If someone could answer this question for me I'd really appreciate it...

In chapter 7, Hawthorne comments upon the Puritan community's treatment of Hester for her sin and God's treatment of her. What is the irony of these two treatments?

Thanks!
+++++++++++
10-09-03, 07:14 PM
maiku
Perhaps this is an oversimplification, MkStnz, especially since Hawthorne was a master in the use of irony, but it seems clear enough to me: the Puritan community condemns and ostracizes Hester. Yet she prospers in her isolated state, so much so that it is apparent in her life that God has somehow blessed her. The Puritan community's behavior toward her is therefore revealed to be in no way consonant with the will of God. And yet this community would want to claim that it was constantly guided by the will of God. That's certainly ironic, wouldn't you agree?

Add to that that it is the very condition of ostracism and isolation she is forced to endure that causes her real worthiness to bloom and to be made manifest. That is a double irony. It is, of course, reminiscent of the Christian doctrine of the vicarious atonement, in which the only truly sinless man takes upon himself all the sins of the entire world. Hawthorne knew all of that, of course, and is working it for all it is worth.

[This message was edited by maiku on 10-09-03 at 07:28 PM.]

10-09-03, 08:34 PM
MkStfnz
Thanks for your answer, maiku!

*************************
10-13-03, 05:19 PM
MkStfnz
The Scarlet Letter
Why is Hester Prynne's last name different from Roger Chillingworth's?
10-13-03, 09:02 PM
esencia
It was due to adultry. He sent his young wife, Hester off to America. He told her to live quietly. He was was late in following her due to captivity by indians and unfortnate sea and land happenings. When he finally made it to the states, he found his wife had disobeyed his orders and had committed adultery. And it was made public. Understandably, he wanted nothing to due with her evilness so, he announced he was a physician and changed his name to Roger Chillingworth.

10-15-03, 06:16 PM
MkStfnz
I see. It hadn't occured to me that he had changed his name. Thanks, esencia

This message has been edited. Last edited by: DorianGreyed,