Nathaniel Hawthorne The Scarlet Letter

Puritanism/Scarlet Letter Timeline In the novel: -Ch. 1-4 public scaffold scene Pearl=baby in mother’s arms -Scene at Governor Bellingham’s Pearl=3 years old -Novel’s climax at scaffold Pearl=7 years old -Last Chapter of novel (sort of) In History: -Pilgrims/Puritans come to America -Harvard founded-religious higher education -Christmas Celebration outlawed by Puritans -Salem Witch Trials: dissent, love triangles, landlust=breakdown of Puritan theocracy ; w/Judge John Hathorne Hawthorne publishes Scarlet Letter (200 years later, during Romantic Era, so written in romantic style, but with Puritan influences and themes)

Hawthorne Bio Info 1804-Childhood= 1804-Childhood= College = College = Isolation = Isolation = 1837= 1837= 1839= 1839= 1842= 1842= = = 1850= 1850= 1851= 1851= 1852= 1852= = = 1860= 1860= 1863= 1863= 1864= 1864= Salem: born, father dies, family poor, single mom, adds w Bowdoin, Maine w/F. Pierce, goofed off, mediocre student “dismal chamber” to learn how to write well Twice Told Tales, about secrets of violence in heart Engaged; utopian farm-Brook Farm w/Transcendentalists Marries Sophia, moves to Concord where famous writers job at Custom House; mom dies, loses job Scarlet Letter $ and success “hellfire story” House of Seven Gables and Snow Image Blithedale Romance U.S. Counsel at Liverpool, Marble Faun—travel log Pierce defeated; Lincoln=Civil War, H. out of place journals Our Old Home dies (of solitude, according to Emerson)

American Romanticism Washington Irving, Edgar Allen Poe (more Gothic/Dark Romantic/Anti-Transcendentalists), Hawthorne Washington Irving, Edgar Allen Poe (more Gothic/Dark Romantic/Anti-Transcendentalists), Hawthorne Contemporary with Transcendentalists— Emerson and Thoreau Emerson and Thoreau Valued feelings and intuition over reason Valued feelings and intuition over reason Valued individual freedom and worth of individual Valued individual freedom and worth of individual Explore subconscious; pre-Freudian psychology, faith in inner experience Explore subconscious; pre-Freudian psychology, faith in inner experience More individualistic, less societal; about finding yourself More individualistic, less societal; about finding yourself Seems ancient, traditional, gothic, pastoral Seems ancient, traditional, gothic, pastoral Role of Frontier, critical of society—escape to nature to gain moral and spiritual development Role of Frontier, critical of society—escape to nature to gain moral and spiritual development Gothic elements (darkness, considers conflicts between good and evil, sin, insanity, psychological effects, etc.) Gothic elements (darkness, considers conflicts between good and evil, sin, insanity, psychological effects, etc.) Power of imagination Power of imagination Beauty in exotic, supernatural, myth/legend/folklore Beauty in exotic, supernatural, myth/legend/folklore

HISTORICAL CONTEXT TRANSCENDENTALISM Boston-centered movement, led by Emerson, was an important force in New England circles Boston-centered movement, led by Emerson, was an important force in New England circles Human existence transcends the sensory realm Human existence transcends the sensory realm Belief in individual choice and consequence Belief in individual choice and consequence Focus on the positive Focus on the positive

HISTORICAL CONTEXT SUBDIVISION OF ROMANTICISM: GOTHIC LITERATURE, the “Anti-Transcendentalists”( ) -use of supernatural -use of supernatural -motif of double (both good and evil in -motif of double (both good and evil in characters; sin and evil does exist) characters; sin and evil does exist) -depression, dark forests -depression, dark forests -dark emotions: guilt, shame, fear, obession -Poe, Hawthorne, Melville -Poe, Hawthorne, Melville

NATHANIEL HAWTHORNE “The Scarlet Letter is powerfully written but my writings do not, nor ever will, appeal to the broadest class of sympathies, and therefore will not obtain a very wide popularity.” -Hawthorne, after finishing the novel -Hawthorne, after finishing the novel

NATHANIEL HAWTHORNE As a literary artist… First American “pro writer”: college educated, familiar with the great European writers 4,000 copies of The Scarlet Letter sold in the first 10 days

Influences on Hawthorne’s Writing Female characters are often portrayed as sympathetic Female characters are often portrayed as sympathetic Idea of “Female Purity” Idea of “Female Purity” Influence of Puritan heritage Influence of Puritan heritage

Hawthorne’s View of Transcendentalism Hawthorne did not conform to the Romantic focus on the emotions and abandonment of reason. Hawthorne did not conform to the Romantic focus on the emotions and abandonment of reason. Hawthorne strove to create a balance between “head and heart.” Hawthorne strove to create a balance between “head and heart.”

Hawthorne’s View of Transcendentalism Hawthorne believed that human fulfillment was achieved through a balance between mind, reason, heart, spirit, will, and imagination. Hawthorne believed that human fulfillment was achieved through a balance between mind, reason, heart, spirit, will, and imagination.

