The Scarlet Letter, written by Nathaniel Hawthorne in 1850, is a novel that tells the story of Hester Prynne, a woman who has an affair and gives birth to a child while her husband is away. As punishment for her sin, Hester is forced to wear a scarlet letter "A" on her chest, which stands for adultery. The novel explores themes of guilt, sin, and redemption, and it is considered a classic work of American literature.
In a critical essay about The Scarlet Letter, one could examine the ways in which Hawthorne uses symbols and motifs to convey the themes of the novel. The scarlet letter itself is a symbol of Hester's shame and sin, as well as a symbol of the puritan society in which she lives. The letter is a constant reminder of Hester's transgression, and it serves to isolate her from the rest of the community.
Another important symbol in the novel is the forest, which serves as a place of both temptation and salvation for Hester. It is in the forest that Hester meets the father of her child, the Reverend Arthur Dimmesdale, and it is also in the forest that Hester finds a sense of freedom and solitude. The forest represents a place outside of the rigid, judgmental society of the town, and it allows Hester to escape from the confines of her punishment.
Motifs, or recurring themes and symbols, are also used effectively in The Scarlet Letter. One prominent motif is the use of light and darkness to symbolize knowledge and ignorance. Hester's scarlet letter is a symbol of her knowledge of her sin, and it is described as "a burning shame" that "flam[es] on her bosom." In contrast, Dimmesdale, who is also guilty of the sin of adultery, is described as "a pale, thin, and feverish figure" who is "haunted by a continual dread." The contrast between Hester's glowing letter and Dimmesdale's pale and sickly appearance suggests that Hester has accepted her guilt and is willing to bear the consequences, while Dimmesdale is still in denial and is consumed by his fear of being found out.
Overall, The Scarlet Letter is a complex and thought-provoking novel that explores themes of guilt, sin, and redemption through the use of symbols and motifs. Hawthorne's use of the scarlet letter and the forest as symbols, as well as the motifs of light and darkness, effectively convey the struggle of Hester and Dimmesdale as they grapple with their own guilt and the judgment of society.
An exposition is a type of writing that is used to explain, inform, or describe a particular topic or subject. It is a way of providing information about a specific topic to an audience in a clear and concise manner. A conclusion, on the other hand, is the final part of a piece of writing that summarizes the main points and ideas presented in the text.
An example of an exposition with a conclusion can be found in a research paper on the topic of climate change. In the introduction, the writer may provide some background information on the topic and explain why it is important to study. They may then present their research question or hypothesis and outline the main points that they will be discussing in the paper.
In the body of the paper, the writer may present evidence and data to support their arguments and explain the various aspects of the topic. They may also discuss any conflicting viewpoints or counterarguments, and address any potential objections to their own arguments.
Finally, in the conclusion, the writer will summarize the main points of their research and explain the implications of their findings. They may also suggest directions for future research or make recommendations based on their findings.
In this example, the exposition is the body of the paper, which provides information about climate change, and the conclusion is the final section, which summarizes the main points and implications of the research.
Overall, the purpose of an exposition is to provide information about a particular topic, and the conclusion is used to summarize the main points and ideas presented in the text. By using these two elements together, writers can effectively convey important information to their audience and help them understand complex concepts or ideas.
