What is Hawthorne’s attitude toward Puritan people and Puritan beliefs in The Scarlet Letter ?
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To determine Hawthorne's attitude toward Puritan people and beliefs in "The Scarlet Letter," we can start by reading the novel and analyzing the text. Hawthorne's attitude can be inferred through the characters' actions, thoughts, and interactions, as well as the author's own narrative voice and commentary.
For example, one approach is to examine the character of Hester Prynne, the protagonist. Hester is condemned by the Puritan community for committing adultery and is forced to wear a scarlet letter "A" as a symbol of her sin. Hawthorne portrays Hester with empathy, highlighting her strength, resilience, and compassion, which suggests a sympathetic view towards her character.
Another key character to consider is Arthur Dimmesdale, the town's minister. Hawthorne depicts Dimmesdale as tormented by his secret sin, which stands in contrast to the ideals of purity and righteousness upheld by Puritan society. This suggests that Hawthorne may be critical of the strict moral standards imposed by Puritan beliefs.
Through the character of Pearl, Hester's daughter, Hawthorne explores the theme of individuality and the constraints of Puritan society. Pearl is portrayed as wild, spirited, and free-spirited, challenging the Puritan norms of conformity and repression.
Additionally, Hawthorne employs symbolism throughout the novel to convey his attitude towards Puritan society. The scarlet letter itself serves as a critique of the public shaming and moral hypocrisy prevalent in Puritan culture.
By examining these aspects of the novel and analyzing Hawthorne's portrayal of characters, themes, and symbolism, we can gain insights into his attitude towards Puritan people and beliefs in "The Scarlet Letter." It is important to consider multiple perspectives and evidence from the text to form a well-rounded interpretation.