Major Themes in The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne

Major Themes in The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne

Intro Summary Analysis Themes Characters Symbolism Individuality and Conformity Hester’s act of adultery defies the rigid moral rules of Puritan society, which demands conformity. Because Puritanism equates any divergence from these norms with threats to its security and faith, Hester’s choice leads to public punishment, shaming, and social isolation. The town uses Hester as an example, hoping to deter other potential nonconformists. Despite her suffering, Hester’s faith in herself, love for Dimmesdale, and devotion to her daughter empower her to transcend the oppressive expectations of Puritan conformity. This conflict between individuality and conformity extends to the opposition of appearance versus reality. To avoid punishment, Puritans often mask their private faults, thereby widening the gap between their individual realities and the public façade. The novel ultimately argues that suppressing individuality behind a mask of conformity warps one’s soul. Public Guilt vs. Private Guilt The st…