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Theme Of Appearance Vs Reality In The Scarlet Letter

903 Words4 Pages
The novel The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne demonstrates a conflict between social and individual values that is stressed through the theme of appearance vs reality. Hawthorne’s novel projects a tension that fulfills the purpose of obfuscating the truth. He explores this issue chiefly through his characterization, including the characterization of his heroine, Hester Prynne. Throughout the novel, Hester encounters a barrage of disrespect and cruelty. Her own people shun her because she falls in love and bears her child through an affair with Dimmesdale. From the first page of the novel, Hester is exiled, shunned, and thrown into reality. The Scarlet Letter exemplifies the battle between individuals and society containing the central theme of appearance vs reality and Hester is a prime example of someone who lives by reality instead of appearance. The best example of this is Hester’s lifestyle before and after she is shunned by society. Before being exiled, Hester recognizes the unjust nature of the laws around her. She refuses to follow them and presents the appearance of perfection and happiness. When Dimmesdale demands Hester to give up the name of her baby’s father and promises that her sentence will be lightened as a reward, Hester steadfastly refuses (Hawthorne, 2003). She recognizes the lie in Dimmesdale’s promise, and makes the choice to live by the reality that her punishment is set, refusing to drag anyone else down with her. Another example of
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