Theme of Isolation and Alienation in the Scarlet Letter

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Theme of isolation and Alienation in The Scarlet Letter Throughout the novel, The Scarlet Letter, Nathaniel Hawthorne emphasizes the intricate themes of isolation and alienation. Using a variety of literary techniques and descriptions of emotions and nature, he is able to fully depict the inner feelings of hurt suffered by the central characters as a result of severe loneliness and seclusion. Hawthorne suggests that consequence of sin is alienation. The alienation may be physical, spiritual, or emotional. The theme is expressed in three characters: Hester Prynne, Reverand Arthur Dimmesdale, and Roger Chillingworth. Each person's response to his or her sin is different; therefore, the alienation is different for each individual. Hester's alienation is purely physical, Dimmesdale's alienation is emotional and spiritual, while Chillingworth's alienation is both physical and emotional.Isolation and alienation, two forms of torturous estrangement, add to the overall gloomy and cynical atmosphere of the work. Hester, the main character of the book, is most evidently alienated from society for her sin. The most important symbol in the book, the embroidered "A" on her bosom, sewed on as punishment for adultery, is also a symbol for alienation. She is different from all of society because of that mark, and can never live a normal life because of it. Hester was most likely the best seamstress in Boston she was unable to embroide a wedding vale for any bride. The white vale symbolized purity and the hands of Hester were not pure. Hester, being an outcast of society, experiences the most evident and apparent form of isolation and alienation. As a symbol of sin, Hester is viewed by the strict Puritanical town as an outsider, a presence of evil, and, ultimately, one who is detested by God. The town's harsh condemnation of Hester is revealed through a local woman's comment,
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