Literature
The Setting of Nathaniel Hawthorne’s The Scarlet Letter: A Study of 17th Century Colonial America
The Setting of Nathaniel Hawthorne’s 'The Scarlet Letter': A Study of 17th Century Colonial America
Nathaniel Hawthorne's classic novel The Scarlet Letter is not merely a work of fiction but also a rich treasure chest of historical and social commentary. The setting of the novel is critical to understanding the story and the characters' motivations. This article delves into the 17th century colonial settings of Salem, Massachusetts, and the evocative contrasts between civilization and wilderness.
Introduction to the Time Period
The Scarlet Letter takes us back to the 17th century, a time when colonial America was still in its infancy. This period is marked by the early settlement of England in the New World, the formation of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, and the strict governing principles of the Puritans. The novel is set primarily in 17th-century Salem, where the strict and austere Puritanical code was deeply imprinted on the lives of its inhabitants.
The Social, Moral, and Religious Climate
The 17th century in Salem was a time of great tension and controversy. The Puritans, who had fled England in search of religious freedom, had established a rigid and enforced moral code. This was a community where public shaming and punishment for offenses were common, and the line between good and evil was sharply defined. The novel’s themes of sin, guilt, and redemption are intimately intertwined with the stark moral framework of the Puritan society.
The Contrast Between Civilization and Wilderness
One of the most striking aspects of the setting in The Scarlet Letter is the contrast between the physical civilization and the expansive wilderness beyond the town’s boundaries.
1. The Town of Salem and the Town of the Censors
Salem is represented as a tightly-knit community with a distinct social hierarchy and strong social pressure to conform to the Puritan ideals. The town is characterized by its religious buildings, such as the Old Meeting House, and its judicial system. The scaffold, a central location in the novel, stands as a symbol of public shaming and punishment for those who deviate from the societal norms. This location serves as a constant reminder of the society’s strict moral codes and the consequences for those who transgress them.
2. The Curve of Wildness Beyond the Walls
Contrasted with the town is the wildness of the forest, which is often associated with freedom, guilt, and revelation. The forest represents the untamed side of human nature, a place of concealed secrets and forbidden knowledge. Many pivotal moments in the novel, such as Hester Prynne’s visit to the forest with her daughter, occur in this natural setting, highlighting the characters’ inner struggles and their escape from the constraints of civilization.
Key Locations in the Plot
The various locations in The Scarlet Letter provide a rich backdrop for the narrative and serve as powerful symbols in their own right. Understanding these locations is crucial to appreciating the novel’s deeper themes and the growth of its characters.
1. The Scaffold
During her public shaming, Hester Prynne is placed on the scaffold at the peak of the town, symbolizing her isolation and condemnation. The scaffold is a microcosm of society’s rigid moral framework, where transgressions are punished and moral certainties are reinforced.
2. The Forest
The forest is an ever-present reminder of the characters' inner turmoil. In this wild setting, the characters can find moments of privacy and reflection. It is here that Hester and Dimmesdale meet and confess their sins, leading to Dimmesdale’s eventual self-discovery and public confession.
3. The Prison-House
This location serves as a symbol of confinement and punishment within the Puritan society. For Hester, her time in the prison-house symbolizes her initial shame and isolation from society. It is also the site where Dimmesdale makes his declaration of love for Hester, signifying the beginning of their journey towards a more open and honest relationship.
4. The Houses of Dimmesdale and Chillingworth
Both Dimmesdale’s and Chillingworth’s houses are significant in their own ways. Dimmesdale’s house is more attune to the more private and spiritual world, while Chillingworth’s house is a more sinister and knowledge-seeking place.
Conclusion
The setting of The Scarlet Letter is as complex and layered as the characters and their motivations. The contrast between civilization and wilderness, coupled with the rich array of locations such as the scaffold, the forest, the prison-house, and the houses of Dimmesdale and Chillingworth, serves to enhance the narrative and illuminate the moral and psychological struggles of the characters. Understanding these settings provides valuable insight into the broader themes of the novel.
Keywords: The Scarlet Letter, 17th century Salem, wilderness vs. civilization
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