Analysis of The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne

Intro Summary Analysis Themes Characters Symbolism Themes of Shame and Society: The Scarlet Letter examines how a community reacts when one of its members breaks a societal rule and how shame plays a role in both public and private spheres. Through Hester Prynne, Dimmesdale, and Chillingworth, Hawthorne explores individual versus community conflict and the nature of sin. Setting and Tone: The novel begins with a first-person introductory chapter written two hundred years after the events in the story, hinting that the novel will analyze changing beliefs and attitudes over time. Character Introduction and Conflict: Hester is introduced as she emerges from prison, wearing a dress marked with the scarlet letter “A” and holding her baby, Pearl. By starting the story after the affair, Hawthorne emphasizes themes of sin, guilt, and remorse over forbidden love. Chillingworth, Hester’s husband, then vows to discover the identity of Pearl’s father, setting the main conflict in motion. Dimmesdale’s Secre…