《美国文学》课件The Scarlet letter1.pptVIP

The Scarlet letter Nathaniel Hawthorne The Scarlet letter The Scarlet Letter, published in 1850, is an American novel written by Nathaniel Hawthorne and is generally considered to be his magnum opus. Set in Puritanical Boston in the seventeenth century, it tells the story of Hester Prynne, who gives birth after committing adultery, refuses to name the father, and struggles to create a new life of repentance and dignity. Throughout the novel, Hawthorne explores the issues of grace, legalism, sin, and guilt. The Scarlet letter I. Plot Overview (p.200-204) II. Character introduction and Analysis Hester Prynne: A young woman sent to the colonies by her husband, the book’s protagonist and the wearer of the scarlet letter that gives the book its title. She is a symbol of the acknowledged sinner; one whose transgression has been identified and who makes appropriate, socio-religious atonement. The Scarlet letter Hester Prynne: 1) her strength of character. 2)honesty 3)a figure of compassion The Scarlet letter Dimmesdale , Dimmesdale is the unmarried pastor of Hesters congregation; he is also the father of Hesters daughter, Pearl. He is a symbol of the secret sinner; one who recognizes his transgression but keeps it hidden and secret, even to his own downfall. 1) His dilemma 2) His struggle The Scarlet letter Roger Chillingworth: The pseudonym assumed by Hester Prynnes aged scholar-husband. He is a symbol of evil, of the “devil’s handyman,” of one consumed with revenge and devoid of compassion. 1) evil appearance 2) a scientific investigator 3)acquaintance with Dimmesdale The Scarlet letter Pearl: Pearl is the illegitimate daughter of Hester Prynne and Arthur Dimmesdale. She is the living manifestation of Hesters sin and a symbol of the product of the act of adultery and of an act of passion and love. The Scarlet letter Pearl: 1) her appearance personality 2) symbolic function : a reminder of Hester’s passion a reminder of He