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Chiaroscuro in the Scarlet Letter
Summary: Describes the literary device chiaroscuro. Examines the use of chiaroscuro in The Scarlet Letter, by Nathaniel Hawthorne. Details how Hawthorne uses chiaroscuro affectively to define which side of good and sinfulness envelops the characters of Hester Prynne, Arthur Dimmesdale, and Pearl.
Chiaroscuro is a literary device that displays the juxtaposition of light and shade. Nathaniel Hawthorne uses chiaroscuro affectively in The Scarlet Letter to define which side of good and sinfulness envelops the characters of Hester Prynne, Arthur Dimmesdale, and Pearl.
Hawthorne consistently places Hester in shade to portray her as sinful and hiding the truth. In the beginning of the novel, Hester spends days in prison with Pearl. When Hester and Pearl are finally released, Hester is described as "a black shadow emerging into the sunshine"(49). Within the sunshine is a sinless group of plebeians awaiting the emergence of Hester. In another important scene, Pearl and Hester visit Governor Bellingham's mansion. Bellingham greets Hester with four men at his side. One of the men is Hester's "partner in crime," Arthur Dimmesdale. As soon as he enters the room, a shadow from the window curtain is cast upon Hester...
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This section contains 571 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) |
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