The Scarlet Letter, written by Nathaniel Hawthorne displays how one sin can ruin the lives of many. His purpose is to show how holding in a sin and not being truthful can haunt you and lead to your end. Hawthorne uses several rhetorical device to convey this message, including: antithesis, anaphora, and metaphor. Throughout the text, antithesis is commonly used, especially comparing life and death. For example, Dimmesdale states “Many, many poor soul hath given its confidence to me, not only on the death-bed, but while strong in life, and fair reputation” (pg. 120) By saying his opinion on his personal sin you are able to incorporate his feelings of guilt and misconduct through pathos. Connecting to Hawthorne’s purpose, how your sin and Dimmesdale’s
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Not only is Dimmesdale overtaken by his sin, but so is Hester and Chillingworth. For example when Pearl is speaking to Hester she says “Mother, the sunshine does not love you. It runs away and hides itself, because it is afraid of something on your bosom.” (pg. 165) This quote clearly states how Hester’s sin, although it has been established by everyone, still haunts her. Relating to the purpose of sins haunting the sinner, Hester’s sin haunts her, the letter “A”haunts her publicly and privately. Along with the common association of Chillingworth and the color black, to symbolize mystery and negativity, his sin haunts him using symbolism and …show more content…
Hawthorne uses metaphor to relate to his purpose by comparing sins haunting you to Chillingworth haunting Dimmesdale. Hawthorne states “Arthur Dimmesdale, like many other personages of especial sanctity, in all ages of the Christian world, was haunted either by Satan himself, of Satan’s emissary, in the guise of old Roger Chillingworth.” (pg. 116) This quote shows the relationship that Chillingworth has in connection with the Devil. Revealing Hawthorne’s purpose that Dimmesdale is not only being haunted by his sin, but also by the Devil (Chillingworth).
Hawthorne uses another example by stating “Bellingham, for the last few moments, had kept an anxious eye upon him.” (pg. 225) This quote not only focuses on how intently Bellingham was watching, but how all the townspeople were watching too. Revealing Dimmesdale is finally going to publicize his sin, also going back to Hawthorne’s purpose, how your sins haunt you, representing sins as Bellingham and the townspeople. Dimmesdale revealing his sin will ultimately lead to him being set free, then shortly dying in peace after the harshness of his sin is finally going to be lifted off his shoulders, leading to his end.
In conclusion, The Scarlet Letter uses antithesis to commonly compare, along with anaphora to emphasize, and metaphor to reveal. These devices all convey the author’s position, that your sins will haunt you and you will never be free until
Not only is Dimmesdale overtaken by his sin, but so is Hester and Chillingworth. For example when Pearl is speaking to Hester she says “Mother, the sunshine does not love you. It runs away and hides itself, because it is afraid of something on your bosom.” (pg. 165) This quote clearly states how Hester’s sin, although it has been established by everyone, still haunts her. Relating to the purpose of sins haunting the sinner, Hester’s sin haunts her, the letter “A”haunts her publicly and privately. Along with the common association of Chillingworth and the color black, to symbolize mystery and negativity, his sin haunts him using symbolism and …show more content…
Hawthorne uses metaphor to relate to his purpose by comparing sins haunting you to Chillingworth haunting Dimmesdale. Hawthorne states “Arthur Dimmesdale, like many other personages of especial sanctity, in all ages of the Christian world, was haunted either by Satan himself, of Satan’s emissary, in the guise of old Roger Chillingworth.” (pg. 116) This quote shows the relationship that Chillingworth has in connection with the Devil. Revealing Hawthorne’s purpose that Dimmesdale is not only being haunted by his sin, but also by the Devil (Chillingworth).
Hawthorne uses another example by stating “Bellingham, for the last few moments, had kept an anxious eye upon him.” (pg. 225) This quote not only focuses on how intently Bellingham was watching, but how all the townspeople were watching too. Revealing Dimmesdale is finally going to publicize his sin, also going back to Hawthorne’s purpose, how your sins haunt you, representing sins as Bellingham and the townspeople. Dimmesdale revealing his sin will ultimately lead to him being set free, then shortly dying in peace after the harshness of his sin is finally going to be lifted off his shoulders, leading to his end.
In conclusion, The Scarlet Letter uses antithesis to commonly compare, along with anaphora to emphasize, and metaphor to reveal. These devices all convey the author’s position, that your sins will haunt you and you will never be free until