Hawthorne’s View of Transcendentalism Hawthorne’s balanced approach placed him in opposition to other Transcendentalists – Emerson, Thoreau, and Longfellow. Hawthorne’s balanced approach placed him in opposition to other Transcendentalists – Emerson, Thoreau, and Longfellow.

Clash With Transcendentalism Hawthorne saw potential problems with Emerson’s idea of self-reliance. Hawthorne saw potential problems with Emerson’s idea of self-reliance. Self-reliance can lead to excessive pride. Self-reliance can lead to excessive pride. Hawthorne believed in determinism, or natural order. Hawthorne believed in determinism, or natural order.

LITERARY ELEMENTS Characterization Characterization Mood Mood Setting Setting Imagery Imagery Diction/Syntax Diction/Syntax Symbolism/Motif Symbolism/Motif Themes Themes

LITERARY ELEMENTS: SETTING 17 th century Puritanical New England (Mass.) What was America like then?

SETTING Life in the Mid 1600s Boston was founded just 2 decades earlier Boston was founded just 2 decades earlier 1 st governor was John Winthrop, who governed based on religious and civic ideals 1 st governor was John Winthrop, who governed based on religious and civic ideals People were hardworking and devoted People were hardworking and devoted 1630s- Puritans established a number of settlements in Massachusetts 1630s- Puritans established a number of settlements in Massachusetts PURITANISM involved belief that the church of England was too much influenced by the Catholic church PURITANISM involved belief that the church of England was too much influenced by the Catholic church Strict code, on which people were expected to act and judged upon Strict code, on which people were expected to act and judged upon Rejected belief that divine authority is channeled through any one single person (i.e. the pope) Rejected belief that divine authority is channeled through any one single person (i.e. the pope) THEOCRACY- state governed by the church THEOCRACY- state governed by the church

Theocracy as Extremism Ironically, it is largely because of the Puritans – who themselves established a theocratic government in the New World – that we in America tend to view most theocratic governments as extremist. Ironically, it is largely because of the Puritans – who themselves established a theocratic government in the New World – that we in America tend to view most theocratic governments as extremist.

Puritanism Began in England in the mid-1500’s Began in England in the mid-1500’s A sect of Calvinists A sect of Calvinists Calvinism named after Swiss theologian John Calvin Calvinism named after Swiss theologian John Calvin Calvinism = Calvinism = predetermination predetermination no religious authority BUT Scripture no religious authority BUT Scripture

“Puritans” “Puritans” intended as a derogatory term “Puritans” intended as a derogatory term “Puritans” usually referred to themselves as “the Godly” “Puritans” usually referred to themselves as “the Godly” Puritans fell quickly out of favor in England, where the king was the head of the Church of England. Puritans fell quickly out of favor in England, where the king was the head of the Church of England. They recognized neither the king’s secular or religious authority, and so quickly became enemies of civil and religious leaders. They recognized neither the king’s secular or religious authority, and so quickly became enemies of civil and religious leaders.

The Puritan Role in Development of “American” Character In 1600, the Puritans left England for Holland, which even in the 17 th century was a very liberal society. In 1600, the Puritans left England for Holland, which even in the 17 th century was a very liberal society. It was too liberal for the Puritans, though, who disliked the government’s permissiveness and tolerance of behaviors/attitudes they found unacceptable. It was too liberal for the Puritans, though, who disliked the government’s permissiveness and tolerance of behaviors/attitudes they found unacceptable.

In 1620, the Puritans left Holland for the New World. In 1620, the Puritans left Holland for the New World. Established Plymouth Plantation in the “savage wilderness” of New England. Established Plymouth Plantation in the “savage wilderness” of New England. Retained those aspects of European society they liked; created new laws, policies, etc. to replace the elements of society they did not like. Retained those aspects of European society they liked; created new laws, policies, etc. to replace the elements of society they did not like. The Puritan Role in Development of “American” Character, cont.

Because Scripture was central to religion and government, scholarship was a highly valued right (reserved, of course, to men only). Because Scripture was central to religion and government, scholarship was a highly valued right (reserved, of course, to men only). The role of religious leaders was to present Scripture and guide other church members in its understanding and application. The role of religious leaders was to present Scripture and guide other church members in its understanding and application. Puritan religious leaders were NEVER seen as intermediaries or intercessors. Puritan religious leaders were NEVER seen as intermediaries or intercessors. The Puritan Role in Development of “American” Character, cont.

“Puritan leaders were highly trained scholars, whose education tended to translate into positions that were often authoritarian.” “Puritan leaders were highly trained scholars, whose education tended to translate into positions that were often authoritarian.” “There was a built-in hierarchism in this sense, but one which mostly reflected the age.” “There was a built-in hierarchism in this sense, but one which mostly reflected the age.” Very Important: Anybody (theoretically) could rise to the same level of authority. Very Important: Anybody (theoretically) could rise to the same level of authority. The Puritan Role in Development of “American” Character, cont.

