There are many examples and different perspectives of human conditions and experiences to be found in the Bible which give depth to a vast amount of Literature. Hawthorne’s work "The Scarlet Letter" is full of biblical symbols, reverences and up to whole storylines that seem to be very similar to one another. Especially because the "Legal metaphor that runs all through the Bible, […] sees a man [or in this case a woman] as under a trial and subject to judgement" is also the topic of Hawthorne´s book.
The use of biblical allusions allowed him to connect deeper with his audience because they were intimately familiar with the bible at that time and add more meaning to his story. To take a look at how he used these allusions and what effect they might have had on the reader, this essay will break down the main connections of "The Scarlet Letter" and the Bible in order of general events that are similar to the specific symbols used.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Hester as Esther
- The Sin of Adam and Eve
- The Scarlet Letter as Punishment
- Pearl and Jesus
- The Tapestry of David
Objectives and Key Themes
This essay aims to analyze the biblical allusions in Nathaniel Hawthorne's The Scarlet Letter, exploring how these references enrich the narrative and enhance the reader's understanding of the characters and themes. The analysis focuses on the parallels between specific biblical stories and events in the novel, examining their impact on the narrative's meaning and the reader's interpretation.
- The parallel between Hester Prynne and Esther from the Book of Esther.
- The comparison of Hester and Arthur Dimmesdale's sin to the original sin of Adam and Eve.
- The significance of the scarlet letter as a form of punishment, drawing parallels to biblical examples.
- The symbolic representation of Pearl and her connection to biblical figures like Jesus.
- The interpretation of the tapestry of David and its relevance to the characters of Arthur Dimmesdale and Roger Chillingworth.
Chapter Summaries
Introduction: This introductory section establishes the essay's purpose: to examine the biblical allusions in The Scarlet Letter and their effect on the narrative and the reader's understanding. It highlights the enduring nature of certain themes and character types in literature, drawing a connection to the Bible's influence.
Hester as Esther: This section compares Hester Prynne to Esther from the Book of Esther, highlighting their similar physical attributes, secrets they keep, and the transformative consequences of those secrets being revealed. The parallels between their adversaries, Roger Chillingworth and Haman, are also explored, showcasing how these allusions add depth and complexity to the characters. The ultimate outcome for both women, finding favor and a degree of redemption, suggests a theme of divine forgiveness.
The Sin of Adam and Eve: This section draws a parallel between Hester and Arthur Dimmesdale's sin and the original sin of Adam and Eve. It explores the Puritan community's role as a type of "Garden of Eden" from which the adulterous couple is expelled. Chillingworth is presented as a serpentine figure, subtly manipulating events and contributing to Hester's downfall, mirroring the snake's role in Genesis. The comparison highlights the inescapable nature of sin and the consequences of human fallibility.
The Scarlet Letter as Punishment: This section examines the scarlet letter as a form of public punishment, referencing biblical precedents such as the public rebuke of sinners and the mark placed on Cain. The analysis explores the letter's dual nature as both a mark of shame and a form of protection for Hester, and emphasizes the isolating effect of sin.
Keywords
Biblical allusions, The Scarlet Letter, Nathaniel Hawthorne, Hester Prynne, Arthur Dimmesdale, Roger Chillingworth, Esther, Adam and Eve, original sin, punishment, symbolism, literary analysis, biblical parallels, redemption, forgiveness, Puritan society.
Nathaniel Hawthorne's *The Scarlet Letter*: A Biblical Allusions Analysis - FAQ
What is the main focus of this essay?
This essay analyzes the biblical allusions in Nathaniel Hawthorne's The Scarlet Letter, exploring how these references enrich the narrative and enhance the reader's understanding of the characters and themes. It examines the parallels between specific biblical stories and events in the novel and their impact on the narrative's meaning and interpretation.
What are the key themes explored in the essay?
The key themes include the parallels between Hester Prynne and Esther from the Book of Esther; the comparison of Hester and Arthur Dimmesdale's sin to the original sin of Adam and Eve; the significance of the scarlet letter as a form of punishment; the symbolic representation of Pearl and her connection to biblical figures; and the interpretation of the tapestry of David and its relevance to the characters.
Which biblical figures or stories are compared to characters or events in *The Scarlet Letter*?
The essay draws parallels between Hester Prynne and Esther, Hester and Arthur Dimmesdale's sin and the sin of Adam and Eve, the scarlet letter and biblical examples of public punishment and the mark of Cain, Pearl and Jesus, and the tapestry of David and the characters of Arthur Dimmesdale and Roger Chillingworth.
How does the essay analyze the scarlet letter?
The essay analyzes the scarlet letter as a form of public punishment, referencing biblical precedents. It explores its dual nature as both a mark of shame and a form of protection for Hester, and emphasizes the isolating effect of sin.
What is the significance of the comparison between Hester Prynne and Esther?
The comparison highlights similar physical attributes, secrets kept, and the transformative consequences of those secrets being revealed. It also explores parallels between their adversaries and the ultimate outcome for both women, suggesting a theme of divine forgiveness.
What is the significance of the comparison between Hester and Arthur Dimmesdale's sin and the sin of Adam and Eve?
This comparison explores the Puritan community's role as a type of "Garden of Eden" from which the adulterous couple is expelled. Chillingworth is presented as a serpentine figure, mirroring the snake's role in Genesis, highlighting the inescapable nature of sin and the consequences of human fallibility.
What are the chapter summaries included in this preview?
The preview includes summaries for the Introduction, Hester as Esther, The Sin of Adam and Eve, and The Scarlet Letter as Punishment chapters. Each summary briefly outlines the main points and arguments presented in the corresponding chapter.
What are the keywords associated with this essay?
Keywords include Biblical allusions, The Scarlet Letter, Nathaniel Hawthorne, Hester Prynne, Arthur Dimmesdale, Roger Chillingworth, Esther, Adam and Eve, original sin, punishment, symbolism, literary analysis, biblical parallels, redemption, forgiveness, and Puritan society.
What is the overall purpose of the essay?
The essay aims to demonstrate how biblical allusions in The Scarlet Letter contribute to a deeper understanding of the novel's narrative, characters, and themes.
What kind of audience is this essay intended for?
The essay is intended for an academic audience interested in literary analysis and the use of biblical allusions in literature. The structured format and professional tone suggest its suitability for academic use.
- Quote paper
- Annika Zöpf (Author), 2019, Biblical Allusions in "The Scarlet Letter" by Nathaniel Hawthorne, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/516557
