The narrator, who does not introduce himself, but according to the given information is probably
Nathaniel Hawthorne
personally, addresses readers, letting them know that he usually does not have an urge to speak to public or talk about his personal life, but this time he is inspired to do so, after having spent three …
Who is the narrator of The Scarlet Letter?
Third person omniscient point of view is told from the perspective of the narrator. In The Scarlet Letter,
an unnamed man
, who discovers a cloth scarlet ‘A’ while working in a custom’s house, serves as the narrator of the novel.
Who is the narrator in the Custom House introduction?
The narrator of ‘The Custom House’ is
a surveyor who has recently been fired for political reasons
, which is exactly what happened to Nathaniel Hawthorne before he began writing ‘The Custom House.
What is the Custom House in Scarlet Letter?
Summary: The Custom-House: Introductory
(“Customs” are the taxes paid on foreign imports into a country; a “customhouse” is
the building where these taxes are paid
.) He finds the establishment to be a run-down place, situated on a rotting wharf in a half-finished building.
How did Hawthorne describe the Custom House?
The Custom House is, in fact, an airy, handsome structure, flooded with light. This is characteristic of Federal period buildings. Hawthorne does recognize these qualities when he describes the building as
“a spacious edifice of brick”
and mentions the lofty height of the ceiling in his office.
Is The Scarlet Letter A true story?
No,
The Scarlet Letter is not a true story
. However, author Nathaniel Hawthorne took actual events and attitudes of Puritan America revealed in historical records and infused them into his work, exposing elements of truth and lending credibility to his historical novel.
Why does Hester dress pearl in red?
Just as the scarlet “A” that Hester is forced to wear is turned by her skill with the needle into a
symbol of beauty and finery
, so Pearl, the illegitimate child of an illicit and unlawful union, is a figure of beauty and is arrayed in all finery by her mother.
What does pearl symbolize Scarlet?
Pearl is a sort of living version of her mother’s scarlet letter. She is the physical consequence of
sexual sin
and the indicator of a transgression. … She represents not only “sin” but also the vital spirit and passion that engendered that sin.
Why is the Custom House important to The Scarlet Letter?
In The Scarlet Letter, the importance of “The Custom-House” is at least two-fold. It is a frame for the novel because
it offers context and backstory to the letter itself and the forbidden relationship that led to its creation
, while also calling to mind the intolerance of Puritan society.
Why is Chillingworth called a leech?
Roger Chillingworth is called “the leech”
because he sucks the spirit and strength from Reverend Dimmesdale the way the aquatic leech exploits and often kills its host
. He pretends to be a caring physician, but he extorts favors from the clergyman to serve his own selfish need to be near Hester, his legal wife.
Why was the scarlet letter banned?
While the book was controversial upon its release in the 1850s (it was banned by the Russian Czar at the time)
due to Hawthorne’s portrayal of Hester as a whole person with desires and feelings
, you might not expect people to take the same tack so these days.
Do I need to read the Custom House in The Scarlet Letter?
However, in order to experience the dramatic and literary contrast between the old and the new (new, meaning 19th century standards versus those of the 17th century where the novel is set) “
The Custom House
” is quite recommended to be read.
Why does the narrator drop the scarlet letter?
Why does the narrator drop the scarlet letter?
He worries that it will corrupt him. He is surprised by the sudden appearance of a ghost
. It is covered in dust and spiders.
What is the point of the Custom House?
A custom house or customs house was traditionally a
building housing the offices for a jurisdictional government whose officials oversaw the functions associated with importing and exporting goods into and out of a country
, such as collecting customs duty on imported goods.
How does Dimmesdale convince himself he should keep his sin a secret?
How does Dimmesdale convince himself he should keep his sin a secret?
He would no longer be able to help his parishoners otherwise. He would bring shame to his profession as a physician. He would further embarass Hester.
