Analysis of The Scarlet Letter Ch

Nathaniel Hawthorne expresses Hester Prunes egotism-perception by using the concept of physiognomy, the notion that the outer appearance of a mortal reflects his or her Inner qualities. One of the common methods through which wad display their beliefs and emotions is the manner In which they enter themselves to society. Hester displays her beliefs about her own character through her choice of habiliments. Hawthorne also uses clothing In rules of order to try Hester Implementation of self enmeshment, which is a result of her negative self-perception.She alms to express that her appearance has become so unseductive as a result of her sin. In other words, her the unbecoming state of her heart which has become bastardized Is reflected In her clothing made of the coarsest materials with colors of the most somber hue. The most eye-catching article of her outfit, the orange red letter, also greatly contributes to the physical display of her sin. Purposely reminding the people and herself about that which she is guilty of is how Hester punishes herself mutinously.Her self punishment involved not only wearing plain clothing, but also practicing asceticism in order to prevent her from experiencing any form of enjoyment. When Hester devotedsees so many hours to sewing coarse garments she is limiting herself from reaching her veritable potential of artistic talent. The coarse garments are symbolic of the bland dull distractions she turns to in order to fasten herself from working on that which she is truly passionate about, in other words, to refrain from creating beautiful and arabesque articles of clothing.Initially one would distinguish Hester adornment of Pearl ironic in regards to her decision to live simply without any form of enjoyment. However, after close together(predicate) inspection, it can be inferred from the diction within the text that this might be another form of self punishment. Hester makes beautiful clothing for her daughter Pearl to wea r, however this is not for the sake of her passion to create intricately designed needle-work. The fact that Hawthorne chose to introduce Pearls attire in this specific paragraph nits that there is a similitude between Hester self punishment and the reason behind wherefore she adorns her daughter.The implied deeper meaning refers to the same reason why Hester wears plain clothing. Pearls beautiful clothing makes her stand out when seen in the community, and the color and fancy design of the cloth reminds both Hester and the people of the scarlet letter. Thus, Hester uses Pearls attire as a way to punish herself the clothing allow for never allow her nor society to forget what she did. Even today, clothing Is one of the mall WAP through which people express themselves.It Is also a way through which they reward themselves. The opposite of this case Is seen in chapter 5 of The Scarlet Letter Hawthorne uses clothing to depict how Hester displays negative self-perception. She believes that she must atone for elaborate embroidery. She also uses clothing as a form of self punishment when she dresses her daughter, as it will serve as a constant reminder of her scarlet letter and of the fact that she is forever labeled as an adulteress.