Nathaniel Hawthorne’s masterpiece, “The Scarlet Letter,” has captivated readers for generations with its rich tapestry of symbolism and allegory. At the heart of this literary classic lies a web of mythological allusions that adds depth and complexity to the narrative. These references to ancient myths and biblical stories play a crucial role in shaping the characters, themes, and overall structure of the novel.
The use of mythological allusions in “The Scarlet Letter” has a significant impact on the reader’s understanding of the story. Hawthorne skillfully weaves elements from Greek, Roman, and biblical mythology throughout the text, creating a multi-layered narrative that invites deeper analysis.
Biblical Allusions in The Scarlet Letter
Nathaniel Hawthorne’s “The Scarlet Letter” has an abundance of biblical allusions that enhance the story’s depth and explore themes of sin, hypocrisy, and salvation. These references provide a richer understanding of the characters and their struggles within the Puritan society.
The Parable of the Pearl of Great Price
One of the most significant biblical allusions in the novel is the reference to the “Pearl of Great Price” parable. This parable, found in the Bible, tells of a merchant who sells everything he has to acquire a valuable pearl, symbolizing the Kingdom of Heaven. Hawthorne cleverly uses this allusion through the character of Pearl, Hester Prynne’s daughter.
Pearl, like the pearl in the parable, has a high value that comes at a great cost. Hester gives up everything valuable to her—her chaste identity, her friends, and her free will—to have Pearl. This sacrifice mirrors the merchant’s actions in the biblical story, emphasizing the profound impact Pearl has on Hester’s life.
Other Biblical References in The Scarlet Letter
The novel has numerous other biblical allusions that add layers of meaning to the narrative. For instance, the story of Hester and Arthur’s sin draws parallels to the original sin of Adam and Eve in Genesis. Hawthorne describes Pearl as a child worthy of being “brought forth in Eden,” further reinforcing this connection.
The character of Roger Chillingworth has similarities to the serpent in the Garden of Eden story. His role as a wanderer and his method of slowly tearing down Dimmesdale from the inside mirror the snake’s poisonous influence.
Significance in Puritan Society
These biblical allusions have a profound impact on the story’s setting and characters. In the Puritan society depicted in the novel, the Bible was central to daily life and understanding. By using these references, Hawthorne connects deeply with his audience, who would have been intimately familiar with these biblical stories.
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The allusions also serve to highlight the hypocrisy within the Puritan community. While they preach forgiveness, as mentioned in the Bible, the society in the novel does not forgive the sin committed by Hester and Dimmesdale. This contrast between biblical teachings and societal actions adds a layer of criticism to the narrative.
Through these biblical allusions, Hawthorne explores complex themes of sin, redemption, and human nature. He shows that even a sin as severe as adultery can potentially be forgiven by God, challenging the harsh judgments of the Puritan society. The use of these references adds depth to the characters and provides a framework for understanding the moral dilemmas presented in the novel.
Greek Mythological References in The Scarlet Letter
Nathaniel Hawthorne’s “The Scarlet Letter” draws heavily on Greek mythology to enrich its narrative and characters. These allusions add depth to the story, allowing readers to draw parallels between the novel’s characters and ancient mythological figures.
Hester as a Tragic Heroine
Hester Prynne, the novel’s protagonist, bears a striking resemblance to Demeter, the Greek goddess of agriculture and fertility. Like Demeter, Hester’s story revolves around the profound love between mother and daughter. Hester’s struggle against societal norms mirrors Demeter’s conflict with the patriarchal gods Zeus and Hades.
Hester’s journey echoes Demeter’s in several ways:
- Both face a “call to adventure” stemming from patriarchal inflexibility.
- They stand apart from society while remaining within it.
- Their actions ultimately bring about positive change.
Hester, like Demeter, does not directly confront or attack the system that oppresses her. Instead, she reaffirms her choices and relationships, gradually transforming society through her perseverance and charitable works.
