The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne A Puritan Age Novel Written in the Age of Romanticism

First Novel: Age of Romanticism Published in 1850 – as America was transitioning from the Age of Enlightenment into the Age of Romanticism Genre in which writer can work in junction between actual and imaginary A highly stylized symbolic fable Interior psychological explorations Lauded for “initiating a distinctive American literary tradition” (Telgen 1). Psychological Exploration Literary Symbolism Historical Interpretation

Structure and Setting Allegorical—people and symbols represent universal ideas and truths Boston, Massachusetts Bay Colony Isolated, remote Puritan town Theistic and patriarchal society

Historical Background Massachusetts Bay Colony founded by John Winthrop in 1630 First generation Puritans Ann Hutchison  Hutchinson challenged all hierarchical systems, a vocal woman, suggesting individuals could receive revelations directly from God  encouraged good deeds for good deeds sake, not for self- preservation or salvation  Rejected laws requiring people to attend church, to observe a day of rest on the Sabbath, to attend sermons and the ministers' lectures Scaffold

Theistic Society – 17 th Century Beliefs God’s Chosen People America was the New Eden Dealt harshly with dissenters Public punishment to preserve community Predestination Outward behavior showed state of grace

“Custom House”- Introductory Essay 3 Fold Purpose of “The Custom House” 1. Criticizes the boredom and vacuity of the job and the men that worked there 2. Recalls his attachment to Salem and his Puritan ancestors 3. Where he found the “A” and the documents recalling Hester’s story But wait, there’s more…Authenticity and book length

Motifs developing into Themes Truth and Lying – When? Why? Individual and society- What dynamics are there? What are their results? Sin- What is it? Who defines it? Penance vs. Penitence Revenge- Yeah or Nay? Pride- What are its positives? What are its negatives? Love vs. Hate- How are they different? How are they the same?

Other Areas of Focus… Freudian and/or Jungian Psychology Use of and purpose of Irony Symbolism – Nature, Plants, Light, Names Contrasts

Rate for Moral Turpitude Rate each item listed below for its moral turpitude, 1 being the most egregious offense and 6 being the least egregious offense. Then, write an explanation of why two of the six items received that particular rating from you. Revenge Lying to a friend Lying to a stranger Adultery Refusing to take responsibility for wrong-doing Judging Others