The Scarlet Letter, Nathaniel Hawthrone
Historical and Cultural Context
The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne is a classic novel set in the 17th century in a Puritan settlement in Massachusetts, America. It was published in 1850 but is set around 200 years earlier. Understanding the historical context of the book is important to fully grasp its themes and events.
During the 17th century, the Puritans were a religious group who believed in strict moral codes and lived a simple, devout life. They had fled from England to seek religious freedom. In the novel, the Puritan society is shown as highly judgemental and rigid.
The story revolves around Hester Prynne, a woman who is publicly shamed and forced to wear a scarlet letter "A" on her clothing. This signifies her sin of adultery and serves as a constant reminder of her wrongdoing. The community treats her as an outcast, and she faces harsh punishment for her transgression.
The historical context is essential because it helps us understand the significance of Hester's punishment. In the 17th century, the Puritans had strict laws regarding morality and punished those who violated them. Adultery was considered a severe sin and was dealt with severely.
The novel also explores themes of guilt, hypocrisy, and the nature of sin. Understanding the historical context allows readers to comprehend the societal pressures and moral values that shape the characters' actions and choices.
When was The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne published?
a) 1650
b) 1750
c) 1850
d) 1950
What religious group is portrayed in the novel?
a) Quakers
b) Puritans
c) Catholics
d) Protestants
In which century is the novel set?
a) 16th century
b) 17th century
c) 18th century
d) 19th century
5. What does the scarlet letter "A" represent in the novel?
a) Adultery
b) Altruism
c) Ambition
d) Anger
DISCUSSION: How does society's perception and treatment of adultery differ across different cultures and time periods? What are the potential consequences for individuals and relationships?
Further reading
Bercovitch, Sacvan. The Office Of The Scarlet Letter. Transaction Publishers, 2013. In this concise book, Bercovitch examines Hawthorne's novel to critique the notion of "Americanness," exploring its impact on American literature, broader cultural ideas, and concepts of national identity.
Berlant, Lauren. The Anatomy Of A National Fantasy: Hawthorne, Utopia, And Everyday Life. University Of Chicago Press, 1991. This scholarly work combines feminist and political critique to analyse Hawthorne's novel, delving into how he engaged with ideas and utopian fantasies of American identity and projected them onto the gendered struggles of Hester Prynne.
Colacurccio, Michael. Footsteps Of Anne Hutchinson: The Context Of The Scarlet Letter. ELH, vol. 39, no. 3, 1972, pp. 459-94. In this essay, Colacurccio explores the influence of Anne Hutchinson on Hawthorne's portrayal of Hester Prynne, providing valuable insights into Hawthorne's enduring interest in Hutchinson.
Dryden, Edgar. The Form Of American Romance. Johns Hopkins University Press, 1988. Dryden argues that the "American Romance" constitutes a distinctive genre in American literary history, emphasising its unique quality of fostering reader-author interaction, contrasting it with the typically more detached nature of realist novels.
Last, Suzan. Hawthorne’s Feminine Voices: Reading ‘The Scarlet Letter’ as a Woman. The Journal Of Narrative Technique, vol. 27, no. 3, 1997, pp. 349-76. Last's essay offers an analysis of The Scarlet Letter while providing a personal account of her experience reading the novel, exploring both masculine and feminine elements in its voice and structure.