Novel

A detailed Summary of Novel

Often in Society people are criticized, punished, and despised for their individual choices and

flaws. In the novel, The Scarlet Letter, by Nathaniel Hawthorne, the author attempts to show the

way society casts out individuals simply because their ideas differ from the common values. Two

main characters in the novel that are alienated by society for different reasons include Arthur

Arthur Dimmesdale alienates himself in the novel both socially and spiritually. He knows

he cannot let his secret out about Pearl, so he has no one to share his pain with. All the guilt he

has stored up in him slowly eats away at him, deteriorating his body and soul. Dimmesdale's pious

attributes greatly contribute to the extent of his alienation. For the reverend it was "essential to his

peace to feel the pressure of a faith about him." This ne

development, but take on a whole new path in life.

society and yearns to "cast away the fragments of a broken chain."

passionate nature is suppressed and gives way to the conformity of society. Hester, "lost in the

Dimmesdale commits acts of penance to relieve his sin. Dimmesdale's faith and his position as a

too mighty for me to struggle with!" To close this gap of isolation between God and himself,

Hester's alienation also deals with her beauty. Other women are extremely jealous of her

minister makes him more susceptible to spiritual alienation.

Without the virtue and purity he once held, Dimmesdale views himself unworthy in the eyes of

ed for punishment coupled with religious

Approximate Word count = 583
Approximate Pages = 2 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: English

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