Individualism In The Scarlet Letter By Nathaniel Hawthorne

Imagine a world where people are governed by imagination, everyone honestly expresses themselves, and nothing is impossible. This heaven-on-earth existed during the Romantic literary time period as shown in the novel called 'The Scarlet Letter', written by Nathaniel Hawthorne. Romantics believed that nature broke the boundaries of science. Consequently, in Hawthorne's novel, nature is described as a divine force with a mind of its own. Another characteristic of the time period was enforcing individualism. This theme is represented in the novel through the main character of the story, Hester Prynne, who is praised for her unique personality. Finally, during the time of Romanticism many people associated wisdom and innocence with childhood. As

However, there may be more to some things than science can explain. Hawthorne's novel, 'The Scarlet Letter' represents the Romantic era by depicting nature as a super-natural force. Romantics often thought of nature as a life force with the ability to bring happiness and good fortune to their lives (Pelekis). For example, a rose bush in the novel is described saying, "It may serve … to symbolize some sweet moral blossom … or relieve the darkening close of a tale of human frailty and sorrow …" (HAW, 68). Another aspect of the story that defined the Romantic time period is giving human qualities to the earth. Protests against pollution were common during these years because people believed nature was able to experience pain and loss (McGann). For example, a quote about a stream reads, "But the brook … had gone through so solemn an experience that it could not help talking about it, and it seemed to have nothing else to say," (HAW, 224). Therefore, 'The Scarlet Letter' provides an accurate picture of the Romantic era because it displays nature with superior abilities and as a symbol of humbleness. Without the creative and unusual mindsets of the times, humanity's outlook on life would be very

Rather than search for an explanation to children's odd behaviour, Romantics simply assumed youth were gifted. Citizens believed that toddlers possessed true enlightenment and knowledge beyond their years (White). Proof that children were aware and intelligent comes when Pearl connects Hester to her forbidden lover. "'Dost thou know … why thy mother wears this letter?' 'Truly I do … it is for the same reason the minister keeps his hand over his heart,'" (HAW, 216). Romantics also believed in preserving the innocence of children. As one grew into an adult, they were believed to become corrupt and sinful, forgetting the purity of their childhood, (White). Hawthorne demonstrates the superiority of children when he describes Pearl's powers. "Pearl set forth...and did catch the sunshine..." When Hester tries to catch the sun, however, "… the sunshine vanished..." (HAW, 221). Therefore, children were valued as brilliant and skilled because the entire town was in confusion as to who Hester's lover could be but her 4-year-old daughter connected the pair effortlessly, and Pearl was able to connect with nature in a way proved impossible to adults. The theme of the Romantic tie period is a reminder to never underestimate anyone's abilities or strengths regardless of how they