So… The Puritan emphasis on: self-reliance self-reliance independence independence individual achievement individual achievement individual responsibility individual responsibility personal accountability personal accountability power through ability (education) power through ability (education) All of which were discouraged in the Old World become the basis of “American Rugged Individualism” This is probably why most Americans disagree so strongly with theocracies

Puritan “Crime and Punishment” Because Puritan Boston c was still a theocratic society, crime against church (or God) was the equivalent of a crime against another person or against “the State.” Because Puritan Boston c was still a theocratic society, crime against church (or God) was the equivalent of a crime against another person or against “the State.” Yes… it was illegal to miss church on Sabbath days. It was also illegal to sleep during sermons that could run 3 or more hours long – during each session (morning and afternoon) on a Sabbath. Yes… it was illegal to miss church on Sabbath days. It was also illegal to sleep during sermons that could run 3 or more hours long – during each session (morning and afternoon) on a Sabbath.

Puritan “Crime and Punishment”, cont. Virtually any offense could land you in the pillory, or stocks. The Puritans imported this punishment to New England from England. Virtually any offense could land you in the pillory, or stocks. The Puritans imported this punishment to New England from England. Entire purpose was public display and public humiliation. Entire purpose was public display and public humiliation. Stocks were built on a scaffold in the center of the village, where townspeople could mock the offender, and throw rotten vegetables or stones. Aside from the offender’s hands being immobilized, his ears would frequently be nailed to the board behind his head. Stocks were built on a scaffold in the center of the village, where townspeople could mock the offender, and throw rotten vegetables or stones. Aside from the offender’s hands being immobilized, his ears would frequently be nailed to the board behind his head. The Stocks

Puritan “Crime and Punishment”, cont. After serving time in a jail and then on the pillory, a convicted criminal would often be required to wear some outward sign of his or her offense. After serving time in a jail and then on the pillory, a convicted criminal would often be required to wear some outward sign of his or her offense.

How did his life affect the writing of the novel? John Hathorne presided over the Salem Witch Trials of 1692 the Salem Witch Trials of 1692 Major William Hathorne ( ) persecuted quakers 1. Influences on Hawthorne: Puritan background

How did his life affect the writing of the novel? Salem- childhood, later work at the Custom House, as Surveyor of the Port “The Custom House” introduction creates a FRAME STORY This introduction gives an account of his experience as surveyor; he attacks the officials who connived in his dismissal… Like his heroine Hester, Hawthorne emerges from confrontation with a self-righteous society as an individual of integrity,passion, and moral superiority. This introduction gives an account of his experience as surveyor; he attacks the officials who connived in his dismissal… Like his heroine Hester, Hawthorne emerges from confrontation with a self-righteous society as an individual of integrity,passion, and moral superiority.

“The Custom House” General Info. Custom House: Government building where customs are collected and where ships are cleared to enter or leave county (by water) Custom House: Government building where customs are collected and where ships are cleared to enter or leave county (by water) Hawthorne worked there for 27 months as surveyor (pretty much everyone else’s boss) Hawthorne worked there for 27 months as surveyor (pretty much everyone else’s boss) “The Custom House” is both factual and fictional—he did work at one and tells stories of real people, but made up some of the stories, esp. the Letter A and Hester Prynne “The Custom House” is both factual and fictional—he did work at one and tells stories of real people, but made up some of the stories, esp. the Letter A and Hester Prynne “The Custom House” is intro. to Scarlet Letter— included for $ and more text, but also to set up explanation why he wrote it (fictional) and themes of isolation, alienation, etc. “The Custom House” is intro. to Scarlet Letter— included for $ and more text, but also to set up explanation why he wrote it (fictional) and themes of isolation, alienation, etc.

Custom House Picture From first page of "The Custom-House" chapter in the 1878 edition of The Scarlet Letter published in 1878 by James R. Osgood and Co. in Boston.

“The Custom House” and The Scarlet Letter The introductory chapter to The Scarlet Letter is called “The Custom House”. The introductory chapter to The Scarlet Letter is called “The Custom House”. Nathaniel Hawthorne tells of his time as a clerk in the Salem, Mass. Government Custom House. Nathaniel Hawthorne tells of his time as a clerk in the Salem, Mass. Government Custom House. He claims to have found a letter written by Hester Prynne (the novel’s main character) and an embroidered scarlet A. The letter tells of Hester’s experiences, which Hawthorne relates in the novel. He claims to have found a letter written by Hester Prynne (the novel’s main character) and an embroidered scarlet A. The letter tells of Hester’s experiences, which Hawthorne relates in the novel. The novel is NOT based in historical fact, but Hawthorne uses “The Custom House” to give his story credibility. The novel is NOT based in historical fact, but Hawthorne uses “The Custom House” to give his story credibility. Hawthorne’s family came from Boston. He was descendant of a judge in the Salem witch trials (named Hathorne). Hawthorne changed the spelling of his name to distance himself from his relative’s unsavory reputation. hicalInfo /Adultlife/MMD1114.html Hawthorne’s family came from Boston. He was descendant of a judge in the Salem witch trials (named Hathorne). Hawthorne changed the spelling of his name to distance himself from his relative’s unsavory reputation. hicalInfo /Adultlife/MMD1114.html

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