Individual vs. the Society in “The Scarlet Letter” Essay

In The crimson Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne, the theme of the individual(a) versus edict is prevalent. One of the most interest characters in the novel is Hester Prynne, who is ostracized by the society around her. Hawthorne uses symbols to accentuate how Hester chooses to accept her brand punishment as a honourable cartel rather than a go d avouch of shame. Her individualism is achieved through with(predicate) a loose conscience and accepting the fact that she is unique, distanced from the Puritans meet her.Immediately, The Scarlet Letter sets up a clear contrast between Hester and the separate ladies in Boston, Massachusetts. Hester emerges from the prison as a gorgeous woman who was,tall, with a framing of perfect elegance on a large scale. She had dark and abundant hair, so glossy that it threw off the susnhine with a gleam, and a face which ,beside being beautiful from geometrical regularity of feature and richness of complexion was ladylike, too, afterward on the manner of the feminine gentility of those years characterized by a certain produce and dignity. (Narrator, p. 46-47)Mean slice, the other women in Boston ar portrayed as gossiping quacks who chaff Hester out of jealousy and spite. Hester is further distanced from the plurality throng through her elegant do and her skill of needle-work.While on the scaffold, and later when she moves into a cottage distanced from everyone else, Hester remains defiant. She asserts her quasi(prenominal) rebellious personality by non wavering amid the penetrating st ars of the townspeople. In addition, she chooses to dumbfound in Boston rather than lend the opportunity to escape and start a new life. By running away, Hester would be acknowledging societys power of her. Instead, she confides to give her own identity and not make believe society determine it for her. If Hester were to succumb to foreign pressure, it would further undermine what little right the townspeople see in her. Howev er, the brutal taunts ar meaningless to her, because Hester is adamant in her convictions she has a genuine purpose in life.Her daughter Pearl is an important start up of Hesters life. Much more than a living embodiment of the sin that Hester is reminded of through the scarlet garner, Pearl allows Hester to have a solid ground to live and a reason to detain. Pearl acts as a world check, for she daily reminds her mother of her sin. Yet, Pearl is a miracle child, by proving that beauty can flinch from sin. She offers Hester a mirror of herself, and an enduring stipulation for which to uphold. In addition, Hester feels an obligation to stay in New England because she feels morally bound to stay with Pearls father.The scarlet letter in a sense defines who Hester is. high decorated in fine red cloth surrounded with an elaborate embroidery and fantastic flourishes of gold thread, (Narrator, p. 46) the letter A binds Hester to serve her due atonement for the wrongs she has comm itted. However, her shining skills at needle-work and uniqueness of individuality are frowned upon by the society. Out of malice and jealousy, they verbally abuse both her and Pearl, degrading them to wasted figures while they themselves are hypocrites in their own right. Ironic takes its finest form when the skillful flora of Hester are adorned by those highest officials that are punishing her.Despite the ridicule, Hester stands tall. She knows the expectations that are set on her, and that the shame incurred by her result extend for possibly generations to come. Hester is not unbidden to mold herself to the eager hands of others so that they may satiate their cruel desire to see her torture in her intellectual prison. She strives for compassion and well-being amid all the irate words. This is evidenced in her intercession of Pearl, who is elevated far beyond the other children. She is togged up in the most extravagant attire, while being taught heavenly virtues. Motherl y sleep with defies all pressures, and Hesters undeniable erotic love for Pearl is the quintessence of this.In the tight morals of Puritan society that are delineated in The Scarlet Letter, Hester Prynne undergoes umpteen tribulations. Her wrongdoing helps provoke the angry sentiments of the townspeople, who are determined to see her suffer to the fullest extent. However, Hesters attitude is one of moral obligation and compassionate defiance. She retorts with nothing but love, as beautifully demonstrated in her treatment of Pearl. Hester is unique, and sois her unwavering attitude heedless of what the rest of society thinks of her. She answers to a higher(prenominal) order and never relents her conscience to the grasping hands of others.