Scarlet Letter

Journal Two: “Oh No You Did-ant”

In the Scarlet Letter- chapters five through eight- Nathaniel Hawthorne juxtaposition as means to call to attention the negative effects of the Puritan’s punishment on Hester Prynne and Pearl while later on in the segment infusing his own transcendentalist views.

Hawthorne uses juxtaposes Governor Bellingham and what he chooses to surround himself with to further decay the Puritanical ethos behind Hester Prynne’s trial. Hawthorne states that, “The brilliancy might have benefitted Aladdin’s palace rather than the mansion of a grave old Puritan ruler.” (p. 121). It might seem normal to us a mansion is a fitting abode for the governor of the Puritans. However, this goes against the puritan values. The most important things for them was working hard- as hard work brought salvation- and fearing God. All other no essentials- like pubs, theatres, etc. - were banned. One was expected to pray and study the bible in their free time. Hawthorne also mentions that, “…Hester Prynne gave summons, which was answered by one of the Governor’s bond servants;” (p.121). How does a God fearing society, focused on creating a city upon a hill, justify owning slaves, not even taking into consideration that the slaves are their old country men? Looks as if the Headright system is enough to corrupt even to most puritanical of rulers; drawing them away from God with fifty acres of land per indentured servant. To Hawthorne the Puritans were very hypocritical people.

Hawthorne also juxtaposes the scarlet letter and Pearl. Having written of many years after the trial has ended; Hawthorne creates Pearl to be the spitting image of her mother physically and mentally. “, that Hester could not help questioning, at such moments, whether Pearl was a human child.”(p.107). Hawthorne also adds that Pearl has an unnatural intelligence about her which makes Hester and the Puritans wonder of her origins. The town’s people start to spread rumor that like Hester’s...