This is a paragraph of my rough draft that i have had some trouble writing.
As light versus darkness, good versus evil, or right versus wrong, becomes a common theme throughout the novel, sunshine develops into an active symbol, giving the characters and novel itself, a deeper meaning. When Hester is released from prison the “door was thrown open, and she came forth into the sunshine… as if meant for no other purpose than to reveal the scarlet letter on her breast (55).” The sunshine is bringing Hester’s sin out into the open and illuminating it for all to see. In this part of the book, sunshine is symbolizing bringing dark into the light, so that one cannot hide their sin, but must live out in the open with it, regardless of the consequences. Sunshine continues to play an interesting role in defining Hester’s character, as well as her daughter Pearl. Hester’s character seems to cast the sunlight away, whereas Pearl seems to draw it in and absorb it. In this instance, sunshine represents purity, love, and freedom, which because of the scarlet letter, Hester is doomed to be without. Pearl on the other hand, is still pure and without great sin, so she can be free to enjoy the light. The role that sunshine plays throughout the novel comes to conclusion on page 130 of the text. Hester and Dimmesdale are together in the forest, and Hester takes her scarlet letter off and throws it. Hester feels free from her guilt and with Dimmesdale, “creates a sunshine, filling the heart so full of radiance, that it overflows upon the outward world.” Hester is finally able to feel the warmth and brightness of sunshine, instead of always casting it away. She is freed from her guilt and shame that haunted her through the scarlet letter, and finally finds a deeper happiness.
I noticed that the sun and the word "sunshine" in particular seemed to be common throughout the novel. This symbol wasn't as bold though as others, like the scarlet letter, or the wilderness, which seem to be more obvious symbols. The sun's meaning seemed, at first, easy to interpret. The sun brings light, and so it reveals what was in the darkness. This was a symbol of Hester's public shame, which brought her sin out in the open. Although Hester still had to suffer punishment for her sin, at least she was freed from some of the guilt she would have faced if her adultery had been kept a secret. It is easy to see the results of that guilt in Mr. Dimmesdale, who wasn't courageous enough to openly state that he too had committed the adultery. The sunshine represents more than this though. The sunshine casts light on Hester's sin, but Hester seems unable to step forth into the sunshine to feel its warmth. This can mean that, yes Hester's sin is out in the open, but through her daughter Pearl she still feels the guilt of her sin deeply in her heart. Pearl, who is able to run and dance in the sunlight mocks her mother's inablility to be happy by stepping into the sunlight and feeling its warmth. (This is as far as i've gotten with the sunshine symbol)
Hey Alison!
ReplyDeleteYa Hawthorne contrasts a lot with light and darkness. I actually didn't notice it until I read his other stuff. And even then I never noticed the scene where Hester comes out of the prison. I think your analysis is very good! The light that meets Hester and Pearl as they exit out of the prison is very symbolic. Actually come to think of it I think everything that's not boring and gray in that scene is probably symbolic of something. I was just thinking about the rose bush that grows outside of the prison. It's the only thing that's colorful and has any life to it.