English 241

American Literature to 1860

Two questions for continuing discussion. Choose one and respond with 200-250 words.

1. The ‘A’ on Hester’s breast is commonly understood to symbolize ‘adultery.’ By the novel’s end, Salem’s citizens commonly think it to mean ‘admirable.’ The sign is unstable, subject to multiple and mutating understandings. What does the instability of the sign suggest concerning Hawthorne’s views on ‘fixed’ meanings, laws or truths?

2. Hawthorne wrote that The Scarlet Letter “turn[ed] different sides of the same dark idea to the reader’s eye.” One result of sin in this novel is to estrange and isolate those touched by it from society, from their true selves, or from God; individuals suffer until they are broken and redeemed. Briefly discuss one character’s progress in Hawthorne’s cycle of estrangement, isolation and salvation. Are there characters that do not fit this cycle?

Response due by Thursday, 5pm, when a final question will be posted.