The scarlet letter that Hester is condemned to equip on her bosom is a central symbol of sin and shame, but as the story progresses it transforms into a different meaning, creating a sense of irony. The letter "A" influences Hester and her decisions and thoughts. In the beggining, she is all bummed and stuff, thinking she is a serious sinner. She has to wear this "A" and is sent to live outside the rest of society. And people think that it is not serious enough as a punishment. As the story moves forward, the rest of society deems it as too much and they want to welcome her back in, but because of the "A", she realized that society is not right and she can do what she wants. What was once meant to bring her shame, now brought her new thoughts that benefit her life.
The "A" also takes different ironic symbols throughout the novel. Everyone sees the letter and sees it as a symbol of shame, but to Hester it's a symbol of hope and inspiration. When the meteors shoot through the sky in the form of an "A", Dimmesdale sees it as the a for what sin he had commited. Ironically, the rest of the community saw it as a symbol for angel for the Governors recent death.
Pearl also goes hand in hand with the letter, having a direct tie to her. When the letter goes, Pearl also goes. They cannot be separated.
This isn't totally complete.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Jackson,
ReplyDeleteThis seems like a good start, but as you begin working on your first draft, keep your focus on the relationship between this symbol (the A) and irony. Keep in mind, too, that in order for irony to exist, something must have (at least) two, contradictory meanings. Because symbols are intended, first and foremost, to "mean"--then it seems perfectly appropriate to spend most of your time tracking down the many 'meanings' of the scarlet letter (to the community, to Hester, to Pearl, etc. & etc.) and noting the transformation in those meanings. As you begin to see contradictions in those meanings arise, you will have discovered your irony.