Petik.net - If you are looking for a novel that explores the themes of legalism, guilt, and repentance in a historical setting, you might want to check out The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne. This novel is considered a masterpiece of American literature and a classic moral study.
In this article, we will give you a brief overview of the novel, its plot summary, its pros and cons, and where you can read it online for free.
Introduction
The Scarlet Letter is a novel by Nathaniel Hawthorne, published in 1850. It tells the story of Hester Prynne, a young woman who conceives a daughter with a man to whom she is not married in the Puritan Massachusetts Bay Colony in the mid-17th century.
She is found guilty of adultery and must wear a scarlet A on her dress as a sign of shame and a symbol of her sin. The novel explores the consequences of her actions on herself, her child, her lover, and her society.
Novel Details:
- Title: The Scarlet Letter
- Author: Nathaniel Hawthorne
- Genres: Romance, Historical Fiction
- Chapters: 24
- Language: English
- Publisher: GoodNovel
- Publication date: 1850
- Rating: 3.43 out of 5 stars on Goodreads1
- Awards: None
Synopsis
The novel begins with a long introduction that explains how the author came across the manuscript of the story in the customhouse of Salem, Massachusetts. He decides to write a fictional account of the events recorded in the manuscript. The story then shifts to the main narrative, which is set in Boston in 1642.
Hester Prynne is led from the prison to the scaffold, where she is publicly shamed for her adultery. She refuses to name the father of her child, Pearl, who is also present at the scene. Among the crowd, Hester recognizes her husband, who had been presumed lost at sea.
He adopts the name Roger Chillingworth and vows to find out and punish Hester’s lover. He becomes a physician and moves in with Arthur Dimmesdale, the young and eloquent minister of Hester’s church. Dimmesdale is revealed to be Hester’s lover and Pearl’s father, but he keeps his secret out of fear and guilt.
He suffers from a mysterious illness that seems to be caused by his inner torment. Chillingworth suspects his involvement and tries to expose him. Meanwhile, Hester tries to live a life of repentance and dignity, despite being ostracized by the community.
She also tries to protect Pearl, who is a wild and rebellious child, from the hostility and prejudice of the Puritans. She hopes that one day she and Dimmesdale can escape together and start a new life elsewhere.
Plot Summary
The plot of the novel follows the development of the main characters and their relationships over several years. Hester becomes more independent and charitable, earning some respect from the people for her skills as a seamstress and her acts of kindness.
She also becomes more attached to Pearl, who is her only companion and joy. Pearl grows up to be a beautiful but impish girl, who often challenges the authority and morality of the Puritans.
She is fascinated by the scarlet letter on her mother’s chest and often asks about its meaning and origin. She also senses a connection between her mother and Dimmesdale, whom she likes but also provokes.
Dimmesdale becomes more popular and revered as a minister, but also more frail and anguished as a sinner. He struggles with his conscience and his desire to confess his sin publicly.
He is haunted by Chillingworth, who pretends to be his friend but secretly torments him as his enemy. Chillingworth becomes more obsessed and evil as he pursues his revenge. He discovers a mark on Dimmesdale’s chest that confirms his suspicion.
The climax of the novel occurs during the Election Day, when Dimmesdale delivers his final sermon to a large crowd of spectators. He then mounts the scaffold with Hester and Pearl and reveals his scarlet letter to everyone.
He asks for God’s forgiveness and dies in Hester’s arms. Chillingworth loses his purpose and dies soon after. Hester and Pearl leave Boston for an unknown destination.
The novel ends with an epilogue that tells what happened to some of the characters after the main events. Hester returns to Boston after several years and resumes wearing the scarlet letter.
She becomes a counselor for women who suffer from oppression or injustice. She receives occasional letters from Pearl, who has married a wealthy man in Europe and has children of her own.
Hester hopes to reunite with Dimmesdale in heaven after her death. She is buried next to him in a shared grave marked with a scarlet letter A.
Pros and Cons The Scarlet Letter
Pros:
- The novel is rich in symbolism, imagery, and allegory, creating a complex and layered meaning for the readers to interpret.
- The novel explores the themes of sin, guilt, repentance, redemption, and individualism in a historical and religious context, offering a critique of the Puritan society and its values.
- The novel portrays the characters as realistic and flawed human beings, who have to deal with the consequences of their actions and choices. The novel also shows the different ways that people cope with their sins and secrets, such as denial, confession, or acceptance.
- The novel has a powerful and dramatic plot that keeps the readers engaged and curious about the outcome of the story. The novel also has some moments of humor, irony, and suspense that add to the interest and enjoyment of the readers.
Cons:
- The novel can be difficult to read for some readers because of its archaic language, long sentences, and dense paragraphs. The novel also has some obscure references and allusions that may require some background knowledge or research to understand.
- The novel can be seen as too moralistic or preachy for some readers, who may not agree with the author’s views or judgments on the characters and their actions. The novel also has some stereotypes and biases that may offend or annoy some readers, such as the portrayal of women, Native Americans, or Quakers.
- The novel can be seen as too depressing or pessimistic for some readers, who may not like the tragic fate of the main characters or the lack of a happy ending. The novel also has some scenes that may disturb or shock some readers, such as the public shaming, the torture, or the death of the characters.
Where To Read Novel The Scarlet Letter
If you are interested in reading this novel, you can find it on GoodNovel. You can read this Novel online for free on GoodNovel or download their app on your device and enjoy reading offline.
GoodNovel is a platform that offers thousands of novels in various genres and languages for readers to enjoy.
GoodNovel offers free chapters and coins for new users, as well as daily updates and rewards for loyal readers. You can also support the author by purchasing coins or subscribing to their membership plan.
Conclusion
The Scarlet Letter is a novel that has stood the test of time and has influenced many writers and readers. It is a novel that challenges the readers to think about the issues of sin, guilt, repentance, redemption, and individualism in a historical and religious setting.
It is a novel that showcases the talent and imagination of Nathaniel Hawthorne as one of the greatest American authors. If you are looking for a classic novel that will make you think and feel deeply, you should give The Scarlet Letter a try.
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