The Scarlett Letter - American Romanticism

Nathaniel Hawthorne is an extraordinary American author, who set the standard for American Romanticism by fence the upbeat philosophy of the transcendentalist movement of his time. Hawthornes reinvigorated, The Scarlet Letter, is characterized by American Romantic ideals, imparting the contrast between mortal spirit and freedom of character versus the strict ideals of participation and the nip of conformity. Though Hawthornes unexampled is dark, his work embodies many of the characteristics of American Romanticism including symbolism, the beauty of nature, psyche freedom, and the supernatural. \nFirst, Hawthorne makes use of a major(ip) element of Romanticism in his use of symbolism and nature. For example, as Hester emerges from the prison, on one positioning of the portal, is a rosebush. The rosebush is a correctly symbol of survival as it has survived ...long after the fall of the large pines and oaks that originally overshadowed it. (Hawthorne. 46). The rosebush is a repeat symbol throughout the novel with many hidden meanings. here(predicate) it is a reminder of a sweet moral acme or the darkening death of a tail of valet frailty and sorrow. (Hawthorne. 46). However, the or so prevalent symbol in the novel is the Scarlet letter itself. As the story begins, Hester is interpreted from the prison with her child and publically condemned. The scarlet letter symbolizes some(prenominal) Hesters sin and daunt that society has placed upon Hester as an adulteress. The towns throng believe, Let her cover the smiler as she result, the pang of it will always be in her heart. This woman has brought shame upon us all, and ought to die. (Hawthorne.49). Yet another(prenominal) example of symbolism is the forest, which symbolizes both good and evil, where nature manifests law and freedom, yet can be dark, foreboding and evil. Though society associates entering the forest with transaction with the Devil, Hester and Dimmesdale find clarity in nature b ecause they are no l...