A Reinterpretation Of The Scarlet Letter

Hawthorne is one of the most significant writers of the romantic period in American literature. His name is often associated with New England. The Scarlet Letter is his famous work. It describes a love tragedy in the Puritan society in the colonial period. The novel analyzes the characters' psychological conflicts through many detailed descriptions, the purpose of which is to reveal the "dark side" of the Puritan society. That is to say, the Puritan society suppresses the human nature. The thesis explores the main character, Dimmesdale's inner conflicts and analyzes the reasons for his tragedy.On the surface, Dimmesdale is a respected minister, but in his heart, he feels he is a sinner. Although he doesn't get punishment on the scaffold like Hester, he is condemned by his conscience constantly. He is tortured by the Puritan moral modes, and love for Hester. Finally, he is worn out in his body and mind little by little. During the seven years, he has been suffering from the psychological conflicts that are the conflicts between the Puritan society and feeling, honesty and hypocrisy.Under the suppression of the Puritan society, Dimmesdale, a young minister and hidden sinner, lives in agony. On the one hand, religious ideas have rooted in his mind and he is very clear what his status is; on the other hand, Dimmesdale is a young man and he needs to express his passion and his love. Although he loves Hester and Pearl, he has to suppress his impulses, hide his true passion and lives in hypocrisy. As a hidden sinner, he has been praying and repenting earnestly and long. However, he still lives in agony and can't free himself from the dilemma. In his opinion, death is the best solution to the dilemma. If he hides his sin forever, he will suffer from the double tortures by God and by Hester. Only through confession can he free from the tortures. Then, with the help of Hester and Pearl, he confesses and dies. His confession makes him become a "real" lover, father and minister. His death is the wonderful part and climax of the novel. Besides, his death deepens the...