The narrator finds writing therapeutic. Contrary to his Puritan ancestors' assertions, he also discovers it to be practical: his introduction provides a cogent discourse on American history and culture .
Why is it important to read the introduction to The Scarlet Letter?
However, this introduction adds substance to The Scarlet Letter by providing a framework within which the reader will see an “old story” unfold under the perspective of the modern eye . Also, “The Custom House” is what basically leads the reader to understand how the story of Hester Prynne came to the narrator's ear.
What is the introduction to The Scarlet Letter about?
Hawthorne begins The Scarlet Letter with a long introductory essay that generally functions as a preface but, more specifically, accomplishes four significant goals: outlines autobiographical information about the author, describes the conflict between the artistic impulse and the commercial environment, defines the ...
What is the primary purpose for the Custom House introduction in The Scarlet Letter?
Terms in this set (89) What is the primary purpose for the Custom House introduction? Was to give the reader a better understanding of the poeple living in the custom house and their way of lviing.
Who is the narrator in The Scarlet Letter introduction?
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 ...
Is The Scarlet Letter A true story?
The Scarlet Letter is also a historical novel , in that it was written in 1850 but set in the 1640s and contains real-life settings, characters, and actual historical events.
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.
Is Scarlet Letter hard to read?
The Scarlet Letter can be a difficult read even for advanced students , due to the vocabulary level and the allegorical nature of the story being told in the novel.
What is the purpose of the Custom House introduction?
Summary: The Custom-House: Introductory
This introduction provides a frame for the main narrative of The Scarlet Letter . The nameless narrator, who shares quite a few traits with the book's author, takes a post as the “chief executive officer,” or surveyor, of the Salem Custom House.
Is The Scarlet Letter worth reading?
The Scarlet Letter is an astounding book full of intense symbolism , as strange and haunting as anything by Edgar Allan Poe (No 10 in this series), a writer whom we know Hawthorne much admired. ... Hawthorne's achievement is to make her passion noble, her defiance heartbreaking and her frailty inspiring.
What is Hawthorne's purpose for writing the Custom House?
‘The Custom House' seems to be an effort to persuade the reader to regard The Scarlet Letter as truth rather than fiction . The narrator tells us he got the story of The Scarlet Letter from documents he found in the old surveyor's office.
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.
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.
What are the major themes of the scarlet letter?
- Revenge.
- Women and Femininity.
- Compassion and Forgiveness.
- Sin.
- Hypocrisy.
- Guilt and Blame.
- Justice and Judgment.
- Isolation.
What are the symbols in The Scarlet Letter?
The letter of “A” written in scarlet color and placed around the neck of Hester becomes a symbol of sin , especially adultery. However, it is fascinating to note that the same letter becomes a symbol of innocence, penance and angelic character of Hester by the end of the story.
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.
