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Passion or love seem to be a prominent theme in The Scarlet Letter. This is reflected in Hester and Dimmsdale´s strenuous relationship. The pair face obstacles such as Chillingworth, society, and the law that continued at attempts to tear apart their bond. However, it was to no prevail, the couple remained stronger than ever, it might have even grown them closer. Even in a hostile environment their love never grew weak. An example of their passionate love affair would be when Dimmsdale expresses, “Art thou in life?” “Dost thou live?” “Hester, hast thou found peace?” And Hester responds with, “Hast thou?”. Another example of their tight bond is when Hester refused to disclose the identity of the father of her child, Pearl. Instead of being pardoned by the jury she now received the scarlet letter. ¨ I will not speak!... And my child must seek a heavenly father; she shall never know an earthly one!¨. This shows Hester´s selflessness as she is willing to endure punishment to protect her lover, Dimmesdale.

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Nathaniel Hawthorne was born in Salem Massachusetts in 1804. His early ancestor William Hawthorne was a judge well-known for his harshness. Hawthorne added the ¨w¨ to his last name to seclude himself from that part of his family. Hawthorne grew up with his mother and lived with his uncle once his father had become ill overseas. During his childhood he had become intrigued in reading and writing, this was due to a leg injury keeping him immobile. After attending college the years of 1821-25, he returned home with homesickness. In his twelve year stay, visiting his mother and sisters, Hawthorne self published several stories. These stories include, “The Hollow of the Three Hills” and “An Old Woman’s Tale ¨ as well as ¨ My Kinsman, ¨ Major Molineux ” and “ Roger Malvin’s Burial.”.

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Nathaniel Hawthorne met Sophia Peabody shortly after he ended his self publishing at home. Peabody was a painter and illustrator. During their beginning states of the relationship, Hawthorne lived in the Brook Farm community where he saved up his money to wed Sophia. Their marriage was prolonged due to finances and Peabody´s wavering health issues. The pair finally wed on July 9, 1842 and resided in Hawthorne´s home state of Massachusetts. Two years later, their first child was born. They went on to have two more. With overbearing debt, the family moved from Concord to Hawthorne´s home town of Salem. During this time Hawthorne had political connections that got him a stable job in Salem custom house. This kept his family financially stable until he was laid off. However, this gave him the opportunity to write his best-seller The Scarlet Letter. Hawthorne´s life was spontaneous after the success of his novel. As he had political connections, he served as American counsel to Britain chosen by Franklin Pierce. Hawthorne traveled abroad with his family after serving as counsel then later settled back in the United States. His last piece of literature was published in 1860. After 1860 Hawthorne´s health went downhill, and he went on to die in his sleep in 1864.

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The scarlet letter symbolizes shame intended to mark adulterers. The red letter ¨A¨ represents more than just sin, it also stands for sacredness, skill and charity. However, the intended meaning shifts throughout the story and at one point becomes a symbol of strength to Hester. Hester´s ableness is represented with the scarlet letter ´A´ signifying Hester´s growth. Hester strength is represented over time and the community begins to stop associating her with shame. As well as the letter A representing ableness, the color red is known as a religious symbol of evil in the Puritan community.

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The sun becomes a symbol of purity of a person. Sinners like Hester are not seen as pure therefore cannot be seen in the sun only darkness. Darkness represents the sins.

Hester is described in both light and darkness and is the juxtaposition between the two symbols. Her hair is dark yet glows, her presence glows as well and is bright which contrasts to the darkness of her sins. Chillingworth, for example, holds no light which represents his evilness hence him being an 'evil' character.