Transcendentalism, Symbolism, and Society in Hawthorne’s Works
Transcendentalism in Hawthorne’s The Scarlet Letter
Transcendentalism, a movement emphasizing divinity in all things, profoundly influenced Nathaniel Hawthorne. He subtly integrates its ethics into The Scarlet Letter, blending transcendentalist ideals with his Puritan upbringing. Transcendentalism, defined as a belief in knowledge beyond human reason, was influenced by Deism and Romanticism. It values self-reliance, individualism, and nature, positing a direct link between the universe and the individual soul, where intuition surpasses reason.
The Scarlet Letter as a Transcendentalist Allegory
Hawthorne uses the repressive Puritan society as a metaphor for humanity. The scarlet letter, initially a symbol of adultery, evolves through Hester’s artistry and the community’s interpretation. It transforms from a mark of shame to a symbol of ‘Able,’ then ‘Admirable,’ and finally ‘Angel.’ Pearl, with her natural green letter, embodies the natural and real, challenging societal hypocrisy and questioning the letter’s meaning.
Pearl’s Symbolic Role
Pearl represents natural passion and truth, provoking and questioning the adult characters. She is a constant reminder of the scarlet letter and the society that created it. Pearl’s intuitive nature highlights Dimmesdale’s despair. She is the product of her parents’ sin, yet she becomes fully ‘human’ after Dimmesdale’s confession. Pearl connects her mother to humanity, saving her from isolation and enabling her to endure hardship. Hester’s kindness gradually shifts public perception, changing the letter’s meaning.
Hawthorne’s Concept of Romance
Hawthorne chose the romance genre to convey his message, allowing for the improbable and supernatural, unlike the more realistic novel. This choice enabled him to explore deeper themes and symbolism.
Is Pearl a Realistically Drawn Character?
Pearl is a symbol of what is natural and real for humans. She has true passion and she is always true to herself and to what is right. Pearl provokes the adult characters in the book. She questions them, they are drawn to her. She also illustrates the hypocrisy in the community. Pearl not only constantly reminds the reader of the Scarlet Letter, but also of the society that produced it. Even as a newborn on the scaffold, she is fixated on the emblem. Pearl’s innocent, or perhaps intuitiveness, raises crucial questions about its meaning. She notices Dimmesdale’s despair. Pearl acts as a symbol of her parents’ natural sin, but she is allowed to become “human” at the end after Dimmesdale finally confesses to his sin. Pearl is intended by God ―to connect her parent forever with the race and descent of mortals and to be finally a blessed soul in heaven‖ (TSL 194). So the child serves the important function of keeping her mother within the magnetic chain of humanity. She enables Hester to face hardships and sufferings. She saves Hester from human isolation during the years she had been set apart to infamy. Hester‘s diligence and kindness gradually changes people‘s bias against her. The letter A has changed its symbolic meaning from Adultery to Able, then to Admirable and Angel.
Social Contrasts in Daisy Miller
Daisy Miller explores the clash between American and European societies in the late 19th century, focusing on the impact of social status. The main characters, Daisy Miller, Winterbourne, and Mr. Giovanelli, represent different cultural values. Winterbourne embodies European tradition, while Daisy represents American independence and wealth. Their interactions highlight the cultural differences and social expectations of the time.
Daisy Miller’s Character
Daisy is portrayed as a beautiful, independent, and forthright American girl who defies European norms. Her wealth and lack of interest in her country’s traditions are evident in her attire. Despite her rebellious nature, she possesses an innocence that captivates others, especially Winterbourne. Her lack of cultivation and manners stems from her wealthy father’s indifference to her behavior.