The scarlet letter
"dark and abundant hair, so glossy that it threw off the sunshine with a gleam"
"her beauty shone out, and made a halo of the misfortune and ignominy in which she was enveloped."
Fine at least 2 phrases that describe the physical nature of Hester prynne. For each, explain why the speaker has described her this way. I found the two phrases but, don't know why Hawthorne described her this way.
For all her misfortune and ignominy, she was beautiful and her beauty shone out like a halo? A halo is associated with the divine. Is there some irony here, that the people of her town scorned her and thought her a terrible sinner, but she shone like sunshine and with a halo, like an angel? As a reader, how are you to perceive Hester? A dark, evil sinner, or something like an angel, a thing of beauty?
What do you think?
In Nathaniel Hawthorne's novel "The Scarlet Letter," there are several descriptions that capture the physical nature of the protagonist, Hester Prynne. Let's analyze two of these phrases and explain why the speaker, Hawthorne, described her in this manner.
1. "Dark and abundant hair, so glossy that it threw off the sunshine with a gleam."
Explanation: This description highlights Hester's hair, specifically emphasizing its dark color, abundance, and glossy appearance. By using the word "dark," Hawthorne suggests that Hester's hair is black or incredibly dark, which could symbolize secrecy, mystery, or an unconventional nature. The mention of her hair being "abundant" implies that it is full and voluminous, emphasizing her vitality and life force. Moreover, the term "glossy" evokes a sense of brightness and radiance, suggesting that Hester's outward appearance is glamorous. The phrase "threw off the sunshine with a gleam" further accentuates the lustrous quality of her hair, implying that her beauty is vibrant and captivating. The emphasis on Hester's hair may serve to contrast with the shame and disgrace she experiences, emphasizing the dichotomy between her outward physical appearance and her inner state.
2. "Her beauty shone out, and made a halo of the misfortune and ignominy in which she was enveloped."
Explanation: This description highlights the contrast between Hester's physical beauty and the misfortune and ignominy that her character faces due to the scarlet letter. The phrase "beauty shone out" implies that Hester's physical attractiveness is undeniable and conspicuous, drawing attention even amidst her difficult circumstances. By using the term "halo," Hawthorne likens Hester's beauty to a divine or angelic presence, suggesting that her physical appearance possesses an otherworldly quality or a spiritual aura. This description aims to accentuate the irony of Hester's situation—despite the shame and ignominy resulting from her adulterous act, her outer beauty remains unaltered and captivating, creating a stark juxtaposition between her inner turmoil and her external allure.
Through these descriptions, Hawthorne effectively conveys the conflicted nature of Hester Prynne's character, highlighting the tension between her physical appearance and the societal judgements imposed upon her.