Pearl as a Symbol of Aphrodite in The Scarlet Letter
Pearl, Hester’s daughter, has an intriguing connection to Greek mythology. Her name evokes the “Pearl of Great Price” parable, but she also embodies aspects of Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love and beauty.
Pearl’s characteristics that align with Aphrodite include:
- Her association with passion and desire
- Her role as a living symbol of her parents’ transgression
- Her beauty and vitality, which stand in stark contrast to the austere Puritan society
Hawthorne’s use of red imagery throughout the novel further strengthens this connection. Red, associated with Aphrodite in Greek mythology, symbolizes love, passion, and sexuality in “The Scarlet Letter.” The vivid red rosebush outside the prison door, contrasting with the building’s barrenness, serves as a powerful metaphor for Pearl’s vibrant presence in the somber Puritan world.
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Through these mythological allusions, Hawthorne creates a rich tapestry of symbolism that adds layers of meaning to his characters and their struggles. This approach allows him to explore complex themes of love, sin, and redemption within the framework of Puritan New England while drawing on the timeless power of ancient Greek myths.
Roman Mythology in Character Development
Nathaniel Hawthorne’s “The Scarlet Letter” draws parallels between its characters and figures from Roman mythology, adding depth to their development throughout the novel. This use of mythological allusions enhances the readers’ understanding of the characters’ roles and motivations.
Dimmesdale as Apollo
Arthur Dimmesdale, the tormented minister, shares similarities with Apollo, the Roman god of light, truth, and prophecy. Like Apollo, Dimmesdale has a reputation for wisdom and eloquence. His background as a scholar at Oxford University and his role as a spiritual leader in the Puritan community mirror Apollo’s association with knowledge and guidance.
Dimmesdale’s powerful sermons and his ability to connect with his congregation on a spiritual level reflect Apollo’s gift of prophecy. His eloquence and emotional power as a speaker make him an influential figure in the community. Ironically, while Dimmesdale’s words inspire and guide others, he struggles with his own inner turmoil and hidden sin.
Chillingworth as Hades
Roger Chillingworth, Hester’s estranged husband, embodies characteristics reminiscent of Hades, the Roman god of the underworld. Chillingworth’s transformation throughout the novel mirrors Hades’ dark and vengeful nature. His relentless pursuit of revenge against Dimmesdale consumes him, much like Hades’ obsession with ruling the underworld.
Chillingworth’s physical appearance changes dramatically over seven years, reflecting his inner corruption. He transforms from a studious, scholarly man into a stooped, deformed creature with glowing red eyes. This metamorphosis echoes Hades’ association with the dark and twisted aspects of the underworld.
The novel often compares Chillingworth to Satan or the devil’s emissary, further strengthening his connection to Hades. His role in tormenting Dimmesdale, both mentally and emotionally, aligns with Hades’ reputation for punishing souls in the underworld. Chillingworth’s refusal to stop his vengeful actions, even when confronted by Hester, demonstrates his embrace of this demonic identity.
Through these mythological allusions, Hawthorne adds layers of meaning to his characters, allowing readers to explore the complex themes of sin, guilt, and redemption within the framework of timeless mythological archetypes.
Conclusion
Nathaniel Hawthorne’s masterful use of mythological allusions in “The Scarlet Letter” has a profound impact on the novel’s depth and meaning. By weaving references to biblical, Greek, and Roman myths throughout the narrative, Hawthorne creates a rich tapestry that explores universal themes of sin, redemption, and human nature. These allusions serve to deepen our understanding of the characters and their struggles, while also shedding light on the complexities of Puritan society.
The mythological connections in The Scarlet Letter offer readers a framework to analyze the characters’ motivations and actions. From Hester’s resemblance to Demeter to Dimmesdale’s similarities with Apollo, these parallels add layers of meaning to the story. What’s more, they invite readers to reflect on timeless human experiences and moral dilemmas. In the end, Hawthorne’s skillful use of mythology makes “The Scarlet Letter” a timeless work that continues to resonate with readers, offering fresh insights with each new generation.