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John
Nathanial Hawthorne published one of his most famous works, The Scarlet Letter, in 1850. The story itself involves an affair between a woman and a minister set during the mid 17th century in Puritan Boston, Massachusetts. The work itself is reflective of the ongoing Transcendentalist movement, of which Hawthorne was a notable member of.
Hawthorne was born in Salem, Massachusetts and was descended from the settlers in that area. This, in large part, informed his decision to set the story in this area. Hawthorne was notable to have disliked the actions and lifestyle of his ancestors, and along with his beliefs lining up with the Transcendentalist movement he devised The Scarlet Letter as a reflection of these beliefs and values. The most notable connection between Transcendentalism and The Scarlet Letter comes in the form of the man whom the affair was committed with being a minister. This is a direct reflection of Transcendentalism because it shows the man was afraid of owning up to the affair because of fear of being a societal outcast, as well as his belief that repentance and religious/spiritual pilgrimage would absolve him of the sin. This shows a direct challenge to various institutions and societal values, which is a central point to Transcendentalism. Additionally, the book shows the value and beauty of nature, and illustrated various character’s nature and inner beauty or inner turmoil as being outwardly expressed by their looks.
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