What is the narrator's role in "The Scarlet Letter" and how does
it impact the reader's understanding of the story?
The narrator in "The Scarlet Letter" plays a significant role in the overall
understanding of the story. Hawthorne's narrator is a third-person, omniscient
voice that provides insight into the thoughts and emotions of the characters.
The narrator's use of symbolism, irony, and metaphor contributes to the moral
ambiguity of the novel and the reader's interpretation of the characters and
events.
One of the primary functions of the narrator is to provide a historical context
for the events of the story. The narrator is well-versed in the history and
culture of the Puritan Massachusetts Bay Colony and is able to provide a
nuanced understanding of the society and its values. The narrator offers a
critical perspective on Puritanism, portraying it as a repressive and hypocritical
system that values public reputation over individual identity.
Additionally, the narrator serves as a moral arbiter, offering judgement on the
characters' actions and motivations. The narrator's observations challenge the
reader's assumptions about the meaning of sin, guilt, and redemption, and
encourage a deeper understanding of the ethical complexities of the story.
The narrator's role in "The Scarlet Letter" is critical to the novel's thematic
complexity and moral ambiguity. By providing historical context, moral
judgement, and symbolism, the narrator deepens the reader's understanding
of the characters and the events of the story.
References:
Hawthorne, Nathaniel. The Scarlet Letter. Penguin Classic, 2002.
Levine, Robert S. “The Scarlet Letter and the Corruption of Puritanism.” New England
Quarterly, vol. 64, no. 1, 1991, pp. 45–62.
Madsen, Deborah L. “Waking from the Nightmare: Feminism and The Scarlet Letter.” The
New England Quarterly, vol. 58, no. 2, 1985, pp. 155–171.
Reynolds, Larry J. “The Scarlet Letter: Historical and Literary Contexts.” The Cambridge
Companion to Nathaniel Hawthorne, edited by Richard H. Millington, Cambridge University
Press, 2004, pp. 27–44.