond the grave, of two spirits” who were separated throughout the story while in the town due to the Puritan society, but now “inhabitants of the same sphere… [who] glided back into the shadow of the woods” (171, 172). To Hester and Dimmesdale, the woods allowed them to speak openly, revealing the American Romantic ideal of nature being a path to spiritual freedom. In the woods, the two were free from the judgment of society, and were able to express themselves. Also in the forest, Hester throws the scarlet letter from her chest, and in doing so feels “the burden of shame and anguish depart from her spirit” (182). At the same time, the sunshine came down into the forest, and Hawthorne states that “Such was the sympathy of Nature… never subjugated by human law” (183). This reveals the Transcendentalism influence in the text, as Hester embraces the “belief that individual virtue and happiness depend upon self-realization” (Reuben). At this point in the story, Hester realizes that the scarlet letter isn't her future and that “the past is gone” (Hawthorne 182), so she must move on with her life, along with the Reverend. In doing so, she emphasizes “a desire to embrace the whole world - to know and become one with the world” (Reuben), a key Transcendentalist principle. The light in the forest also shows how Hester is still accepted as part of the community, and accepted by nature even without the scarlet letter that had defined her previous years. “American Romantics tend to venerate Nature as a sanctum of non-artificiality, where the Self can fulfill its potential” (Harvey), which is what Hawthorne portrays in his description of Hester’s actions. Hester both casts off the mark of sin that the Puritan society forced her to wear and connects with her sinner while in the forest, depicting the Romantic idea that humans can express themselves in Nature, free from society.
Harvey, Bruce. "AMERICAN ROMANTICISM OVERVIEW." AMERICAN ROMANTICISM OVERVIEW. University of West Georgia, n.d. Web. 26 Oct. 2012.
Reuben, Paul P. "Chapter 4: American Transcendentalism: A Brief Introduction." PAL: Perspectives in American Literature- A Research and Reference Guide. Web. 26 Oct. 2012.